Hong Kong's density produces its most famous view (a skyline of skyscrapers stacked against forested peaks, all crowded around one of the world's great natural harbours) and also, less obviously, some genuinely excellent hiking within a short bus ride of the financial district.
The Harbour and Peak
The Star Ferry across Victoria Harbour, running since 1888, remains the cheapest and most scenic way to cross between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, do it after dark for the Symphony of Lights show illuminating the skyline.
Victoria Peak, reached by the century-old Peak Tram, gives the classic elevated view over the harbour and skyscrapers, go early morning or on a weekday evening to avoid the worst of the queues at both the tram and the viewing terrace.
Dim Sum and Hiking
Dim sum is best eaten the traditional way, at a bustling teahouse with trolleys or order sheets, ideally before noon, at a spot like Lin Heung Tea House or one of the many excellent options in Sham Shui Po.
The Dragon's Back trail, on Hong Kong Island's south side, is a genuinely excellent coastal ridge hike reachable by bus in under an hour from Central, proof that Hong Kong is far more than just its skyline.
Recommended Stay · Hong Kong · Tsim Sha Tsui
The Peninsula Hong Kong
A colonial-era landmark on the Kowloon waterfront with an unmatched view of the Hong Kong Island skyline across the harbour, arrive, as tradition dictates, by the hotel's own fleet of Rolls-Royces.
