Hong Kong: What to See & Do: Sights: The Peak

The Peak

This should be the first stop on all itineraries. Apart from offering a thrilling, near-vertical ride, climbing 1,805 feet in seven minutes, it also allows a chance to see the layout of the city. Immediately below the Peak are the skyscrapers of the Central district, in the middle is the impossibly busy harbor, with a cast of nautical characters that include hulking container ships and tiny sampans, and beyond the promenade of Tsim Sha Tsui and the imposing mountains of Kowloon.

Most people enjoy the view from the Peak Tower but, given time, the 2.2-mile walk around the tree-lined pathway is worthwhile. The Peak Tower, said by some to resemble an upside-down wok, has recently undergone a major revamp, shedding some of the more touristy shops. Expect, however, to share the space with lots of tour groups, in particular busloads of happy snappers from the People’s Republic.

At night, the Peak Tower takes on a different identity, allowing a splendid view of the shimmering sights below. The dinner menu at the sheer-glass-windowed Café Deco (Level 1-2, Peak Galleria, 118 Peak Rd, 852-2849-5111; www.peakcafe.com) is eclectic and consistently excellent, featuring Chinese noodles, Indian tandoori and New Zealand venison. Return fare to the Peak is about $4.