Panoramic Views in Hong Kong: Top 10 Must-See Spots
Where to Take the Best Photos of Hong Kong?
Hong Kong has one of the most photographed skylines in the world, and there are plenty of panoramic spots where you can take in the incredible views. The items on our list range from swanky rooftop bars to observation decks that are free of charge, giving you a bit of variety in both budget and perspective of the city.
Of course, Hong Kong is more than just the urbanized northern shore, which we have tried to reflect in our choice of panoramic views. You’ll find verdant mountain scenes on Lantau Island, sandy bays in secluded Sai Kung, and rooftop vistas around Central and across the harbor in Kowloon.
1. Sky Terrace 428 at The Peak Tower
Spectacular skyline views from Hong Kong’s Peak
Good for: Couples, Families, Photo
Sky Terrace 428 at The Peak Tower is a premier viewpoint for witnessing the awesome sight of Victoria Harbour. With the densely packed areas of Hong Kong’s northern coast on one side, and the equally bustling Kowloon coast on the other, The Peak Tower is one of the most amazing views in the city, standing at 396 meters above sea level.
Sky Terrace 428, a panoramic viewing platform located on the very top of The Peak Tower, offers the best vista. Visit this vantage point to really get an idea of the density of the countless skyscrapers shooting up into the sky on Hong Kong Island.
Location: 1 Lugard Rd, The Peak, Hong Kong
Open: Monday–Friday from 10 am to 10 pm, Saturday–Sunday from 8 am to 10 pm
Phone: +852 2849 0668
Sky Terrace 428 at The Peak Tower
2. Tai Long Wan Hiking Trail
A hiking trail with stunning natural beauty
Good for: Photo, Adventure
Part of the reason why Tai Long Wan Hiking Trail has kept its raw natural beauty is due to its hard-to-find location on the eastern tip of the New Territories. This 12-km-long mountain trail is quite a challenging trek for most people, but it takes you past clear waters, authentic fishing villages, and deserted sandy coves, as well as a waterfall that’s popular for cliff diving.
It takes about 1.5 hours of hiking to reach Tai Long Wan, and about 6 hours to complete the entire trail. For a more leisurely way of witnessing the natural beauty of Hong Kong, consider a speedboat from Sai Kung Town.
Location: Sai Kung, Hong Kong
Tai Long Wan Hiking Trail
3. Sky 100 Hong Kong
One of the best sky-high observation decks in the city
Good for: Families, Photo
The Sky 100 Hong Kong Observation Deck occupies the 100th floor of the International Commerce Center (ICC), one of the city’s tallest skyscrapers. While the deck is fully indoors, the floor-to-ceiling windows provide sweeping vistas of the Hong Kong skyline, Kowloon, and the expansive New Territories.
On a clear day, you might even catch a glimpse of China in the distance. The Sky 100 Hong Kong Observation Deck is located in Kowloon, right above the Elements Shopping Mall and Kowloon MTR station. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture some of the most stunning shots of the city’s iconic skyline. Read more
Location: 100/F, International Commerce Center, 1 Austin Road West, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Phone: +852 2613 3888
Sky 100 Hong Kong
4. Dragon’s Back Trail
Hiking along the serpentine ridges with ocean views
Good for: Families, Photo, Adventure
The Dragon’s Back Trail is a beloved natural vista in Hong Kong, located in Shek-O Country Park on the southern coast of Hong Kong Island. Its proximity to Stanley makes it a popular choice for those seeking to escape the city’s congestion and enjoy stunning natural scenery.
The trail gets its name from the way it winds along steep ridges that resemble a dragon’s back, flowing down to the ocean with villages nestled along the hillsides. The park is also a hotspot for paragliding, offering the chance to see paragliders soaring as you hike this iconic trail. To reach Shek O Country Park, take the bus from the Chai Wan MTR station. Read more
Location: Shek O Country Park, Hong Kong Trail Sec. 8, Shek O, Hong Kong
Dragon’s Back Trail
5. Aqua Hong Kong
Exquisite dining with skyline views
Good for: Food, Nightlife, Photo
Aqua Hong Kong is a lavish Kowloon cocktail spot with a penthouse-inspired lounge and a luxurious restaurant. The floor-to-ceiling windows perfectly frame Hong Kong’s skyline, providing a breathtaking backdrop. This is also a particularly good spot to enjoy the Symphony of Lights, which takes place every night at 8pm.
Aqua is renowned for its award-winning Italian and Japanese kitchens and especially for its spectacular rooftop bar. Visit Aqua for a memorable lunch, an exquisite dinner, or after-dark drinks, complemented by stunning vistas. Read more
Location: 17/F, H Zentre, 15 Middle Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
Open: Monday–Thursday from noon to midnight, Friday from noon to 1 am, Saturday from 11 am to 1 am, Sunday from 11 am to midnight
Phone: +852 3427 2288
Aqua Hong Kong
6. Roof Garden at IFC Shopping Mall
Unwind above the city without breaking the bank
Good for: Budget, Photo, Shoppers
The Roof Garden at IFC Shopping Mall offers a refreshing escape in Central Hong Kong. Finding a free-of-charge open-air spot to unwind and soak up the atmosphere can be challenging, but IFC’s Roof Garden offers just that. It serves as a delightful alternative to the district’s many rooftop bars that can sometimes take a toll on your wallet.
Despite its modest height, it provides some interesting views of the harbor and Hong Kong skyscrapers that shoot into the sky on every side. The rooftop terrace is dotted with cozy sofas and tables set up for public use, so feel free to bring your own food and enjoy the superb views. Read more
Location: 8 Finance Street, Central, Hong Kong
Open: Daily from 10 am to 10 pm
Phone: +852 2295 3308
Roof Garden at IFC Shopping Mall
7. Hong Kong Monetary Authority View Point
Free skyline views from IFC Tower 2
Good for: Photo, Budget
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority View Point occupies the 55th floor of IFC Tower 2, one of the tallest buildings on Hong Kong Island. Although the observation area is part of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, it is open to the public during office hours, providing an opportunity to enjoy stunning city views at no cost.
IFC Tower is conveniently located directly above Hong Kong MTR Station. To access the observation deck, remember to bring your ID to obtain a Guest Pass into the office building.
Location: 55th Floor, Two International Finance Centre, 8 Finance St, Central, Hong Kong
Open: Monday–Friday from 10 am to 6 pm, Saturday from 10 am to 1 pm (closed on Sundays)
Phone: +852 2878 8196
Hong Kong Monetary Authority View Point
8. Central Plaza Sky Level
An iconic skyscraper in Wan Chai
Good for: Budget, Photo
Central Plaza is a striking 78-story skyscraper located in the bustling district of Wan Chai on Hong Kong Island. Standing tall at 374 meters, it ranks among the tallest buildings in Hong Kong and is a standout feature of the city’s skyline. The skyscraper is easily accessible, just a short distance from the central business district.
The architectural design of Central Plaza is a marvel, characterized by its distinctive triangular shape and a unique facade that changes colors throughout the day. Take the express elevator to the 46th floor to enjoy free, breathtaking views of Hong Kong.
Location: 18 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Phone: +852 2586 8111
Central Plaza Sky Level
9. Lantau Peak
A rewarding hike or cable car ride to the summit
Good for: Adventure, Budget, Photo
Lantau Peak, the highest natural point in Hong Kong, offers majestic views, especially at sunrise. To catch the first light from the summit, start your hike from Ngong Ping around 4 am, and remember to pack water and snacks.
For a more relaxed journey to Lantau Peak, you can take the Ngong Ping cable car. For a truly memorable ascent with spectacular vistas, opt for the Panoramic Cable Car, which features premium glass, offering over 80% transparency for clear and mostly unobstructed views.
Lantau Peak
10. Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade
Embracing the iconic skyline from the waterfront
Good for: Couples, Families, Photo
Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade offers one of the most iconic and accessible views of Hong Kong’s stunning skyline. Located along the waterfront in Kowloon, this bustling promenade provides a magnificent vantage point to admire the city’s towering skyscrapers and the sparkling waters of Victoria Harbour.
With easy access to nearby attractions, restaurants, and shops, there’s a lot to do around this lively promenade. If you want to catch the Symphony of Lights show, Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade is one of the best places for this dazzling display.
Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade
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