Victoria Peak: Start your day by taking the Peak Tram to Victoria Peak. Enjoy panoramic views of Hong Kong’s skyline from the Peak Tower.

Peak Tram Historical Gallery, Peak Tram Lower Terminus, 33 Garden Rd, Central, Hong Kong; +852 2849 7654. Adult tickets cost HKD62 one-way or HKD88 return, and HKD31 one-way or HKD44 return for kids and seniors. It’s recommended to purchase online tickets in advance. Wheel-chair accessible entrance.

During the days of British colonial rule, The Peak was reserved only for westerners, who were carried up the hill in sedan chairs. The original tram had three separate classes of seating – one for the white foreigners who lived in these exclusive addresses, one for police and soldiers charged with keeping the area safe, and the last for servants of the grand Peak houses.

Reopened on August 27, 2022, the Peak Tramway is now in its sixth incarnation, after it underwent a refurbishment that cost HKD799 million ($102 million). In just a few minutes’ time, visitors climb to 396 meters (1,300 feet) above sea level, with a maximum gradient of 25.7 degrees. The attraction now features longer cars, to hold about 200 people per ride. The cars have also been changed from its signature deep-red to green.

If you want a more scenic route instead of taking the tram up the mountain, walk up the scenic Morning Trail, which starts at Hatton Road. The easiest way to get to the starting point is to take a taxi up to the Mid-levels. 

The Peak is home to several different lookout points – some paid and some free. There’s the Sky Terrace 428, atop The Peak Tower, which claims to be the highest viewing platform on Hong Kong Island. Entry here costs roughly $6.50. Enjoy panoramic views of Hong Kong’s skyline from the Peak Tower. Many tourists tend to be surprised by the huge peak Galleria mall at the top, which was designed to look like a giant wok. If you walk around the vicinity, visitors will find the natural scenery they came for. These days, you’re just as likely to spot locals walking their dogs as tourists checking out the observation deck at the summit.

Peak Circle Walk: After admiring the views, take a leisurely walk along the Peak Circle Walk for more stunning vistas of the city and lush greenery. This is the easiest path to access as it loops around the Peak’s commercial area. This pathway weaves under the thick vines of banyan trees and passes by a few waterfalls for good measure, but the view is the best part – Hong Kong’s harbor and skyscrapers take center stage.

A few hundred feet uphill, Victoria Peak Garden is hidden away from the crowds on the site of a former governor’s summer home. It can be reached via a stone stairwell off Mount Austin Road (right across from the Mount Austin Playground). At the top of the stairs and through the trees, a lush green space opens into a secret garden.

Mid-levels Escalator: Take a short hike down from the Peak and you can head over to the Mid-levels Escalator, the world’s longest covered outdoor escalator system. Along the way, you’ll pass by SoHo, known for its restaurants and art galleries.

Lunch: Stop for lunch at one of the many restaurants in Central or SoHo, offering a variety of international cuisines and local dishes. If you’re in the mood for some of the best Cantonese cuisine and dim sum, then you need to head to City Hall Maxim’s Palace (2/F, City Hall, 5-7 Edinburgh Place, Central). The restaurant does not take any bookings, so it’s first come first served.

Man Mo Temple: Visit Man Mo Temple in Sheung Wan, one of Hong Kong’s oldest temples, dedicated to the gods of literature and martial arts.

Cat Street Flea Market: Next to the temple is a flea market that has a history of over 100 years, selling interesting and decorative items, from authentic traditional pieces to modern handmade replicas. How to tell the difference can be quite tricky, so be sure to bargain when the situation is right.

Tram Ride: Take a ride on the historic Hong Kong Tram, affectionately known as the “Ding Ding Tram.” It’s a great way to experience the city’s streetscape.

Western Market: Explore the beautifully restored Western Market, an Edwardian-style building featuring shops selling antiques, fabrics, and handicrafts. Built in 1906, it is the oldest surviving market building in the city.

Central Market: This was the first wet market in the city, but was closed for many years before it went through a full renovation and restoration project to become a revitalised historic monument on Hong Kong Island. With a refreshed image today, Central market is a popular place for home goods shopping, local dining and there are several choices of dessert and coffee shops, making it a one-stop market for everyone.

Star Ferry: From Central Market, you can walk toward the IFC shopping mall to get to the ferry piers. Cross Victoria Harbour on the iconic Star Ferry. The short ferry ride offers spectacular views of Hong Kong’s skyline.

Avenue of Stars: Stroll along the Avenue of Stars on Tsim Sha Tsui’s waterfront, where you can see statues of Hong Kong film stars and enjoy views of the Symphony of Lights show (starts daily at 8:00 PM).

Dinner at Tsim Sha Tsui: Enjoy a dinner at one of the many restaurants in Tsim Sha Tsui. There are plenty of options, from local street food to international cuisine. Harbour City, one of the largest malls in Hong Kong is located on the waterfront with tonnes of shopping and dining choices. Another mall for shopping and dining options is the K11 Musea. The Peninsular Hotel is an excellent venue for evening drinks or for exquisite dining, but please book in advance.

Victoria Harbour Light Show: Return to the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront to watch the Symphony of Lights, a dazzling multimedia light and sound show that illuminates Hong Kong’s skyline. It begins at 8:00 PM and lasts for about 15 minutes.

This one-day itinerary is a taste of Hong Kong’s rich culture, stunning views, and vibrant street life. Adjust the pace to your preferences and enjoy your day of sightseeing in this dynamic city. If you’re able to cover everything on this list in one full day or two, you will be leaving Hong Kong with little regrets.