10 Best Panoramic Views in Hong Kong
Where to Go for Incredible Views of Hong Kong
Hong Kong has one of the most photographed skylines in the world, and there are plenty of spots where you can take in the incredible views. This list of panoramic views in Hong Kong 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 Hong Kong
Central Hong Kong
Good for: Photo
The Peak Hong Kong stands at 396 meters above sea level, making it 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 best vista is from the panoramic viewing platform called Sky Terrace 428, located on the very top of The Peak Hong Kong. This vantage point really highlights the density of the countless skyscrapers shooting up into the sky on Hong Kong Island.
Location: Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong
Open: Monday–Friday from 10 am to 11 pm, Saturday–Sunday from 8 am to 11 pm
Phone: +852 2849 0668
Sky Terrace 428 at The Peak Hong Kong
2. Tai Long Wan Hiking Trail
New Territories
Good for: Photo, Adventure
Part of the reason why Tai Long Wan Trail has kept its raw natural beauty is due of its hard-to-find location in Sai Kung, 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: Tai Long Wan Hiking Trail, Sai Kung, Hong Kong
Tai Long Wan Hiking Trail
3. Sky 100 Hong Kong
Kowloon
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. The deck is fully indoors, but you will be treated to incredible panoramic views of the Hong Kong skyline, Kowloon and the sprawling suburbs of the New Territories.
On a clear day, you can even see all the way to China. The Sky 100 Hong Kong Observation Deck is located in Kowloon, right above the Elements Shopping Mall and Kowloon MTR station. Read more
Location: 100/F, International Commerce Center, 1 Austin Road West, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Open: Sunday–Thursday from 10 am to 9 pm, Friday–Saturday from 10 am to 10.30 pm
Phone: +852 2613 3888
Sky 100 Hong Kong
4. Dragon’s Back Trail
South Coast Hong Kong
Good for: Families, Photo, Adventure
The Dragon’s Back Trail is one of the most popular natural vistas in Hong Kong. Located in Shek-O Country Park on the southern coast of Hong Kong Island, the trek’s relatively close proximity to Stanley makes it a local favorite for escaping the city’s congestion while enjoying some stunning natural scenes.
The reason why it’s called the Dragon’s Back Trail will become apparent when you walk along the steep sided trail which flows down to the ocean, with villages dotting the sides of the hills. You can get to Shek-O Country Park by taking the bus from the Chai Wan MTR station. The park is also a popular spot for paragliders, which you’ll often see during your hike. Read more
Location: Shek-O Country Park, Hong Kong
Dragon’s Back Trail
5. Aqua Hong Kong
Kowloon
Good for: Food, Nightlife
Aqua Hong Kong is a lavish Kowloon cocktail spot with a penthouse-inspired lounge and a luxurious restaurant. There’s no outdoors terrace, but it has floor-to-ceiling windows that slant at an angle across the entire length of the venue, making for an incredible frame to Hong Kong’s skyline. This is also a particularly good spot to enjoy the Symphony of Lights, which takes place every night at 8pm.
Aqua Hong Kong serves a good range of beers, wines, whiskeys, and rare spirits by the bottle and glass. Price-wise, beers start from HK$80, cocktails within the HK$100 to HK$150 range, and a minimum charge of around HK$500 per person for dining. Read more
Location: 29 & 30F, One Peking, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Open: Daily from 12 pm to 3 pm and from 6 pm to 11 pm
Phone: +852 3427 2288
Aqua Hong Kong
6. Roof Garden at IFC Shopping Mall
Central Hong Kong
Good for: Shoppers, Photo
Central Hong Kong has plenty of viewpoints, but trying to find a free-of-charge open-air spot to relax and soak up the atmosphere can be rather difficult. The Roof Garden at IFC Shopping Mall is a good alternate to the district’s many (and expensive) rooftop bars.
Despite its modest height, you can get some interesting sights 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, making it a great place 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
Central Hong Kong
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. The observation area belongs to the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, but anyone is allowed to go in during office hours until 6pm, meaning you can enjoy panoramic views of the city for free.
Remember to bring your ID in order to get a Guest Pass into the office building. IFC Tower is located directly above Hong Kong MTR Station.
Location: IFC Tower 2, Central, Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong
Open: Monday–Friday from 10 am to 6 pm, Saturday from 10 am to 1 pm
Phone: +852 2295 3308
Hong Kong Monetary Authority View Point
8. Central Plaza Sky Level
Wan Chai
Good for: Photo
Central Plaza is a 78-storey skyscraper on Harbour Road, about 750 meters south of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center. Enjoy free views of Hong Kong by taking the express elevator to the 46th floor. If you’re in Hong Kong on a Sunday, you can head up to the 75th floor and attend mass at The Sky City Church. Mass is held at 11am and 6pm every Sunday.
Location: 18 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Open: Monday–Friday from 8 am to 6.10 pm (hours vary by business)
Phone: +852 2586 8111
Central Plaza Sky Level
9. Lantau Peak
Lantau Island
Good for: Photo, Budget
Lantau Peak is the highest natural spot in Hong Kong – the views from here are nothing short of majestic, especially around sunrise. If you want to see dawn from the summit, it’s best to set off from Ngong Ping around 4am, and be sure to pack water and snacks for the hike. An easier way of getting to Lantau Peak is by taking the Ngong Ping cable car. Roundtrip fares for the standard cabin cost HK$235 for adults, HK$110 for kids (3–11 years old), and HK$155 for seniors.
Location: Fung Wong Shan, Lantau Island, Hong Kong
Lantau Peak
10. Bank of China Tower
Central
Good for: Photo
The Bank of China Tower is a modern architectural masterpiece by Chinese–American architect I. M. Pei. Its asymmetrical structure has been featured in many international films, including Transformers and Star Trek. But what many people don’t know is the public viewing deck on the 43rd floor is free to enter.
Despite its rather compact size, you can get some unique vantage points of the financial district from up here. Remember to bring your ID for registration and access into the building.
Location: 1 Garden Road, Central, Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong
Open: Monday–Friday from 9 am to 5 pm, Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm (closed on Sundays)
Phone: +852 2826 6888
Bank of China Tower
This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writing appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.