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Picture courtesy of the wonderful Kaitlyn Crain

The Peak Hike: Experience Hong Kong's Iconic City Center and then See It from Above!

By 
Kamal Mirwani
Published 
October 26, 2025
Type: Mountain Views
Type: Historical/Cultural
Type: City Views
Difficulty: Easy
District: Hong Kong Island

Contents

Essential Peak Hike Details

  • District: Hong Kong Island
  • Duration: 1 hour 5 mins from Wan Chai to The Peak (VictoriaPeak)
  • Distance: 4.7km
  • Highest Elevation: 396 meters
  • Difficulty: 2/5
  • Facilities: There’s a public toilet at Wan Chai Gap Park about half way up

Why Hike to The Peak?

If you’ve only got a morning to spare and a taste for adventure, this one-hour hike (with no breaks) from Wan Chai to Victoria Peak is your perfect Hong Kong snapshot. Start in the heart of the city’s hustle: Wan Chai’s clattering trams, traditional shopfronts, vibrant street markets, and glassy, cyberpunk skyscrapers pressing in from every angle. It’s a neighborhood where old cha chaan teng cafés sit shoulder to shoulder with sleek towers—an energizing launchpad that puts Hong Kong’s contrasts on full display.

Within minutes, the streets give way to quiet stairways and leafy lanes that thread uphill. The climb is short and steep, but satisfying, and ideal for adventurous travelers and beginner local hikers alike: steady, well-marked, and never far from a drink stall or a bus stop if you need a breather. As you rise, the soundtrack shifts from tram bells and taxi horns to birdsong and the rustle of overhead foliage, while glimpses of the harbor flash between buildings and trees.

In around an hour, you’ll reach Victoria Peak - a must-see in every guidebook - except now, the view hits differently. You haven’t just arrived; you’ve earned it. Looking down on Wan Chai from the Peak, you can trace the very streets where you began, feel the pulse you just walked through, and recognize the city’s rhythm in the grid below. Hiking up turns an impersonal postcard panorama into a personal story - one that starts at street level and ends with Hong Kong unfurled at your feet.

Google Route Map and GPX

Wan Chai to The Peak Hike GPX

*Click the box icon in the top right of the map below to load the blue route directly into your own Google Maps. You can then see your location relative to the trail in real time!

How to Get to the Wan Chai to Victoria P Hike Start Point

Take the MTR to Wan Chai MTR Station and leave through Exit A3. The hike guide begins from right outside the station, no additional transport required.

Quick Route Summary

Mount Nicholson Hike Route Map

Wan Chai MTR Start Point

  1. Take the MTR to Wan Chai Station and leave through Exit A3
  2. Cross the road and walk through the stalls of Tai Yuen Street
  3. When you arrive at Queen’s Road East, look for Wan Chai Gap Road and climb up it

Wan Chai Green Trail

  1. You will have to cross Kennedy Road and continue up a set of stairs on the opposite side to reach the Wan Chai Green Trail, which is part of Wan Chai Gap Road
  2. Keep heading up Wan Chai Gap Road until you arrive at Stubbs Road

Coombe Road

  1. Connect to Coombe Road (there's a park on the left with free drinking water fountains, water bottle filling points, a store with snacks and drinks, and toilets

Peak Road and Barker Road

  1. After climbing Coombe Road, go left onto Peak Road
  2. You'll have to cross to the other side of Peak Road and turn right onto Barker Road
  3. You'll follow Barker Road for a while. There is often no pedestrian sidewalk here, so be REALLY CAREFUL as you'll be sharing the road with cars

Findlay Path to Victoria Peak

  1. You'll reach the Barker Road Peak Tram Station. If you wait a bit here, you can see the iconic Peak Tram in action!
  2. From the peak tram station, head up Plantation Road (don't follow Barker Road) and then follow Findlay Path. Findlay Path is just a few steps up Plantation Road
  3. Just a couple minutes later, you'll arrive at Victoria Peak!

Wan Chai Station to Wan Chai Gap Road

Take Exit A3 from Wan Chai MTR Station
Take Exit A3 from Wan Chai MTR Station
Cross to the other side of Johnston Road
Cross to the other side of Johnston Road
To the right of the crossing, walk up Tai Yuen Street (which was lit up like a side quest from a video game)
To the right of the crossing, walk up Tai Yuen Street (which was lit up like a side quest from a video game)
Keep heading down Tai Yuen Street. Try not to get distracted too much by the clothes and toy shops!
Keep heading down Tai Yuen Street. Try not to get distracted too much by the clothes and toy shops!
Cross once you arrive at the end of Tai Yuen Street
Cross once you arrive at the end of Tai Yuen Street
Wan Chai Gap Road (the next portion of the hike) is between the orange and white buildings
Wan Chai Gap Road (the next portion of the hike) is between the orange and white buildings

Once you've left Wan Chai MTR Station through Exit A3, cross Johnston Road and look for Tai Yuen Street.

This colorful little gem of a location is filled with toy shops, clothes shops, accessories, and plenty of other curious little bits and bobs.

You'll get to see the city's iconic ding dings (trams), some cyberpunk-looking buildings, cha chaan tengs (local cafes), and plenty of hustle and bustle.

Keep heading straight until you arrive at Queen's Road East. Cross it and look for the winding lane between the brown and fancy white building.

The uphill begins from here!

Wan Chai Gap Road and Wan Chai Green Trail

Begin climbing up Wan Chai Gap Road
Begin climbing up Wan Chai Gap Road
To continue, you'll need to cross the road and reach the stairs opposite. There's a pedestrian crossing to the right.
To continue, you'll need to cross the road and reach the stairs opposite. There's a pedestrian crossing to the right.
Once you've crossed, climb up the stairs
Once you've crossed, climb up the stairs
A sign will let you know that you're still on Wan Chai Gap Road and are going the correct way
A sign will let you know that you're still on Wan Chai Gap Road and are going the correct way
The climb gets significantly steeper from here
The climb gets significantly steeper from here
This part of Wan Chai Gap Road encompasses the Wan Chai Green Trail, as well
This part of Wan Chai Gap Road encompasses the Wan Chai Green Trail, as well
It's called the Green Trail for a reason
It's called the Green Trail for a reason
When you arrive at Bowen Road, keep going straight up. There's a toilet here on the left if you need it
When you arrive at Bowen Road, keep going straight up. There's a toilet here on the left if you need it
If uncertain where to go, look for the metal Wan Chai Green Trail Sign
If uncertain where to go, look for the metal Wan Chai Green Trail Sign
It's gonna get REALLY steep from here
It's gonna get REALLY steep from here
Fortunately, you'll begin encountering your first city views
Fortunately, you'll begin encountering your first city views to help battle the cardio burn
After this bend in the road, it's probably the steepest part of the Green Trail next. Good luck!
After this bend in the road, it's probably the steepest part of the Green Trail next. Good luck!
When you arrive at Stubbs Road, it's time for the next portion of the hike
When you arrive at Stubbs Road, it's time for the next portion of the hike

It took me about 20 minutes at a good clip to reach Stubbs Road. If you plan on taking your time and enjoying the view (or taking breaks to combat the steepness of the climb), budget a little extra time.

Aside from having to navigate a crossing, you'll be following the trail forward the entire time. The entire section is marked as Wan Chai Gap Road on Google Maps, so if you're uncertain, you can double check.

Coombe Road

Connecting to Coombe Road is easy. Look for the blue Police Museum sign!
Connecting to Coombe Road is easy. Look for the blue Police Museum sign!
You'll want to follow Coombe Road until its end
You'll want to follow Coombe Road until its end
In case you need a top up, there's a little snack and drink shop in the park on the left of Coombe Road
In case you need a top up, there's a little snack and drink shop in the park on the left of Coombe Road
There's also a bottle filling station and water fountain for free hydration in the same park!
There's also a bottle filling station and water fountain for free hydration in the same park!
Some parts of Coombe Road require you to walk off the pedestrian sidewalk, so be careful!
Some parts of Coombe Road require you to walk off the pedestrian sidewalk, so be careful!
It's mostly green trees and a winding road
It's mostly green trees and a winding road
And a few fancy residential properties
And a few fancy residential properties
About 7 minutes later, you'll reach the end of Coombe Road
About 7 minutes later, you'll reach the end of Coombe Road

Coombe Road presents another spot where you can top up on drinks and food (if the shop in the park is open).

When you're ready, follow Coombe Road as it winds upward. There are several portions where you'll be off the pedestrian sidewalk, so be wary of oncoming traffic.

It takes less than 10 mins to complete this section, minus any time you spend at the park.

Barker Road (Awesome Views)

At the top of Coombe Road, turn left and follow Peak Road
At the top of Coombe Road, turn left and follow Peak Road
There's also a pretty stellar view of Brick Hill waiting for you here!
There's also a pretty stellar view of Brick Hill waiting for you here!
Brick Hill
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Cross to the other side of Peak Road and continue forward
Cross to the other side of Peak Road and continue forward
Don't miss Barker Road!
Don't miss Barker Road!
About a minute later, you'll see Barker Road. Turn right and follow it upward
When you see Barker Road, turn right and follow it upward
The start of Barker Road
The start of Barker Road
Barker Road is mostly flat and surrounded by greenery and good views. Just be careful of traffic
Barker Road is mostly flat and surrounded by greenery and good views. Just be careful of traffic
On a clear day, you'll get views like this!
On a clear day, you'll get views like this!
But even on a cloudy day, the view is pretty special
But even on a cloudy day, the view is pretty special
Keep following Barker Road
Keep following Barker Road
I quite enjoy how much greenery flanks the road on both sides
I quite enjoy how much greenery flanks the road on both sides
There's another cool view just a short distance away
There's another cool view just a short distance away
Don't miss the old Victoria Hospital on the way!
Don't miss the old Victoria Hospital on the way!
The hospital was built to help women and children
The hospital was built to help women and children. This foundation stone was laid on 22 June, 1897
Just past the hospital is another brilliant city view (clear day)
Just past the hospital is another brilliant city view (clear day)
And here's the same view on the day I recorded this hike
And here's the same view on the day I recorded this hike
You'll pass by a big holding hands, fancy, weird sculpture thingy with a guard sitting under it
You'll pass by a big holding hands, fancy, weird sculpture thingy with a guard sitting under it
And a couple minutes after that, you'll arrive at the Barker Road Peak Tram Station
And a couple minutes after that, you'll arrive at the Barker Road Peak Tram Station

This is probably the highlight of the hike in terms of views and interesting landmarks. Barker Road is pretty flat, so you're done with expending effort. Now you get to meander along (while being mindful of traffic) and check out those sweet city views!

You'll also go past the Old Victoria Hospital. It was constructed in 1897, and was dedicated to commemorating Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. Thus, its name was originally the Victoria Jubilee Hospital.

It specialized in women’s and children’s health. The facility ceased operations in 1947, after being largely destroyed by bombing in Hong Kong during World War II. In 1950, the original main block at 15 Barker Road was demolished to make way for the Victoria House, which later became the residence of the Chief Secretary.

Just a short distance away from the old hospital is the Barker Road Peak Tram stop, which ends this section. In all, you can expect to spend about 20 minutes on this section.

Findlay Path to Victoria Peak

Do not follow Barker Road under the Peak Tram Tracks. Instead, you'll want to go up Plantation Road
Do not follow Barker Road under the Peak Tram Tracks. Instead, you'll want to go up Plantation Road
There will even be a friendly sign pointing you to Findlay Path
There will even be a friendly sign pointing you to Findlay Path
Barely a minute into your journey up Plantation Road, you'll see Findlay Path. Follow it
Barely a minute into your journey up Plantation Road, you'll see Findlay Path. Follow it
Turn right at the fork on Findlay Path
Turn right at the fork on Findlay Path
Follow Findlay Path for another minute
Follow Findlay Path for another minute
And you'll arrive at Victoria Peak!
And you'll arrive at Victoria Peak!
It's pretty sweet if you can time this hike for sunset as the buildings are lit up
It's pretty sweet if you can time this hike for sunset as the buildings are lit up

From Barker Road Peak Tram Station, take a sharp left up Plantation Road and then connect onto Findlay Path.

Take the right fork on Findlay Path and walk straight for a few minutes before arriving at Victoria Peak!

Best Victoria Peak Viewpoints

If you go to the rooftop of the Peak Galleria shopping mall (opposite the Peak Tower), you can get this epic, free view!
If you go to the rooftop of the Peak Galleria shopping mall (opposite the Peak Tower), you can get this epic, free view!
Better still, if you walk 10-15 mins down Lugard Road, you'll get even better free views
Better still, if you walk 10-15 mins down Lugard Road, you'll get even better free views
Lugard Road is genuinely better than the view from the Peak Tower
Lugard Road is genuinely better than the view from the Peak Tower
You get this view at night!
You get this view at night!
If it's cloudy, you can photograph Hong Kong's skyscrapers through the clouds!
If it's cloudy, you can photograph Hong Kong's skyscrapers through the clouds!
Screenshot 2025-04-04 001523
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You'll even get to see further out to Tuen Mun and Lantau
You'll even get to see further out to Tuen Mun and Lantau
The greener views are also stunning!
The greener views are also stunning!
The view from Lions Pavilion is also pretty sweet, but it's super crowded a lot of the time
The view from Lions Pavilion is also pretty sweet, but it's super crowded a lot of the time
For a more unique view, try hiking up to Mount High West!
For a more unique view, try hiking up to the nearby Mount High West!
HK Skyline morning trail at night
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Some of the best free viewpoints around Victoria Peak include (click the names to open in Google Maps):

  1. The Peak Galleria Mall rooftop - easy to reach. Right by the hike endpoint.
  2. Lugard Road Lookout - Easily my favorite view, but requires 10-15 mins of additional walking
  3. Lions Pavilion - Very close to the hike end point, but often crowded
  4. Mount High West - Requires an additional hour (perhaps more) there and back

Getting Back

You can take the Peak Tram down. It's crowded, especially on weekends
You can take the Peak Tram down. It's crowded, especially on weekends
Attached to the Peak Galleria is a bus terminus. You can take the 15 Double Decker bus or 1 green minibus down into Wan Chai, Admiralty, or Central. There are also taxis here
Attached to the Peak Galleria is a bus terminus. You can take the 15 Double Decker bus or 1 green minibus down into Wan Chai, Admiralty, or Central. There are also taxis here

To leave Victoria Peak, you can take the Peak Tram down to Admiralty. This is one of the coolest ways to descend back to the city and is a tourist highlight of Hong Kong. It's often crowded though, and will likely require waiting in a long queue.

Alternatively, you can head into the bus terminus under the Peak Galleria and take the number 15 double decker bus back to the city. You can also take the number 1 green minibus.

Taxis are also available in the bus terminus.