Once you arrive on Victoria Peak you will notice two major constructions: The Peak Tower and The Peak Galleria. The Peak Tower is where you arrive if you have chosen to travel via the Peak Tram. The Peak Galleria is the building where you arrive if you have chosen to travel via bus (Hong Kong public bus or the green minibuses). Both buildings house a number of different restaurants and shopping facilities.
Enjoy the view – but where do you have the best view?
If you traveled up to The Peak to experience the legendary postcard view over Hong Kong the last thing you want is obstructed or limited visibility. Fortunately, there are a number of different places where you can enjoy a breathtaking and unobstructed view over Hong Kong. Here I have prepared a list for you with the best places to enjoy the view from The Peak to ensure your visit is successful and memorable. Let’s start with the outside.
Outside
There is a small footpath that leads all the way around the mountain. Luckily, you don’t have to walk all the way around the mountain. Right at the beginning of the footpath next to The Peak Tower you will find a pavilion which offers a completely free view (unobstructed and free of charge) over the city and Victoria Harbor. You can even find a metal sign which helps you identify all the major buildings you can see.
The “Observation Deck”
The Peak Tower offers an “Observation Deck” which gives you a full 270 degree view of Hong Kong. Please note that there is now a small fee being charged.
Eateries with a view
If you prefer to enjoy the view while eating and/or drinking you also have a number of different choices. There are plenty of restaurants on Victoria Peak to choose from. Most of them are housed either in The Peak Tower or in The Peak Galleria. Some of them offer tables with a great panoramic view over Hong Kong Island (mainly Central and Wan Chai District, Victoria Harbor and the Kowloon skyline). Especially at night time the view is breathtaking and romantic. Here is a list of restaurants you can find that all have at least some tables with a spectacular view and the cuisine they are offering (Don’t forget to ask for a window table when making a reservation).
Restaurants inside The Peak Tower that offer tables with a view
- Burger King
- Tien Yi Chinese Restaurants (Chinese food): Second and third level of Peak Tower
- Kyo Hachi Japanese Restaurant (Japanese Food): Level 2 of Peak Tower
- Bubba Gump Shrimp Restaurant (Western Food): Level 3 Shop 304 & 305
Restaurants inside The Peak Galleria that offer tables with a view
- Cafe Deco (Asian and Western Food): Level 1 & 2
Insider Tip: The Cafe Deco offers a large number of tables all with a really good view over the city and the Harbor (which is especially romantic during the evening and night time). I think level 2 offers a slightly better view than level 1. With most restaurants I recommend to make a reservation upfront – and don’t forget to ask for “A Table With A View” when making your reservation.
The Peak Lookout
The Peak Lookout Restaurant is not located in The Peak Tower nor The Peak Galleria but in a different building. That building originally served as housing for engineers of the Peak Tramway and later as a stop over area for sedan chairs before it was turned into a restaurant in 1947. The Peak Lookout Restaurant offers a few tables with a view of the south side of Hong Kong.
Insider Tip: The Peak Lookout Restaurant is surely worth visiting but if you only come to The Peak once I personally recommend the view offered by the restaurants in The Peak Galleria and The Peak Tower as they are more breathtaking and memorable.
Shopping for souvenirs and other goods
Both, The Peak Tower and The Peak Galleria have a large number of smaller shops that offer everything from souvenirs, to designer items, traditional Chinese arts and crafts, clothing and much much more. If you like shopping you should allow sufficient time for souvenir and treasure hunting.
Visiting the Wax Museum
“Madame Tussauds Wax Museum” is located inside The Peak Tower. On display in the wax museum you can find the likes of Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan and many of their famous friends. You can also find a “Ripley’s Believe It or Not” and you (and your kids) can enjoy the ride through a dark tunnel called “The Rise of The Dragon”.
Where to Hike?
There are a number of different hiking trails you can enjoy on Victoria Peak. Many of the trails have intersections and of course you can choose which route best fits your purpose and the time you have available. Once you are at The Peak there are basically 4 different roads to choose from:
- Lugard Road (which will bring you around the mountain)
- Harlech Road (which will bring you around the mountain)
- Mount Austin Road (which will bring you further up the mountain to Victoria Peak Garden)
- Peak Road (which will bring you down the mountain back to the city)
Lugard Road and Harlech Road
Lugard Road and Harlech Road form a circle which will lead you all the way around the mountain. It is a popular walk and starts close to The Peak bus terminal. After leaving the bus terminal (which is housed in The Peak Galleria) turn into Lugard Road and then follow Lugard Road all the way around the summit until its name changes to Harlech Road which brings you back to the Peak Tower. This level loop trail which takes about an hour gives you a very good view of Hong Kong’s Central district and Kowloon.
Note: Of course you could also start walking down Harlech Road first and then return via Lugard Road.
Mount Austin Road
If you are keen on a climb further up Mount Austin (this is the mountain on which The Peak is situated) you can take Mount Austin Road. This 150 meters climb (490 ft) will bring you up to Victoria Peak Garden which is located on the site of the Governor’s old summer residence “Mountain Lodge”. Victoria Peak Garden is also the closest publicly accessible point to the summit.
Peak Road
The Peak Road will bring you back down to Hong Kong city. It is an interesting walk but because of the slope and the length of the walk it can be quite tiring.
Insider Tip: Pok Fu Lam Reservoir Road also brings you down the mountain but not back into the city of Hong Kong but rather down to the 200-year-old Pokfulam Village. This path walks you along Pokfulam Country Park, offers more attractions and the opportunity to explore one of the few still existing rural villages on Hong Kong Island. Once you have finished your visit at Pok Fu Lam Village you can return via public transport (bus or taxi) from Pokfulam Road.
