11 Alternative places to view Hong Kong's skyline

Seamlessly connecting the waterfronts of Cha Kwo Ling and Kwun Tong, Cha Kwo Ling Promenade features a pavilion, landscaped areas, lawns, children's play facilities, fitness equipment, and much more. The promenade is also an inclusive park for pets, where the public can bring their furry companions for some outdoor fun.

A nod to the old Kai Tak Airport, the Kai Tak Sky Garden is designed with various aviation elements that resemble an aircraft’s body and wings.

The sky deck is composed of season walkways, home to over 80 different species of flowering trees and shrubs; themed plazas, which offer different facilities such as a water play area and an amphitheatre; and lookout galleries that allow visitors to enjoy views of Victoria Harbour or go for a romantic stroll.

Formerly a public cargo working area, Belcher Bay Promenade opened in Kennedy Town as a 5,900sq m public space facing the water with a boardwalk, children's playground, and even a community farm and garden. During the weekend, it is filled with renegade skateboarders, dogs, picnickers, and couples looking for a romantic moment.

As one of the largest parks in the territory, the Tai Po Waterfront Park is ideal for a whole bevvy of outdoor and indoor activities – from a kite-flying area and model boat pool to the Insect House where visitors can learn about various insect species. But, if it's a view that you're after, circle up the Spiral Lookout Tower and take in the magnificent view of Tolo Harbour and the entire Tai Po Park.

Revamped from a public cargo working area where waste paper recycling used to run their businesses, this waterfront boardwalk is a small oasis away from the busy district of Kwun Tong. Though it's only about one km long, the promenade offers spectacular nighttime views of Hong Kong Island East and the panoramas of Victoria Harbour and Lei Yue Mun. 

West Kowloon Cultural District's Art Park is a prime spot for viewing the city's skyline. If you're visiting during the day, pack a picnic or rent a bike to ride around the area. You can also get your dose of art and culture by visiting the M+ museum or the Palace Museum. Or, if you're there after sundown, enjoy dinner with a view at one of the park's restaurants or cafes. Afterwards, stretch those legs and take a late-night stroll while soaking in the shimmering skyline.

This waterfront comes with unobstructed views of the Southern waters and out towards Lantau Island and the majestic Tsing Ma Bridge. You can often spot locals fishing along the praya during the week and the waterfront makes for a romantic nook come sunsets. 

A waterfront area that links up Tamar Park and the Central Piers, the spacious fenced grassy area covers around 3.97 hectares and features a pet-friendly garden. The stretch is a popular spot for picnics-goers and for spectators during fireworks displays over Victoria Harbour. 

The fishing village of Lei Yue Mun is ideal for getting fresh seafood and experiencing authentic, local culture. Uninterrupted by the rapid modernisation of the city, Lei Yue Mun is the place to be for a slice of old Hong Kong that's not too far away from the city (it's only a 10-minute walk from Yau Tong MTR Station). On the coastal edge of Lei Yuen Mun, there's a green lighthouse that has been – and still is – in service for over 50 years. Perched atop a small rock island, the lighthouse and the surrounding beach give way to a sweeping view of the skyline. Continue down the coastline towards the Tin Hau Temple and Old Lei Yuen Mun Quarry for a short breezy walk by the waterfront.

Located next to Kerry Hotel, the Hung Hom Ferry Pier, the former Hung Hom bus terminus and waterfront promenade provide sweeping views of HK Island. The bus terminus, which stopped operating in January 2019, offers a calming view that stretches from Kai Tak to North Point and Causeway Bay. If you walk further along the Hung Hom Promenade in the direction of TST, you'll be greeted with a more familiar sight of the HKCEC and a snippet of Central. Note that the former bus terminus is now somewhat of a playground for kids with bikes and scooters, especially during the weekend. But if you head there in the evening, you're guaranteed a great view without the sounds of screaming children in the background.

Located along Fortress Hill's harbourfront sits the East Coast Park Precinct, which officially opened to the public on September 25, 2021. One main feature of the park is its 100-metre-long breakwater, which is the first in Hong Kong to open to the public within Victoria Harbour. Visitors can enjoy the sea breeze on the benches along the breakwater and enjoy a panoramic view of the harbour. 

Aside from a slammin' view, the park also boasts various outdoor installations, a lawn area, shelters, slides and a balance bike track for the little ones. The park is open to the public 24/7, including pet owners and their fur kids on leashes.