Victoria Peak (or just “The Peak”) is one of Hong Kong’s most prominent tourist highlights, and a must-visit destination for visitors and locals alike. Towering over Hong Kong at 552 metres above sea level, people have been flocking to its summit for decades to capture one of the world’s most awe-inspiring cityscapes from Hong Kong Island’s highest point. We’ve picked our must-see spots on The Peak for those looking to enjoy a more in-depth exploration of the area with the whole family in tow.
As it also houses the bus station, most guests arriving at The Peak will enter the Peak Galleria shopping mall as they alight. Operated by Hang Lung Properties, the Galleria underwent a huge refurbishment in 2019 and is now (almost!) totally reopened.
It is well worth a visit – if only to use best public toilets available in the area!
The state-of-the-art new Peak Galleria playground on level one features slides and climbing apparatus galore. Situated outside on level one, this play area boasts fantastic panoramas across to Cheung Chau and Lantau Island, with ample seating spots for parents to enjoy the views.
Suitable for children aged from four to 12, we’d recommend visiting earlier in the day, as the sun can be pretty ferocious after lunch.
This famous American toy brand now has its own Hong Kong outpost at the Galleria, where kids can create their very own friend or build a unique Hong Kong souvenir. The Workshop is open daily from 11am-8pm and no advance booking is required.
There are plenty of viewing points at Victoria Peak, but the Galleria’s newly refurbished rooftop is one of our favourites. Best of all, it’s completely free! Just keep following the escalators upwards. You can’t miss it.
This famous Hong Kong bakery has outlets all around Hong Kong; their newest is located on level two of the Peak Galleria. Their freshly-baked egg tarts really are melt-in-the-mouth and are an enticing pitstop for any visit to the Peak.
Egg tarts are a big deal in Hong Kong, find out more about them here.
This is a brand new attraction for Hong Kong and an Instagrammer’s dream come true!
You can read all about Monopoly Dreams here in our dedicated blog post.
The Peak’s most-visited building is home to the Peak Tram station, along with many retail, and food and beverage outlets. You’ll find a Madame Tussauds waxwork museum and one of our family friendly Hong Kong restaurant recommendations. The Sky Terrace is another great viewing spot, however there is a charge to visit this.
Most visitors stick to the developed area near the bus and tram terminuses and don’t venture further. However, if you’ve got a little time and energy to spare, there are a couple of short strolls that are less crowded and well worth your while. Obviously if you have a lot of time and bags of energy there are more strenuous hikes to enjoy around Hong Kong.
Leave the Peak terminus behind you and take a right onto Lugard Road. You’ll find that this circular walk is pleasant, easy, mostly in the shade. Approximately 4km long, this leisurely walk takes around 1.5 hours. There are several view points, some crazy banyan trees and you’ll also pass the supposedly haunted Dragon Lodge.
Walking uphill from The Peak’s main piazza area, head up to Mount Austin for a family friendly picnic spot and playground. This area was redeveloped in 2007 and encompasses the gardens of the former Mountain Lodge, which was the Governor of Hong Kong’s summer house up until 1946. You’ll also find the excellent Mount Austin playground just here.
Mount Austin Playground
Something of a rarity in Hong Kong, Mount Austin Playground features a safely enclosed space in which you can spend time as a family. The park has play equipment for children from two to 12 years, and plenty of paths for scooters and bikes. Another rarity – plenty of inviting lawned spaces that are perfect for picnics or even an alfresco birthday party!
Victoria Peak Gardens
Right at Victoria Peak’s summit – also known as Mount Austin – you’ll find Victoria Peak Gardens. These include beautiful landscaped gardens that once formed part of Mountain Lodge, the Governor’s summer residence which was demolished in 1946.
Some remnants such as steps and tiles remain from the 2007 refurbishment, and the striking Gatehouse is an original feature.
If you fancy a change of scenery, a walk down Barker Road definitely offers an experience that is a little off the beaten path. Accessed via Findlay Path, which is next to the Peak Tower, descending via this road takes you past one of Hong Kong’s most prestigious neighbourhoods. Look out for Headquarters House, home to the head of the People’s Liberation Army in Hong Kong.
Next door to Headquarters House you’ll see Victoria House. Formerly a maternity hospital, it is now the official residence of the Chief Secretary for Administration – at time of writing, Matthew Cheung. Currently under refurbishment, is 22 Barker Road, Jack Ma’s Hong Kong property, which he paid in excess of HK $1.5 billion for back in 2015.
Following Chatham Path, you’ll take a zig-zag route down to May Road where you can pick up the Peak Tram from its steepest station for a fast-track ride back down to Central.
Check out our other Hong Kong guides.
Guide to Mong Kok’s markets,
Guide to Hong Kong’s Best Parks
Guide to Repulse Bay.
Alternatively, if you’d like a little help exploring Hong Kong, book a fabulous private tour with Hong Kong Greeters.
