Travel to Hong Kong | Exploring Victoria Peak and the Peak Tram in Hong Kong

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Victoria Peak
Victoria Peak is only one of many beautiful sites to see on the island of Hong Kong. Its unique and long-standing history has allowed it to shine as one of the most culturally relevant areas to explore when visiting the city. The Peak Tram is the best mode of transportation to take when trying to reach Victoria Peak.
Victoria Peak

Victoria Peak / Source: Trip.com

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Victoria Peak

The Peak Tram

The Peak Tram / Source: Trip.com

Victoria Peak, or The Peak, is a remnant of Hong Kong's history as a colony of Great Britain. It was a highly exclusive neighborhood from 1841 to 1997 as only European immigrants and expatriates were granted residence. Fast forward to today, The Peak has grown to be Hong Kong's most luxurious neighborhood, housing business magnates, socialites, celebrities, and other high-profile residents.

👉 People visiting for the first time should add The Peak to their bucket list of places to see and things to do in Hong Kong. Apart from being a community for high society, it also offers an array of scenic views and eclectic restaurants to try.

Peak Tram Ticket

Scenic and Overlooking Views at The Peak

View of Victoria Peak from above

View of Victoria Peak from above (Source: from Trip.com)

Tourists who fancy an overlooking view of Hong Kong will enjoy Victoria Peak. After all, with a height of 552 meters (approximately 1,811.02 feet), it is famous for being the steepest point on the entire island. The top of The Peak itself lets people enjoy the view of the whole Hong Kong skyline. It is a breathtaking sight in both the daytime and nighttime.

👉Other sites in the Victoria Peak area also provide beautiful views that visitors can enjoy. These include Peak Galleria, Lugard Road, Peak Tower, Peak Circle Walk, and Victoria Peak Garden.

Peak Galleria

Shopping at the Peak Galleria

Shopping at the Peak Galleria (Source: Trip.com)

The Peak Galleria is a mall situated inside Victoria Peak. The first two floors of the building are home to a variety of shops and restaurants for visitors to try. Some of its popular offerings include traditional Hong Kong-style noodles, fresh egg tarts, and bubble tea. The third floor is the main observation deck where people can take pictures and enjoy a different view of Hong Kong.

Lugard Road

Lugard Road, a scenic walking trail

Lugard Road, a scenic walking trail (Source: Unsplash)

People interested in learning a bit more about the history of The Peak can check out Lugard Road. Named after Hong Kong's 14th governor, Sir Frederick Lugard, it is a narrow path that surrounds the whole of Victoria Peak. Walking down Lugard Road lets people visit and view key properties of the neighborhood. One example is the two-story house located at 27 Lugard Road. It is considered to be the oldest property on Lugard Road.

Peak Tower

Peak Tower is one of the most stylish architectural icons in Hong Kong

Peak Tower is one of the most stylish architectural icons in Hong Kong (Source: Pixabay)

The unique, wok-shaped building over the Peak Tram Upper Terminus is Peak Tower. As its design seems to allude to, the tower is where visitors can find plenty of food shops and restaurants. It even has Madame Tussauds Hong Kong, wherein tourists can view life-like wax figures of famous personalities.
Take a photo with Bruce Lee at Madame Tussauds Hong Kong

Take a photo with Bruce Lee at Madame Tussauds Hong Kong (Source: Trip.com)

Buy Madame Tussauds Tickets

Sky Terrace 428 at Peak Tower

Enjoy a stunning 360-degree panoramic view from Sky Terrace 428

Enjoy a stunning 360-degree panoramic view from Sky Terrace 428 (Source: Trip.com)

Much like the Peak Galleria, Peak Tower also has an observation deck that lets people see overlooking views of Hong Kong. It is called Sky Terrace 428 as it stands 428 meters (approximately 1,404.20 feet) above sea level. Visitors can take 360-degree photos and videos of the city's skyline.
Peak Tower Sky Terrace 428 Ticket

Peak Circle Walk

View from Peak Circle Walk

View from Peak Circle Walk (Source: Trip.com)

Taking the scenic route is best for people who want social media-worthy pictures of The Peak Hong Kong. The Peak Circle Walk is a 3.5 km walkway that goes around the entirety of Victoria Peak. Those who choose to traverse it will be entertained by photogenic greenery. Some species of butterflies also like to populate the path, making it the perfect place to capture one-of-a-kind travel photos. The whole Peak Circle Walk can be done in about one hour.

Victoria Peak Garden

Victorian style garden near the summit of Victoria Peak

Victorian style garden near the summit of Victoria Peak (Source: Trip.com)

Those who want more of the greenery from the Peak Circle Walk can move on to exploring Victoria Peak Garden. It was originally the summer residence of a renowned governor but has since been transformed into a public garden.
People who complete the 20-minute hike to Victoria Peak Garden can take the Governor's Walk, a leisurely stroll down its walkways. A walking audio tour is available onsite for those who want to learn more about the area’s interesting past.
Book Audio Tour

Peak Lookout Restaurant

Peak Lookout Restaurant, an 18th-century cottage restaurant and event venue

Peak Lookout Restaurant, an 18th-century cottage restaurant and event venue (Source: Trip.com)

While Peak Tower and Peak Galleria have a wide range of food options, a dining experience at The Peak Lookout Restaurant is something that visitors should never skip. The historical restaurant was initially called the Peak Cafe when it first began to serve customers in 1947. The Peak Lookout Restaurant is an excellent dining place that serves an interesting mix of both eastern and western cuisine.
Visitors who choose to dine at Peak Lookout can choose to have their meals either indoors or outdoors. The main building features English-style architecture that is absolutely photo-worthy. Those who choose to have their food outdoors can enjoy the open-air garden that overlooks Hong Kong.

Victoria Peak Must-know information

  • The Victoria Peak neighborhood is nestled in the Central and Western Districts of Hong Kong Island.

How to Get There

To get to Victoria Peak by bus from Central, you can choose from these options:

  • Hop on the 15 or X15 bus coming from Exchange Square until you reach the terminus inside Peak Galleria. The 15 bus costs HK$11.50 per ticket while the X15 bus costs HK$14.20 per ticket.
  • Hop on the minibus 1 coming from Two IFC until you reach Peak Galleria. It costs HK$10.90 per ticket.
The Peak Tram

The Peak Tram / Source: Trip.com

To get to Victoria Peak by tram, you can:

  • Ride the Peak Tram coming from Garden Road until you reach Peak Tower.
Buy Sky Pass Tickets

For those planning to explore on foot, you can try these options:

  • Hike up the Morning Trail at Hatton Road until you reach The Peak.
  • Take the Circle Walk until you reach the main commercial buildings in The Peak.
  • Walk for approximately 1.5 hours from the MTR Central Station straight to Peak Tower.

Opening Hours at The Peak

Victoria Peak is a residential neighborhood. While the residential district itself is open at all times, the operating hours of the commercial centers and parks may vary.
Sky Terrace 428

Sky Terrace 428 / Source: Trip.com

1. Peak Tower

  • 8am to 10pm on weekends and public holidays
  • 10am to 10pm on Mondays to Fridays

2. Peak Galleria

  • 10am to 10pm every day

3. Victoria Peak Garden

  • Open 24 hours every day

4. Sky Terrace 428

  • 10am to 9pm on Mondays to Fridays
  • 8am to 9pm on weekends and public holidays

5. Peak Tram

  • 7am to 10pm every day, including Sundays and public holidays

6. Madame Tussauds Hong Kong at Peak Tower

11am to 8pm every day, including Sundays and public holidays

7. Hong Kong Tourist Board Visitor Center at Victoria Peak

  • 9am to 9pm every day

Best Time to Visit Victoria Peak

👉 As with any popular tourist destination, visiting Victoria Peak in the morning is the best option for shorter queuing times. You can take better pictures and enjoy the scenery as there are fewer crowds.

Expect plenty of people on weekends, holidays, and any time after 5pm on weekdays. This is because students and employees tend to visit and crowd The Peak when they unwind in the evenings. The summer season from July to September is also usually when The Peak is at its most crowded so try to avoid going during those months.
Big Bus Hong Kong Open-Top Night Tour

Big Bus Hong Kong Open-Top Night Tour / Source: Trip.com

👉 If you are willing to brave the crowds, you can opt to watch the Symphony of Lights show that begins at 8pm every day.

Symphony Of Lights Cruise
Symphony Of Lights BigBus

Peak Tram

The only way to truly experience the beauty of Hong Kong's natural wonders

The only way to truly experience the beauty of Hong Kong's natural wonders (Source: Trip.com)

Taking the Victoria Peak Tram is one of the best ways to arrive at and explore Victoria Peak. It is a smooth ride that gives you breathtaking views, comfortable seats, and even free Wi-Fi. The tram is a tourist site in itself because of its interesting history and route. After all, it is one of the oldest and most renowned funicular railways on earth. Its creation was also what ultimately led to the construction of the rest of the other areas of Victoria Peak.
Buy Peak Tram Tickets

History of Peak Tram

The Peak Tram was first conceptualized by Alexander Findlay Smith in 1881. He studied various railways around the world that were specially designed for mountains and uphill areas. These included famous railways in Europe like Lucerne, Scarborough, and Mount Vesuvius. He also focused on railroads in the United States, specifically the railways in San Francisco and Monterey in California. By 1888, the Peak Tram was formally opened by Sir George William des Voeux, then-governor of Hong Kong.
Victoria peak - The Peak Tram

The Peak Tram / Source: Trip.com

Construction Time

The total construction time for the Victoria Peak Tram took three years. Construction workers had to carry and transport the materials on foot until they reached the top of the peak. The entire process was considered an innovation at the time as it was the first tramway ever built in all of Asia that used a steam engine. By 1926, the engine was eventually replaced with an electric motor.

Construction Material

The bodies of the tram cars were originally made from wood as it was the most accessible material at the time. The same was true for the main terminal of the tramway. It was called the Garden Road terminus. Over time, the terminus became distinguished by the presence of a large clock on its edifice. The Upper Terminus was once called Dunheved when it was first constructed. It then evolved into what became the iconic Peak Hotel.
In 1908, the first two seats of the tram were dedicated to the current governor of Hong Kong. Only he and his companion could occupy them. The seats were only made available for other passengers if the governor did not arrive within two minutes of the tram's official departure time.
The Peak Tram

The Peak Tram / Source: Trip.com

👉 By 1956, the Victoria Peak Tram cars were converted from wood into aluminum. This was because metal was found to be more durable and adaptable. The tram could then seat up to 62 passengers for each trip.

Fast forward to 1989, a Swiss company called Von Roll completely rebuilt the Peak Tram's overall operating system. They installed brand-new rail tracks and two-car trams that could carry up to 120 passengers each trip. They also introduced the use of a computerized control system for easier management and ticketing.

Tram Classes

When it was finally functional in May of 1888, the first group of Peak Tram passengers consisted of 800 residents of the Victoria Peak neighborhood. This enhanced the aura of exclusivity that surrounded the residential district.

There were three different classes for people boarding the Peak Tram then:

  • First Class consisted of Victoria Peak residents and British colonial officials.
  • Second Class consisted of Hong Kong Police staff and British military officers.
  • Third Class consisted of ordinary people and some animals.

👉 A round-trip fare was worth HK$0.30 for First Class, HK$0.20 for Second Class, and HK$0.10 for Third Class.

Main Route of Peak Tram

Today, the Victoria Peak Tram operates on a single route with a passing loop and two main trams. It spans the Central District until Victoria Peak itself.

1. Lower Terminus Station

Peak Tram Lower Terminus Station

Peak Tram Lower Terminus Station (Source: Trip.com)

The Central is the name of The Peak's lower terminus station. It is the station that visitors board to get to Victoria Peak. Central is situated at 33 Garden Road. Enter via the ground floor of St. John's Building to reach the tram terminus.

2. Upper Terminus Station

The Peak is the name of the Peak Tram's upper terminus station. It is the station that visitors take to leave Victoria Peak. The Peak station is found at Victoria Gap which is right below Peak Tower's leisure and shopping complexes.

4. Journey Time and Transport to Lower Peak Tram Station

  • The total time it takes to reach Central when coming from The Peak is approximately 7 to 8 minutes. A new tram comes in intervals of about 15 to 20 minutes.
  • For people coming to Central from Hong Kong's central business district, it will take an approximately 20-minute walk on foot until they reach the lower terminus.

5. Peak Tram Updated Fares

  • Commuters taking the Peak Tram can purchase tickets at both the upper and lower terminus stations. Online purchase is also an option.

Peak Tram Sky Pass

For tourists who want to get the most out of their visit to Victoria Peak Hong Kong, a Peak Tram Sky Pass is recommended. Not only does it grant access to the Peak Tram, but it also lets you explore the Sky Terrace 428.
Sky PassReturn TripSingle Trip
AdultsHK$148HK$122
Kids aged 3 to 11; Senior citizens aged 65 and above; People with disabilities HK$74HK$61

Buy Sky Pass Tickets

Standard Peak Tram Tickets

Those who only want to take the tram can purchase standard tickets instead.

Standard TicketsReturn TripSingle Trip
AdultsHK$88HK$62
Kids aged 3 to 11; Senior citizens aged 65 and above; People with disabilities HK$44HK$31
Buy Peak Tram Tickets

Recommended Half-day Tour Plan of Victoria Peak

A half-day tour of Victoria Peak is recommended for those who want to maximize their visit within a maximum of 6 hours.

Option A: Origin of Fragrant Harbour Walking Tour to Victoria Peak

Victoria peak - Pok Fu Lam trail map

Pok Fu Lam trail map (Source: Trip.com)

Visitors interested in taking a short hike to and from Victoria Peak can opt to take the Origin of Fragrant Harbour Walking Tour. It begins by taking the bus to Pok Fu Lam farm. Light snacks and dim sum will be served while taking a tour of the farm and village grounds on foot.
Pofulin Country Park

Pofulin Country Park / Source: Trip.com

  • The tour goes on until you reach the Peak Tram station. The group will then board the tram and alight at The Peak to enjoy overlooking views of the Hong Kong skyline and Victoria Harbour.
  • The walking tour will end with a downslope hike going to the Pok Fu Lam reservoir. This tour can be done within 4.5 hours.
Book The Tour
START Board the bus going to Pok Fu Lam
2 hoursArrive at Pok Fu Lam
Light snacks and a stroll around Pok Fu Lam until you reach the Peak Tram station
30 minutesPeak Tram ride up to The Peak (8-minute tram ride, 20-minute allowance for tram waiting time)
1 hourOverlooking views of the Hong Kong Skyline and Victoria Harbour at The Peak
1 hourDownward hike to Pok Fu Lam reservoir
ENDArrive at Pok Fu Lam reservoir

👉 Total Time: 4.5 HOURS

Option B: Popular Victoria Peak Tourist Areas

Visitors that are interested in seeing the most popular tourist sites at The Peak can opt for a 6-hour day tour. It starts by boarding the Central tram that goes up to The Peak using a Sky Pass. The Sky Pass grants access to both the tram and Sky Terrace 428 at Peak Tower.
Peak Tower

Peak Tower / Source: Trip.com

👉 Once you arrive at The Peak, you can explore Peak Tower for some shopping and light snacks. After, a tour of the Madame Tussauds Museum can be done right inside Peak Tower as well.

👉Next is the visit to Sky Terrace 428, where the group may take as many photos as they want of the overlooking view. Once done, a meal may be taken at the Peak Lookout Restaurant or at any other restaurant inside Peak Tower.

The amazing view along the Hong Kong trail

The amazing view along the Hong Kong trail (Source: Pixabay)

The tour will end with the hour-long Hong Kong trail around Peak Circle Walk. After completing the trail, the group can then board the tram going back down to the lower terminus station. This tour will be completed within 6 hours.
START Board the Central tram at the lower terminus station via SKY PASS (includes access to Sky Terrace 428 at Peak Tower)
30 minutesPeak Tram ride up to The Peak and Peak Tower (8-minute tram ride, 20-minute allowance for tram waiting time)
1 hourEnter Peak Tower - shops and restaurants
1 hourMadame Tussauds Hong Kong (inside Peak Tower)
1 hourSky Terrace 428 - take photos
1.5 hoursPeak Lookout Restaurant (or preferred restaurant at Peak Tower)
1 hourPeak Circle Walk - choose the Hong Kong Trail
Exit Peak Tower and take Lugard Road. Keep walking until you reach the main picnic area. At the end of Lugard Road, take Harlech Road to come out right where you exited at Peak Tower.
30 minutesPeak Tram ride down back to the Central (8-minute tram ride, 20-minute allowance for tram waiting time)
ENDArrive at the Central

👉 Total Time: 6 HOURS

Buy Sky Pass Tickets

Option C: Quick Visit to Victoria Peak

Madame Tussauds Hong Kong

Madame Tussauds Hong Kong / Source: Trip.com

For people pressed for time, a quick visit is also possible. Once you get off the tram using your Sky Pass, go straight to Peak Tower for light snacks and shopping. The group will then take a tour of Madame Tussauds Hong Kong for about an hour.
Madame Tussauds Hong Kong Ticket
After the wax museum, the next step is to take pictures at Sky Terrace 428. Once the group is done, they can enjoy refreshments and souvenir shopping at the Peak Galleria. The tour will end by taking the Peak Tram and going back down to the lower terminus station.

This tour can be completed in 4 hours.

START Board the Central tram at the lower terminus station via SKY PASS (includes access to Sky Terrace 428 at Peak Tower)
30 minutesPeak Tram ride up to The Peak and Peak Tower (8-minute tram ride, 20-minute allowance for tram waiting time)
30 minutesEnter Peak Tower - shops and restaurants
1 hourMadame Tussauds Hong Kong (inside Peak Tower)
1 hourSky Terrace 428 - take photos
30 minutesLight refreshments at Peak Galleria - shops and restaurants
30 minutesPeak Tram ride down back to the Central (8-minute tram ride, 20-minute allowance for tram waiting time)
ENDArrive at the Central

👉 Total Time: 4 HOURS

FAQs about Victoria Peak and the Peak Tram

  • What is Victoria Peak known for?


    Victoria Peak is known for being the highest point in Hong Kong.


  • What is the best time to visit Victoria Peak?


    It is best to visit Victoria peak in the morning and early afternoon.


  • How long does it take to walk up The Peak?


    It takes about one hour to walk up The Peak.


  • How long is the Peak Tram ride?


    The Peak Tram ride takes around 7 to 8 minutes.


  • How high is Victoria Peak in Hong Kong?


    Victoria Peak is 552 meters tall.


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Jeffery

Jeffery

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Hi, I’m Jeffery. I love visiting new cities, trying local food and finding fun, off-the-beaten-path spots. I share my real travel stories, easy itineraries and honest tips from my own trips. I hope my posts can help you plan better.

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