Victoria Peak: Everything You Need To Plan The Perfect Peak Trip

Victoria Peak, more commonly known as The Peak, is one of the most iconic spots in Hong Kong for locals and tourists alike. Whether you’re popping in to the city for a few days or staying for a few years, everyone should visit The Peak at least once just to see what all the hype is about!

The real key to making the most of your Peak visit is to try to go when the weather is good and the skies aren’t too foggy – a rarity in Hong Kong for most of the year! Although, with our city lights shining as bright as they do, you’ll probably get a dazzling view in the evening even if the skies aren’t perfectly clear. If it’s your first trip, you may as well go all out and get Sky Terrace 428 (named for being 428 metres above sea level and the highest viewing platform on Hong Kong Island) access along with your Peak Tram tickets. Remember that you will be faced with peak prices too, but there are ways to get more bang for your buck. Read on for Sassy’s top tips!

Jump to:
How to get there
Where to eat & drink
What to do & see

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How To Get To The Peak

The Peak Tram

The Peak Tram is one of those must-do things on everyone’s 852 bucket list. We suggest buying your ticket online beforehand so you don’t have to queue up, then heading to the Central Terminus (aka Lower Terminus) and making your way up. Try to avoid going at peak times (noon is the worst!) or during a festival season when Hong Kong is flooded with tourists.

The Victoria Peak Tram operating hours are 7:30am to 11pm, and departs every 15 to 20 minutes. A one-way ticket for an adult is $76 ($38 for children and seniors), a return ticket costs $108 ($54 for children and seniors). Buy your tickets online here.

Sassy Tip: For the absolute best view, sit at the very top or the very back so you can look out the windows without any obstructions – but bear in mind you might have to wait until you’re at the front of the line before you get these seats. Barring that, try to sit on the right side of The Peak Tram (when you’re going up) as the views near the end of the ride are much better from here.

The Peak Tram Central Terminus, 33 Garden Road, Central, Hong Kong, 2522 0922

Sassy’s Favourite Peak Hiking Trails & Routes

Our concrete jungle is famous for its hikes, though usually you have to venture out of Hong Kong Island to get some truly lush greenery. Luckily, Victoria Peak sits atop a very green hill that boasts great walking paths coupled with gorgeous views for the best photo ops.

If you have a couple of hours to spare, hike from Mid-Levels up to The Peak, then down to the Pok Fu Lam Reservoir then back up again. You’ll pass several waterfalls and the whole thing will take roughly three hours (depending on how many times you stop and say cheese!).

Alternatively, if you believe in treating yourself after working up a little sweat (we’re right there with you), take the Mount High West hike from Pok Fu Lam to get sweeping views of the island’s western peninsula, then stop at The Peak on your way back down for a cheeky ice cream. One Team Sassy member’s guilty pleasure is Stecco Natura (or the newly opened Messina), but there’s nothing wrong with a 7/11 dessert that only sets you back $11!

If you’re already at The Peak and want a quick but challenging hike, head to High West and back, it might only take just over an hour, but you will definitely feel it in your legs the next day.

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Other Ways To Travel To The Peak

There are buses that will take you to The Peak. Bus 15 starts at Central Pier/Exchange Square and terminates at The Peak and is quite frequent. X15 goes from Central Pier 6 to The Peak but has shorter operating hours. The Route 1 Minibus also stops at Peak Road on its way from Hong Kong Station. You could always take a taxi, though be prepared for the meter to run higher than expected.

The best suggestion, however, is to take the MTR to the Central Station and walk to The Peak Central Terminus, from there either take a scenic hike or relax in the Tram!

Where To Eat And Drink At The Peak

The Peak has a ton of great dining options (with Black Sheep adding to the repertoire on the regular) of several cuisines, but be warned that this is a tourist destination first and foremost, and the prices reflect that. You won’t find super affordable dai pai dongs here, however you may be pleasantly surprised at how friendly service staff are at The Peak, they’re used to out-of-towners and are generally nicer than in the more local restaurants.

Sassy Tip: Unlike most places in Hong Kong, several of the restaurants here stop taking orders by 8pm, so take that into account if you’re planning on having dinner at The Peak.

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The Peak Lookout

One of the most iconic spots in the area for a reason – The Peak Lookout is a Grade II listed historical landmark and looks the part! Set in a beautiful centuries-old cottage with a fusion menu filled with local and Western favourites, as far as “restaurants with a view” goes, this is easily one of the best.

The Peak Lookout, 121 Peak Road, The Peak, Central, Hong Kong, 2849 1000, www.peaklookout.com.hk

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Messina

If you’ve been addicted to Messina’s classic and unique flavours (we’re still lusting after Pistachio Praline) ever since you first dipped a spoon in at Pottinger Street, you’ll be thrilled to know a new branch has recently opened at The Peak. Its usual suspects are on the menu, plus a Peak exclusive flavour: Tong Chung Beng – coconut gelato with shredded coconut, sesame seeds and more.

Messina, Shop G08, G/F, The Peak Galleria, 118 Peak Road, The Peak, Central, Hong Kong, www.gelatomessina.com.hk

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Mak’s Noodles

Trying not to make too much of a dent in your wallet? We love Mak’s Noodles for an (relatively) affordable meal that’ll fill you up for hours of browsing and shopping. You can get a hearty portion of Beef Brisket and Wonton Noodles for $75, plus complimentary tea (stay away from the soft drinks, you’re better off popping down to 7/11 than paying restaurant prices for a can of Coke).

Sassy Tip: If you like your food with a little heat, use the restaurant’s own chilli sauces to make a combo of the two with a dash of soya sauce for a truly delicious addition to your meal.

Mak’s Noodles, Shop 12-13, 1/F, The Peak Galleria, 118 Peak Road, The Peak, Central, Hong Kong, 2854 3871, www.maksnoodle.com

Peak Pizza

If you loved the homage to New York City pizza when it popped up at Stazione Novella, you’ll love that it’s now got its own permanent spot on the ground floor of The Peak Galleria. With slice prices starting at $28 and whole pizzas starting at $208, you might just find yourself whiling your whole day away here. Our favourite combo is the Pizza Slice + Beer for $58 – it’s hard to beat prices like that at The Peak!

Peak Pizza, Shop G08, G/F, The Peak Galleria, 118 Peak Road, The Peak, Central, Hong Kong, 2154 6151, www.peak-pizza.com

Rajasthan Rifles

We dare you to walk past Rajasthan Rifles, catch a whiff of that intoxicating aroma and not wander in. Styled as an “Anglo-Indian Mess Hall”, this restaurant is great if you want to dig into comforting classics like lamb Biryani or try something you might never had had before, like Barramundi and mango stew. It also boasts a great Gin menu with top-notch garnishes that only elevates your drinking experience, as well as occasional events like picnics and grill nights.

Rajasthan Rifles, Shop G01, G/F, The Peak Galleria, 118 Peak Road, The Peak, Central, Hong Kong, 2388 8874, www.rajasthanrifles.com

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Butter

Another new addition to The Peak to delight all those with a sweet tooth! The ability to dive into a Butter cake accompanied by breathtaking views is one of those things we didn’t know we needed, but are glad to have. The Peak-exclusive Itty-Bitty Confetti Cake is truly sinful but worth the trip.

Butter Peak, Shop G08, G/F, The Peak Galleria, 118 Peak Road, The Peak, Central, Hong Kong, www.butterbutterbutter.com.hk

What To Do And See At The Peak

Sky Terrace 428

Nowhere else on Hong Kong Island can you get a view quite like the one at Sky Terrace 428, so if you’re vying for the perfect Instagram-worthy pic, this is the place to be. Just remember to check the forecast beforehand, it would be a shame if you schlepped all the way up there only to have the city’s iconic skyline completely obscured by fog.

The Sky Terrace’s opening hours are 10am to 10pm on Weekdays and 8am to 10pm on Weekends and public holidays. Tickets are $75 for adults, but if you’re willing to go up before noon, it makes more sense to get the Special Morning Combo Ticket for $142 which includes a roundtrip (there’s no time limit on the return journey) on The Peak Tram and access to Sky Terrace 428. You can buy these online here.

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Madame Tussauds

The only Madame Tussauds in Hong Kong (and the first Asian branch ever) is housed right here in The Peak Tower. Showcasing everyone from K-Pop stars to athletes, Hollywood celebrities and local heroes, you’re sure to find someone you’ll want to pose with. Plus, the wax figures have little plaques with fun facts next to them, so you might learn something new about your favourite movie star. Standard adult tickets for Madame Tussauds are $300, but again it’s better value for money to get one of the Tram Combo tickets which start at $310.

Madame Tussauds, Shop P101, The Peak Tower, 128 Peak Road, The Peak, Central, Hong Kong, 2849 6966, www.madametussauds.com

MONOPOLY Dreams

If you haven’t been to The Peak in a few years, you might not know that one of our family-favourite board games has its own mini theme park here and is the first MONOPOLY-themed attraction in the world. If you played the Hong Kong edition, you’ll remember that The Peak was the most expensive title deed that everyone fought over, so it seems only fitting that this is where the playing field sits IRL. There are a variety of little games and sights to see, from MONOPOLOY Ultimate Banking to Water Works and Train Station (4DX Ride Theatre), plus who doesn’t love a touch of nostalgia every now and then? Tickets for MONOPOLY Dreams are $260, but it’s constantly running promotions so keep an eye on the site for the latest discount!

MONOPOLY Dreams, Shop 301, 3/F, The Peak Galleria, 118 Peak Road, The Peak, Central, Hong Kong, 5632 9329, www.monopolydreams.com

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Shopping At The Peak

There are a ton of shopping options at The Peak Galleria for all moods, whether you want a cute coat from Coach, need to pick something up for your fur baby at The Barkyard, or are looking to stock up on makeup at SaSa. Plus, The Peak Galleria has the only Build-A-Bear Workshop on the island – a member of Team Sassy may or may not have built an Eevee for herself for her last birthday…

One of our favourite shops to browse through is #CCCC Se/ect which has similar products to its sister branch in Central Market. Here you can find unique handmade jewellery, candles and crystals, plus an assortment of Hong Kong-themed knick knacks from coasters to bottle openers and fridge magnets.

The Peak Tower meanwhile is home to Giordano, Mr Simms Olde Sweet Shoppe, Neon Cider and our personal favourite: Iris Galerie, where you can pick up a truly unique present for yourself or a loved one. There are, of course, also tons of souvenir shops (you’ll be presented with a huge one just after departing the Tram, try to resist until you’ve made the rounds!) where you can grab as much Hong Kong-themed memorabilia as you can carry!