Hiking to The Peak in HK the Easy, No-Drama Way

Hong Kong is one of those cities where everything feels fast, shiny, and aggressively efficient... until you try to take the Peak Tram up.

The line wraps around the block on weekends, the humidity levels feel like someone gently microwaved you, and everyone is standing there questioning their life choices.

So here’s what we did instead: We hiked it.

And honestly, it was way more fun, way more peaceful, and zero percent as sweaty as we expected (okay, maybe ten percent, but also we have the privilege to go during the cooler months of December).

Plus, you still get the Peak Tram experience... going down, where the line is much less intimidating, and the tickets are cheaper if you book a one-way through Trip.com. It’s the perfect combo.

Can You Hike to The Peak in Hong Kong?

Yes, And You Probably Should

Before we get into the step-by-step, let’s talk about why you’re even doing this.

1. You skip the tram madness

We’ve seen that tram line. We’ve walked past that tram line. We’ve judged that tram line. Once you see it, you’ll also sprint in the opposite direction.

2. It’s free

Hong Kong is not cheap, and hiking saves you enough money to justify a bubble tea afterward. Maybe even two if you’re sweaty enough.

3. The path is actually gorgeous

You start in the middle of Central with all its glassy skyscrapers, and before you know it, you’re inside this lush green oasis with tropical plants and birds chirping like you magically teleported to Bali.

4. You still get the iconic tram ride

Going down. In style. And with far less waiting because the hordes of people are only going up and then spending much more time lingering on the top.

You can just buy your ticket on Trip.com, we always use them for things like this, and actually it’s usually a tiny bit cheaper than buying it on the spot (particularly if you are booking on the day). Plus, the tram is a fun little experience where everyone leans forward at a comically extreme angle and pretends this is normal.

How to Hike Up to The Peak in Hong Kong (Step-by-Step Without Getting Lost)

This is the exact route we took, easy, straightforward, and no, you do not need hiking boots. You just need legs and maybe a bottle of water if you value your life.

➤ Start at Central Station, Exit J2

Pop out of Exit J2 and follow the signs for “Peak Tram.” Hong Kong signage is phenomenal. Honestly, it is pretty hard to get lost.

We walked past the iconic Bank of China building, felt momentarily important, and soon arrived at the actual tram station, where the crowds were already forming like a Disney ride without the fun.

This is where you don't go into the tram station and head to the right, continuing up Garden Road.

➤ Walk up Garden Road

You’re going to be tempted to second-guess yourself because the signs disappear for a minute, but trust us: keep walking up Garden Road on the right side of the tramway entrance. A little further up, you'll see a sign for the HK Zoological and Botanical Gardens, follow that.

➤ Enter the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens

This part surprised us. One second you’re in the concrete jungle, the next you’re in actual nature with turtles sunbathing and tropical plants doing their thing.

Wander a bit, it’s free and genuinely beautiful, but keep heading uphill because gravity is the name of the game today.

Exit through the back corner, and you’ll land on Old Peak Road.

➤ Old Peak Road (where the incline gets personal)

This is the point where you’ll understand why everyone else pays for the tram.

It gets steep. Very steep at times. Steep enough that we questioned whether Hong Kongers have superhuman calves.

But honestly? It’s oddly satisfying. You see skyscrapers hovering above you, you get little pockets of jungle shade, and the whole thing feels like hiking through a sci-fi movie.

Eventually, you’ll hit a sign that says: “The Peak Tower (30-minute walk)” At that point, you’re committed. Just keep going.

➤ Arrive at The Peak Tower

You’ll suddenly pop out at the Peak Tower shopping complex looking slightly damp but very proud of yourself.

You can pay extra to go up to the Sky Terrace... but honestly, the free viewpoints around the back are just as stunning. And far less chaotic.

We skipped the paywall and still got those postcard skyline photos you’ve definitely seen on Instagram.

Made It to the Top! Here’s How to Get Down (Take the Tram Down)

You did the hard part. Now it’s time to sit your sweaty self down and let gravity glide you back into the city.

Why take the tram down the Peak?

• The downhill line is likely to be way shorter than the uphill line
• The experience is classic
• Trip.com sells cheaper tickets
• And the angle of the tram is hilarious... everyone is kind of pushed forward as if reenacting a Titanic scene

Book the Peak Tram on Trip.com

We booked it through Trip.com, because it’s easy, cheap, and reliable. The day we hiked, it was even almost a euro cheaper than if we had purchased it directly. Just scroll down on this page and search for One-way Peak Tram.

Tickets don’t sell out. You can literally book them while standing at the top. Or from your hotel. Or from the bathroom. Live your truth.

Where to Stay in Hong Kong (If You Want This Hike to Be Even Easier)

If you want to roll out of bed and basically fall into the starting point of the hike, stay near Central. Here are places we’d recommend to friends:

Luxury Pick: The Upper House

Like sleeping inside a cloud with skyline views.

Mid-Range Pick: The Murray

Stylish and ridiculously close to everything. It is located right on Garden Road, so it is perfectly situated for this hike.

Budget Pick: Mini Hotel Central

Tiny rooms. Big savings. Perfect location.

Final Thoughts

Hiking up to The Peak is honestly the way to do it. You avoid the sweaty tram line, you get a surprisingly beautiful walk, and you earn the view instead of being hauled up like cargo.

Then you float back down on the tram like a civilized human.