There’s nothing like watching a city come to life beneath your feet. In Hong Kong, The Peak is where that magic happens. Dinosaurs are creatures of habit, and my photographer is, too. Whenever I travel, I can’t resist seeking out the best viewpoint to take in a city from above. I’ve been extremely fortunate to visit The Peak in Hong Kong twice, and each time, I couldn’t help but return to witness how the city transforms from day to night. This guide provides an overview of what to expect during your visit to The Peak, including tips on how to get there, what to do, and highlights of both day and night experiences. If you’re planning a trip to Hong Kong, The Peak is simply unmissable for breathtaking views, unique experiences, and a taste of the city’s vibrant atmosphere.
Quick Facts Before You Go
- Opening Hours: 7am–11pm (Peak Tram & Sky Terrace)
- Peak Tram Return Ticket: HK$88 (£8.50)
- Must-Bring: Camera, jacket (trust me, it can get chilly!), and an appetite for amazing views
- Best Times to visit: Early morning for clear skies, evening for the city lights
- Don’t miss: The Peak Tower Escalators, Peak Galleria rooftop, Lions Pavilion, Lugard Road walk.
Getting To The Peak (and Loving the Journey)
Getting to The Peak is half the fun. I set off early, hopped onto the MTR to Central, and wandered up to the Peak Tram Station. A return ticket costs HK$88 (£8.50), and I arrived quite early, finding a short queue to board the tram. For the full experience, grab a seat on the right side of the tram—the city just keeps dropping away as you ascend the dizzingly steep hill (Pro tip: hold on to your seat so you don’t slide off—those hills are no joke!).
If you’re up for adventure or want to save a bit, bus 15 from Central winds its way up with wonderful views. Taxis and hiking are also great ways to reach the top. If my photographer hadn’t been injured, our plan was to take the tram up and hike down.
A Daytime Adventure at The Peak
Nothing prepares you for the moment the view of Victoria Harbour appears from behind the trees. I felt like I was in another world. Morning at The Peak was pure bliss. I strolled past souvenir shops and made a beeline for Pacific Coffee—cappuccino in one hand, Panda mango cake in the other, and Victoria Harbour shining below. The café was almost empty. Making it feel like my own little hideout above the city. Hong Kong treated me to crystal-clear skies that stretch for miles over Victoria Harbour and the city beyond. I sat on the terrace, enjoying the panoramic view of the harbour and tram route without worrying about the crowd of visitors along the fence nearby.
There are several scenic walks around The Peak, but I chose the shorter Lions Pavilion trail. Its flat, wide paths made for an easy stroll. The butterflies were almost as big as me, and the view? Let’s just say, the camera (and my photographer) stayed busy. When the midday haze rolled in, I ducked into the Peak Galleria to cool off, browse a few shops, and check out the free rooftop platform—Pok Fu Lam and the islands stretched out in the distance, and I could have stayed there for hours.
The Magic of The Peak at Night
As sunset approached, The Peak took on an entirely new personality. The sky exploded with colour, and the city lights began to twinkle, hinting at the magic to come after dark. I couldn’t resist taking the Peak Tram again—while buses, taxis, and hiking are all options, there’s something iconic about the tram journey, especially as the city sparkles below you. When we reached the top, Hong Kong’s famous skyline came alive in a sea of twinkling lights.
Stepping onto the Peak at night was a whole new experience. The breeze had picked up, making the air feel crisper—definitely jacket weather, especially when low clouds started to swirl around the summit. The sounds were different too: the distant “ding ding” of trams, excited visitors snapping photos, and even the occasional busker playing softly around the plaza. Delicious smells drifted from nearby restaurants—sometimes Italian, sometimes just the unmistakable aroma of strong coffee mingling with fresh mountain air.
My photographer was in their element again, switching between camera and phone as we bounced between the path and the Peak Galleria rooftop. Tripods are great for the perfect shot, but we found the railings did the trick, too. We wandered between the Lion Pavilion and the rooftop at Peak Galleria, soaking up the ever-changing view. If you time it right, you might even catch the Symphony of Lights show flickering across Victoria Harbour below.
After 8pm, the crowds seemed to melt away, and we found ourselves strolling along Lugard Road nearly alone—just us, the cool breeze, and a glittering cityscape below. Many shops and cafes stay open late, so we picked up a snack and found a quiet spot to watch the city sparkle. The clouds descended over the city and covered the tops of the skyscrapers, making me feel like I had been transported to a futuristic cyberpunk world. A K-pop advert danced through the clouds from one of the billboards lining Victoria Harbour.
Eventually, it was time to head back down. The Peak Tram and buses run reliably into the evening, but I’d suggest checking the last departure times to avoid an unexpected nighttime hike! (The tram timetable can be found here.) Even late at night, the area felt safe and lively, with plenty of staff and fellow explorers around. If you’re celebrating something special, book a table by the window at one of the restaurants for a meal with a view—just be ready for a splurge and definitely reserve ahead.
All in all, visiting The Peak at night was a totally different adventure from the daytime trip—more atmospheric, a little more mysterious, and just as unforgettable. I know I’ll be back again, camera in hand, ready to see how the city changes once more.
Do’s, Don’ts, and Dinosaur Tips
Do:
- Book tram tickets ahead if you can
- Bring a jacket—especially at night.
- Try a treat at the Galleria rooftop.
- Walk Lugard Road for different views.
Don’t:
- Forget to check the last tram/bus times.
- Underestimate the breeze (fur and hair beware)
- Assume it’s always packed—late nights can be surprisingly peaceful.
- Assume this will be a short activity.
Dinosaur tips:
- Sit on the right side of the tram when heading up, and left coming down for the best views.
- A visit to Sky Terrace 428 isn’t essential; the views from the free areas are just as good.
- Check the weather before visiting.
- Be adventurous and walk some of the trails. I found some which were suitable for wheelchairs and walking aids.
Helpful Links
- The Peak Official Website
- Peak Tram Info & Tickets
- Peak Galleria
- Madame Tussauds
- MTR Journey Planner
- Accessibility Info
Final thoughts
Seeing The Peak by day and night felt like two totally different adventures—one bright and buzzing, the other cool and a little mysterious. I know I’ll be back (probably to try another cake), because there’s always another view to discover. Have you been? What was your favourite moment—or snack? Let me know below!
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