Getting Better Views of the Skyline in Hong Kong

One of the most memorable things you can do in Hong Kong is head to Victoria Peak to see the city skyline.

But what most people don’t tell you is that you don’t need to go to the Sky Lodge to check out the views. There are cheaper or free alternatives all around the peak; you just have to walk a little to find the views.

Here’s where I went during my visit to the peak:

1. Pacific Coffee in Peak Tower – One floor below the Sky Lodge is this coffee shop. During my hour there, it was always crowded with tourists (naturally) and getting a spot by the window was tricky; however, it was possible. Coffee is expensive here compared to the city; you can grab a basic cup for $34 HKD ($4.39 USD).
   

   View from Pacific Coffee Shop – Peak Tower

2. The intersection of Mt. Austin Road, Peak Road, Harlech Road and Pok Fu Lam Tree Walk – Right next to Peak Tower is one of two other options to get a view of the city. Walk a little bit north on Pok Fu Lam, and you’ll see an area that offers better views of Kowloon and the harbor than Pacific Coffee.
   

   View from Mt. Austin Road, Peak Road, Harlech Road and Pok Fu Lam Tree Walk

3. Next to the tram station on Findlay Path – This one is also right next to Peak Tower. Head down the path a bit to get some great pictures of the skyline.
   

   View from next to the tram station

4. Victoria Peak Garden – Hike up Mt. Austin Road. In 10 to 15 minutes, you’ll arrive here. There are a few pavilions to catch your breath, then you can wander over to the top of the hill (not in the garden area) to get a view of some of the outlying islands, Telegraphy Bay, Alberose and the rest of south Hong Kong Island.
   

   View from Victoria Peak Garden

Other notes:

• While I took the tram up the mountain for the experience ($28 HKD/$3.61 USD one-way), the bus is much cheaper.
• If you do take the tram, make sure to sit on the right side of the train to get pictures of the skyline on the way up. Alternatively, you can choose to stand between the two cars to grab pictures.
• If you wait until it gets dark, expect long lines for buses, taxis and the tram. When we went on Friday night, we guessed it would have taken us two hours if we waited for transit. We ended up hiking halfway down Victoria Peak, then hailing a taxi. It cost us $28 HKD to go to Admiralty Station.