Here’s everything you need to know about The Peak, a serene neighbourhood perched atop Hong Kong’s highest mountain.
Located at the top of the highest mountain on Hong Kong Island, The Peak (or Victoria Peak) is a vibrant neighbourhood and one of Hong Kong’s best known tourist attractions. Suspended high in the sky and surrounded by greenery, this area strikes a unique balance between nature and urban life. From hiking trails and serene gardens perfect for picnics, to a glitzy shopping mall complete with myriad dining options, there’s something for everyone in this neighbourhood. So, read on for our guide to the tranquil locale ahead of your visit.
A local’s guide to The Peak
The Peak: An overview
As the highest mountain on Hong Kong Island, Victoria Peak served as a signaling post for cargo ships and a prime vantage point for coastal defence in early colonial Hong Kong. It used to be exclusive to the city’s more privileged residents, especially Europeans. Since Governor Sir Richard MacDonnell built his summer home there in the late 1860s, many wealthy and influential figures followed suit, transforming the area into a popular retreat.
The neighbourhood remained a residential and holiday area reserved for expats between 1904 and 1947. During this period, The Peak Hotel and Peak Tram were also developed to facilitate tourism in the area. While the hotel was destroyed in a fire in 1938, the Tram remains a famous landmark and a valuable connection between the neighbourhood and the rest of Hong Kong.
How to get there
A variety of public transport will take you to this neighbourhood. Simply hop on Bus 15, X15, or Minibus 1 from Hong Kong MTR Station and get off at The Peak! For a more scenic route, make your way to Garden Road in Central for the Peak Tram. Having served the city for over a century, the Peak Tram has become a local icon and a quintessential experience for visitors. Traversing the lush mountainside of Victoria Peak, you’ll be treated to a bird’s eye view of the city below before emerging into the lively neighbourhood.
The Peak Tram, 33 Garden Road, Central, Hong Kong
Best restaurants on The Peak
1. The Peak Lookout
Get ready for a cottagecore dining experience. The Peak Lookout is an elegant restaurant boasting a unique history. If you think its interior resembles a pub, it’s because it was one! Back when the Peak Tram was being constructed in 1888, the restaurat was called the Old Peak Cafe and served as a resting place for architects and builders, then for chair coolies as they waited for their clients. The restaurant officially opened its doors in 2003 after a brief hiatus and retained much of its original architecture.
Today, you can choose to dine in the restaurant’s cosy interiors or its stunning al fresco dining area that overlooks Aberdeen. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and offers a diverse selection of cuisines. We recommend giving its signature chargrilled and tandoori items a try!
The Peak Lookout, G/F, 121 Peak Road, The Peak, Hong Kong, p. 2849 1000
2. Peak Pizza, Messina, and Butter
We trust you’re no stranger to – dare we say – Hong Kong’s favourite gelateria, Messina, and bakery, Butter. And now, these famous establishments have made their way up to the city’s highest neighbourhood, to the delight of tourists and local gourmands. Messina’s second store boasts all the delicious offerings from its Central flagship, plus a store-exclusive flavour: Tong Chung Beng. Inspired by its namesake Hong Kong snack, this flavour is a disembodied version of the nostalgic treat where shredded coconut, sesame seeds, and crepes are blended with creamy coconut gelato.
Butter kicks off its next chapter by combining two of its crowd-favourite delights: cakes and cookies. That’s right – if you missed the Butter cookie trucks at Pacific Place, now’s your chance to stock up on indulgent bakes!
After an introductory pop-up in Soho, Peak Pizza has officially arrived in 2025 to inject youthful energy into the sky-high neighbourhood. Championing New York-style pies with the attitude to match, this pizzeria offers eight flavours alongside a weekly Chef’s Special in slices and whole pies.
Peak Pizza, Messina, and Butter, Shop G08, G/F, Peak Galleria, The Peak, Hong Kong
3. Yucca De Lac
Here’s another restaurant in the neighbourhood with a rich history. Yucca De Lac, meaning “orchid by the lake,” was an upscale restaurant operating on present-day Kau To Shan from 1963 to 2005. The original building was perched atop a mountain and overlooked Sha Tin Hoi below, offering patrons unobstructed views of the New Territories’ then rolling hills. Having reopened on Hong Kong Island in 2022, the new location pays homage to Yucca De Lac’s long and winding history.
Despite its French name, Yucca De Lac is actually best known for its Hong Kong-style dishes. In addition to Western specialties, the menu also features items like the Stuffed Tofu with Minced Pork Jowl Meat, which comes in a sizzling skillet and pays tribute to the iconic local street food, Three Stuffed Treasures. For more filling plates, cha chaan teng staples like Sauteed Flat Rice Noodles with Beef and Fujian Fried Rice will do the trick.
Yucca De Lac, Shop 201-202C, 2/F, Peak Galleria, 118 Peak Road, The Peak, Hong Kong, p. 2638 2883
4. Rajasthan Rifles
Serving a menu of fusion fare, Rajasthan Rifles is an Indian restaurant that expertly incorporates the aromas of Indian cuisine into British staples. You won’t go wrong with anything from this restaurant, but we think the signature Club Sandwich is a must-try! The ordinary sarnie is transformed with flavourful chicken tikka, masala omelette, slices of bechamel and cheddar, and a generous spread of tomato chutney, before being grilled to perfection. On the other hand, Rajasthan Rifles serves a mean breakfast and is the ideal stop to refuel and relax after your morning hike.
Rajasthan Rifles, Shop G01, G/F, Peak Galleria, 118 Peak Road, The Peak, Hong Kong, p. 2388 8874
Things to do on The Peak
5. Peak Galleria
The majority of The Peak’s attractions can be found in the Peak Galleria. An expansive shopping and dining complex, this shopping mall offers visitors a compact yet diverse range of stores to browse in, including pet supply boutiques and kid-friendly establishments like Hong Kong’s only Build-A-Bear Workshop.
Peak Galleria, 118 Peak Road, The Peak, Hong Kong
6. Victoria Peak Garden
As one of the city’s more photogenic public parks, Victoria Peak Garden offers a pleasant retreat away from Hong Kong’s hustle and bustle. Apart from sprawling landscaped gardens and hedge mazes, you’ll also find Victorian-style gazebos scattered across the grounds, making this park one of our favourite spots for a day out in nature (especially with our four-legged pals in tow!).
Victoria Peak Garden, Mount Austin Road, The Peak, Hong Kong
7. The Peak Trail
Surrounded by vibrant greenery, this neighbourhood is a nature lover’s dream. In particular, The Peak Trail encircles Victoria Peak Garden and is a beginner-friendly walking trail easily accessible from the Peak Galleria. Along this scenic path, you’ll encounter various species of birds and Hong Kong’s indigenous wildlife that have made the mountaintop their home.
The Peak Trail starts at Mount Austin Road.
8. Pok Fu Lam Country Park
Don’t think The Peak Trail is enough of a challenge? Make your way down the Pok Fu Lam Reservoir Road from the Peak Galleria for Pok Fu Lam Country Park. This winding path takes you on a steady descent from the summit, all the way down to the reservoir nestled between Mounts Kellett and High West. Once there, you can explore Cyberport or venture further south for Aberdeen.
Pok Fu Lam Country Park, Pok Fu Lam Reservoir Road, The Peak, Hong Kong
9. Madame Tussauds
Also in the neighbourhood is Hong Kong’s very own Madame Tussauds. We trust you’re familiar with this world-famous wax museum. Inside, you’ll encounter hyper-realistic statues of your favourite celebrities, whether it be local movie stars, musical icons, or K-pop sensations.
Madame Tussauds, Shop P101, The Peak Tower, 128 Peak Road, The Peak, Hong Kong, p. 2849 6966
Frequently Asked Questions
What is at The Peak in Hong Kong?
From restaurants and shops to observation desks, outlooks, and even a Madame Tussauds, there are plenty of things to do on The Peak.
Is it worth going to The Peak in Hong Kong?
Short answer, yes! Not only is The Peak the highest mountain on Hong Kong Island, but you can also discover local wildlife and nature while enjoying some of the best views of Hong Kong’s skyline.
Why is The Peak so popular?
The Peak is popular for its vantage point above Hong Kong. From the outlooks and observation decks in the neighbourhood, you’re treated to unobstructed views of the Victoria Harbour and beyond.
How long does it take to walk up The Peak in Hong Kong?
While it is possible to walk up to The Peak from the Mid-Levels if you follow the Old Peak Road, you’ll be on a winding and steep ascent for a whole hour. The easiest way to get up there is to take The Peak Tram, an iconic Hong Kong public transport that’s been in service for over a century.
