Hong Kong is one of my favorite places in the whole world. Here you can find bustling big city vibes with an impressive nature just in front of your doorstep. Hong Kong is full of wonderful view points and photogenic places. This is my guide for the best highlights and photo spots in Hong Kong and how you can easily find them.
These are the best highlights & photo spots in Hong Kong:
The Quarry Bay Monster Building
Quarry Bay is a neighborhood in East Hong Kong which is known for its huge buildings. Especially the Fok Cheong ‘Monster Building’ which was built in the 1960s turned into a photographers hotspot.
Standing in the yard you will have different towers around you with small apartments in it.
Even so it’s indeed a very interesting photo motive you should always keep in mind that people are living here. So make sure to respect the privacy of the locals while taking your photos.
How to get to the Quarry Bay Monster Building in Hong Kong?
You can easily reach the building via the MTR till the Tai Koo station. Take Exit B and follow the King’s Road till the entry of the building. I saved the exact location in my map above with all photo spots in Hong Kong.
Victoria Peak – the most famous view point in Hong Kong
The Victoria Peak is a place for one of THE most famous views over Hong Kong. You can either choose between the sky deck or one of the many view points around Victoria Peak.
We took the historical Peak Tram to drive up to the top which already offers an amazing view. The price for a return ticket in combination with the sky terrace is only 90 HKD (9 EUR) per Person.
Star Ferry Ride
The Star Ferry connects Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. During the ride you get an amazing view over both sides of Hong Kong, making it one of my favorite photo spots in Hong Kong. I especially loved the ride in the evening when all the buildings started to light up in different colors. Even so there is a modern tunnel nowadays to connect the two parts of the city, there are still a lot of people using the ferry from the 19th century. One ride only costs less than one Euro so it’s absolutely worth it You will get the best views during sunset, taking the ferry from Central or Wan Chai to the Tsim Sha Tsui Ferry Terminal in Kowloon.
The Ritz Carlton Hong Kong
The Ritz Carlton Hong Kong is the highest hotel in the world! It even has the highest indoor swimming pool and bar… So you can imagine that this hotel is all about the great views
The Hotel is absolutely one of a kind and the number one address in Hong Kong. From the rooms, the pool and the lounge you have an incredible view over Hong Kong Island.
→ Book your stay at this photogenic Hotel in Hong Kong here!
Braemer Hill, Secret View Point – my favorite photo spot in Hong Kong
During our third visit in Hong Kong we finally discovered the amazing viewpoint I always wanted to go! And I already got tons of questions about where it is!
It’s located at Braemer Hill very close to the Red Incense Burner Summit which is a famous point among photographers. The view from this spot over Victoria Harbour & Kowloon is spectacular during sunset but you probably wont find an empty seat since everything is covered with tripods.
BUT the spot we discovered offers the same view and was completely empty.
HOW TO FIND THE SECRET VIEW POINT?
The start of the short hike is at the End of Braemer Hill Road. We always took an Uber to get here but you can also take a Bus to the Braemer Hill station.
If you pass the school you will see a fence at the end of the road. On the left side you have to climb over another little fence and walk along the little path until you see a staircase.
At the end of it you have to keep right and follow until the next parting of the way. This is the most important spot! If you go right you will end up at Red Incense Burner Summit. If you follow the way to the left side you will reach the secret view point. You will probably walk around 10-15 Minutes until you see a little path leading up into the bushes on the left side! These are the last few steps until you reach the spot.
The coordinates are 22°16’42.4”N 114°11’52.2”E – type this into your google maps or open my map with Hong Kong Photo Spots and you wont miss it
P.S. on the way you will already spot some other places which offer a great view on the right side but the secret rock is simply the BEST spot.
Suicide Cliff – the most insane photo spot in Hong Kong
A place we only discovered recently but is one of the most insane views over Hong Kong I’ve seen is the Suicide Cliff. In fact not only this specific cliff is insane but also the hike which leads here! I promise you will love it.
How to get to the Sucide Cliff in Hong Kong?
Start your hike at the Kowloon Peak Viewing Point where you can get dropped off by Uber (this saves you around an hour of the hike!). From the pavilion at the view point you will see a path leading in the bushes and a “danger sign”. But no worries – this means that your are on the right way! The beginning of the hike is easy to moderate and will lead you underneath a power plant with insane vies over Kowloon on the one side and the small islands of Hong Kong on the other. After passing Elephant hill (where the first photo below was taken) and a radio station you are almost there! The last 20 minutes before finally reaching Suicide Cliff are challenging and not beginner friendly. So you should consider ending the hike at the radio station where you have a wonderful view as well.
For the way back, make sure to take the wooden staircase downhill which starts at the radio station. This is very important, as the shorter “path” leading downhill directly from Suicide Cliff is extremely steep and dangerous – I wouldn’t recommend it!
The whole hike took us 2,5 hours (this is only the hiking time, without the photo stops) and you definitely need to wear proper hiking boots for it and bring plenty of water. If you come during sunset also make sure to have a head lamp as it will get dark quickly and there are no lights at all. Remember that this hike is not beginner or kids friendly and should only be done if you feel fit! If you do, then I promise that you will love it – It is such an unforgettable adventure!
Elephant Hill
Suicide Cliff
Soho Hong Kong – the most photogenic area in Hong Kong
If you are a fan of street are and unique cafes you will love Soho. The area is full of beautiful murals and cute restaurants. Simply stroll around and explore the little alleys. Additionally you should take a look at the Central-Mid-Levels Escalators – the longest outdoor escalator system in the world. It leads 800m from downhill to uphill. And here is an interesting fact: In the morning it first leads downhill to help the people get to work or school. Only after midday it changes its direction.
LANTAU ISLAND
Lantau Island is home of the Big Buddha (Tian Tan Buddha) and the beautiful Po Lin monastery. The island is located in the West of Hong Kong and can be reached via the Ngong Ping cable car. The ride is a bit expensive (235 HKD/23,50 EUR for an adult) but offers incredible views over Hong Kong and the lush island.
First you “fly” over the sea and get closer and closer to the soft green hills of Lantau island. During the ride we spotted several waterfalls and of course the Big Buddha.
The Tian Tan Buddha on Lantau Island
The Buddha is 34 Meter high and you have to climb up 268 stairs to reach it. It is quite exhausting in the humid weather of Hong Kong but in the end absolutely worth it. The platform offers a panoramic view over the hills and the sea with all the little islands.
Tian Tan Buddha
Po Lin Monastery
Po Lin monastery on Lantau Island
After visiting the Bid Buddha you shouldn’t miss the Po Lin monastery which is the most important Buddhist sanctuary in Hong Kong. Many wonderful details decorate the building and give the place a special charm.
Kevin
what telephoto lens did you capture those hiking pictures? absolutely majestic!
voyagefox
Thank you so much! It has been captured with our Nikon Z6II and a 24-70 mm lens 🙂