10 Best Panoramic Views in Hong Kong

The Peak Hong Kong stands at 396 metres 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.

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. 

The Sky 100 Hong Kong Observation Deck occupies the 100th floor of the International Commerce Centre (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.

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 favourite 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.

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.

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 alternative to the district’s many (and expensive) rooftop bars.

Despite its modest height, you can get some interesting sights of the harbour and Hong Kong skyscrapers that shoot into the sky on every side. The rooftop terrace is dotted with cosy sofas and tables set up for public use, making it a great place to bring your own food and enjoy the superb views.

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.

Central Plaza is a 78-storey skyscraper on Harbour Road, about 750 metres south of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. 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.

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.

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.