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 – it is definitely a must do when you are in Hong Kong! Especially if you want to enjoy epic views without the need to go on a hike

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.

Ding Ding – The Hong Kong Tram

One of the most iconic things to do in Hong Kong is taking a ride on the vintage double-decker trams, also called “Ding Ding” by the locals. They are the oldest still running public transport in Hing Kong – dating back to 1904!

You can choose between several routes but if you want to enjoy the best views during your ride, I highly recommend choosing the TRAMORAMIC Tour. It is a special sightseeing tour passing some photo-worthy views. And the best: The upper level of the tram has no roof which is perfect to enjoy the panorama!

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.

Even if you’re not staying in the hotel you can visit one of the restaurants or the popular Ozone Bar to enjoy the special feeling & views of the Ritz Carlton  Both are open for visitors and offer some great photography spots.

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.

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.

!! Attention: Remember that this hike is not beginner or kids friendly and should only be done if you feel fit, the weather is dry and if you wear proper hiking boots! If you do, then I promise that you will love it – It is such an unforgettable adventure.
Alternatively you can do the route Kowloon Peak Viewing Point – Elephant Hill – Radio Station & back down via the wooden staircase & skip the most slippery last part to Suicide Cliff.

Soho & Central Hong Kong – the most photogenic area in Hong Kong

If you are a fan of street are and unique cafes you will love the neighborhoods Soho and Central Hong Kong. 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.

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.

Hong Kong Insider Tip: Cheung Chau Island

Beach vibes in Hong Kong? YES that’s possible! Many people don’t know that there are over 250 small island which belong to Hong Kong. Some of them are inhabited and can be reached by ferry. One of the bigger islands is Cheung Chau and it is the perfect destination for a half or full day trip to get away from the hustle and bustle in the city center of Hong Kong.

We took the ferry from the Central Pier to Cheung Chau. I highly recommend choosing the speed ferry which only takes 30-40 minutes and costs 30 HKD (around 3,50 EUR) per person and per route. The ferry goes every hour so you have full flexibility on how long you’re planning to stay.

Definitely plan some time to relax at the Tung Wan Beach and stroll around over the market to dive into the local island life. You can even go on hikes on the island – there are a lot of things to do!

Map with the best photo spots in Hong Kong: