The Ultimate Guide to visiting the Peak, Hong Kong

The Peak is many people’s symbol of Hong Kong and well worth a visit with its iconic view over the Victoria harbor as well as the famous funicular railway that takes you up there. There is a myriad of things to do up there, and I’ve certainly visited it many times during my childhood. But did you know that there are other ways to get up there, and just what exactly awaits you at the top aside from the Peak Tower? Let me be your guide (if you are visiting Hong Kong for the first time, period, check out my first timers guide)!

Visiting the Peak Hong Kong

While the Peak Tram is the most famous and iconic way, it isn’t the only way to get up there. The queue can get ridiculous at times, and as one of the oldest funicular rail in the world, you can’t blame it for having a saturation point. You can either hike up or take the bus as well.

The Peak Tram

The Peak Tram has been in operation for over 120 years now, and its sleek red body and white roof design is an attraction in itself. Built in the late 19^th century as a means to connect Murray barracks to Victoria Gap, it replaces the sedan chair method and stretches over 1,350 metres. It has witnessed the change from coal to electric power as well as the Second World War. Eventually, transportation caught up and it became what it is today: a way to get up to the Peak and down in style.

 
I might have suggested other ways to get up, but there’s no denying that getting the Peak Tram up to the Peak is the ultimate experience. You can purchase the ticket in the office of the station for single or return at the lower terminal station or in the upper terminal.

Address: Garden Road Peak Tram Lower Terminus
Opening times: daily 7:00 – 0:00
Ticket price: HKD 45 return, children 3-11 and senior above 65 HKD 20

Get your Peak Fast Track Pass here

For more information, visit the peak tram page.

Public transport up to the Peak

There are several public transport means that can take you up to the Peak and a fraction the price. You can see the timetable and the stops for the bus here. I suggest getting to the Admiralty bus station for the number 15 bus, which ends at the Peak. The bus starts at the Central Pier too, but I recommend getting on at the Admiralty station at the very least as it gets crowded inside.

Frequency of the bus is every 20 minutes, and costs HKD 9.60.

Hike up or down the Peak

The Old Peak Road is pretty car free but fairly steep!
The Peak, though high, isn’t a difficult hill to hike up on a pleasant day. And it’s even easier to hike down. It’ll take around an hour or so, which is the same amount of time it’ll take to take the bus up due to the tricky mountain roads. You’ll get a good view of Hong Kong as you go down, so it’s worth walking if you are not keen on waiting in line for both the bus and the tram. The Old Peak Road is fairly steep, so if you plan on hiking it, then be sure to wear trainers. This route will take you back down to Central

Viewpoints on the Peak

Sky Terrace 428 on the Peak Tower

The Peak Tower is most widely recognized by the wok-like top. It’s 396m above sea level and is one of the landmark of Hong Kong. Even though there are plenty of shops and entertainment options inside the tower, the biggest attraction is the Sky Terrace 428.

With the elevated height of the tower, the Sky Terrace 428 offers a 360-degree view at 428 metres above sea level, hence its name.

Many iconic photos are taken from this vantage point, and it can be a struggle to grab the best spot.

Note that there is an admission fee to reach this terrace.
Opening times: Mon – Fri 10:00 – 23:00; Weekend & Public holiday 8:00 – 23:00
Admission fee: HKD 48 for adults, HKD 24 for child 3-11, Senior above 65

You can get a combo ticket with the tram

(Can be brought in conjunction with the Peak Tram for a reduced fare, can also be paid by Octopus card)

The Peak Galleria Terrace

The Peak Galleria is now under construction

If you are not keen on paying to get a view – then you can visit the Peak Galleria Terrace. Admittedly the view isn’t as good, but it’s a nice, wooden space where you can snap some shots.
Address:118 Peak Road Hong Kong

The Lion Pavilion Lookout

A better free alternative is the Lion Pavilion. Without the added elevation, the view isn’t as good, but the Chinese Pavilion architecture and lion sculptures are pretty brilliant themselves.

Museums on the Peak

TrickEye Museum

A new addition to the Peak, Trickeye Museum is a 3-D art museum that originates from Korea. Located on the 3^rd floor of the Peak Galleria, it has five themed sections each with a series of optical painting and tricks for the photo enthusiasts. My mother certainly loves this place. The five themes are

Secret Garden

World of Masterpiece

Great Adventure

Neverland

Hong Kong Discovery (my personal favourite)

While it seems counterintuitive to visit a museum with such a great view outside, but it’s a great family attraction and a great way to pass the time.

However, it can get difficult to take photos with a crowd, so I recommend you to visit early in the day to avoid the crowd.

Address: Shop No.1 on Level 3 The Peak Galleria 118 Peak Road Hong Kong
Opening times: Daily 10:00 – 21:00 (last admission 20:00)
Admission fee: Adults KD 150, Child (3 – 11) & Senior HKD100

*disclaimer: I received sponsored tickets for the trip, but all opinions are my own.

Madam Tussauds

https://flic.kr/p/4NsTZG

Photo credit: Flickr Creative Commons/Nicholas Chan

I’ve visit this museum countless times as a child, and while I haven’t been to any other Madam Tussauds in the world, there are unique points to the one in Hong Kong. The museum is nestled inside the Peak Tower, featuring ten different zones where you can find your favourite celebrities and famous personalities. Although I haven’t been back in years, I have fond memories of the museum and countless photos taken by my parents.

Opening times: daily 10:00 – 22:00
Admission fee: HKD 255 for 13+ years old

Get a combo ticket with tram and Sky terrace

 You can also get tickets separately here

Restaurants at the Peak

Unless you are starving, otherwise I’ll strongly discourage you to dine at the Peak. The prices in the restaurants up there are notoriously over-priced, and despite that, they’re still overflowing with tourists.

So unless you are keen on dining there with (and more often than not without due to the crowd) a view, here’s the list of options on the peak website.

That said, if you have never been to one, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co Restaurant (a seafood chain that has been inspired by Forest Gum) – it’s pricey but worth eating at.

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*Note: this post contain affiliate links that means I get a % of the sale if you purchase through it but at no cost to you