Victoria Peak

Victoria Peak (552m) is mostly called The Peak nowadays - verbal shorthand rather than any political correctness. The most exciting way to arrive is by taking the open-topped double decker bus from Star Ferry, followed by the Peak Tram, which is actually a funicular.

I can't recall an occasion when I've had the place to myself - there are usually hundreds goggling at the view - Central, harbour, Kowloon, mountains - posing for photos, and trudging in and out of the malls here. The good news is that most people fail to experience the best bits: a walk around The Peak along Harlech and Lugard roads (flat, and actually more like a paved trail, though wide enough for the occasional limo), which grants a 360 degree view; a walk up Mount Austin Road, to Victoria Peak Garden; and the ultra steep descent down Old Peak Road which leads back to Central. Sedan chair carriers used to lug their passengers up here: I'm not sure what they got paid, but however much it was, it wasn't enough.