Hong Kong Island
Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Hong Kong Island lies in the southern reaches of the Hong Kong region and is home to some of its most popular attractions. Highlights include Victoria Peak, the Central Mid-Levels escalator, Aberdeen, Deep Water Bay, and Stanley Market. The Central and Causeway Bay areas are prime destinations for shopping, eating, and sightseeing. A surprising amount of greenery lies along the mountainous interior, while charming fishing villages, coves, and harbors dot the coastline.
The basics
Just about everyone in Hong Kong finds themselves on Hong Kong Island at one point or another. City tours, including hop-on hop-off bus tours, always stop on the island, and the iconic Star Ferry passes between the island and Kowloon on the mainland. Catch highlights on full- or half-day tours, or explore the island at your own pace. Remember that the twin Hong Kong Island and Kowloon skylines are best seen on Victoria Harbour cruises.
Things to know before you go
Hong Kong Island is a must-visit for every type of traveler, especially first-time visitors to Hong Kong.
Wear comfortable shoes and prepare to do a fair bit of walking.
Don’t forget an umbrella, as the weather can be unpredictable in Hong Kong.
How to get there
Central Station, a major city transportation hub, is situated on Hong Kong Island, giving travelers multiple options for arriving. The Hong Kong Airport Express train takes passengers from the airport in under 30 minutes, and numerous buses, trams, ferries, and metro lines make stops all over the island. Riding the Star Ferry across Victoria Harbour from Kowloon is a quintessential Hong Kong experience.
When to get there
One of the best times to visit Hong Kong Island is between October and December when overnight rates are reasonable and temperatures are comfortable. Summer from June to September is the hottest and wettest time of the year, with temperatures averaging 80°F (27°C). If visiting just after New Year’s or during a Chinese holiday, expect hotel rates to jump significantly.
Hong Kong Island's observation decks
Hong Kong Island has multiple observation decks worth visiting. Victoria Peak’s Sky Terrace, the most popular by far, affords 360-degree views of Hong Kong skyscrapers. The International Finance Centre (IFC) building ranks as the tallest on the island and houses a free 55th-floor viewing platform looking across the harbor to Kowloon. Another free option is the 46th-floor lobby inside Central Plaza in Wan Chai.
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