For views over Hong Kong harbour and the city, nothing beats a trip up Victoria Peak, or simply, The Peak. The panoramic vista from the top takes in a shimmering cityscape of skyscrapers, the harbour and on a clear day you can even spy the eight mountains of Kowloon, not to mention the amazing light spectacle at night. But that's nothing compared to the hair-raising trip to the top!
To ascend the 550m peak you have to experience The Peak Tram, one of the world's oldest and steepest funicular railways rising 396m above sea level to the Upper Terminus. On the way up, the tram cars pass four stations with varying track gradients of between four to 27 degrees which make the buildings you pass look like they are leaning.
Try to nab a right-hand seat for the best views of the harbour and mountains. To descend, you can wind your way through low-impact walking trails or take the tram back down. For background on the trams, Peak Tram Historical Gallery at the Lower Terminus is free for Peak Tram passengers and offers a themed overview since the railway began in 1888.
At the peak of The Peak, you'll find a mix of commerce and entertainment complexes and opportunities to witness the view and wander around. The wok-like roof of The Peak Tower houses an array of shops, restaurants and entertainment venues within its avant-garde glass design.
At the top of the tower is Sky Terrace 428, which offers amazing 360-degree panoramic vistas across Hong Kong from a viewing platform 428m above sea level. There's also four nature walking trails around The Peak to explore.
To access both The Peak Tram and Sky Terrace 428, the Peak Tram Sky Pass return ticket is HK$75 for adults and $HK 36 for children aged three to 11. To get to the Peak Tram Lower Terminus, the closest MTR station is Central and then you can walk or take the Peak Tram shuttle bus 15C at the Central Bus Terminus which comes every 15 to 20 minutes.
