10 lesser-known spots to enjoy the Hong Kong skyline in peace

WestK is a great place to soak up the views, but if the weekend crowds of screaming children and pitched tents are getting a bit much, take the lift up to the third floor of M+ instead. Its roof garden offers an equally impressive, and significantly less frantic, vantage point over Victoria Harbour. On the north side of the terrace, you’ll also find the M+ Playscape, featuring interactive sculptures that, unlike the art in the galleries, you’re actually allowed to touch and even climb.

For a slightly different view of Victoria Harbour, head to the Cheung Sha Wan promenade at the western edge of Kowloon. This compact stretch of waterfront has transformed an old cargo yard into an open space with green lawns and plenty of public seating – though its main attraction is undoubtedly the Townplace Pier. Local architects New Office Works have crowned the old pier with a wave-like steel canopy that nods to the harbour's history of docked fishing boats. Grab a drink from one of the nearby cafes, settle onto the pier’s amphitheatre-style steps, and enjoy a much quieter, postcard-worthy view of the skyline.

The Ocean Terminal Deck is arguably one of the best spots in Tsim Sha Tsui to view the city’s skyline. Extending right out into the waters, the deck offers a 270-degree unobstructed view of the harbour. It also regularly plays host to various public installations, so your skyline photo might feature anything from colourful mazes to giant statues of Deadpool or Buzz Lightyear. The deck can get busy during the weekends and special events, but on most days, it’s a perfectly peaceful spot – especially compared to the chaos of the shopping mall and TST promenade downstairs.

Built right along the former airport runway, the Kai Tak Sky Garden stretches for nearly a kilometre above the road below. The entire design is a giant nod to the city's aviation history, where the elongated deck is shaped to resemble an airplane's wings and fuselage, while the lighting at night is purposely dialled in to mimic the vibe of the old runway. It’s split into four season-themed zones packed with dozens of different plant species, giving you a long, elevated stretch to catch panoramic harbour views while literally walking through Hong Kong's aviation past.

Up on the 18th floor of MegaBox sits Mega Sky, a 30,000-square-foot park with a fantastic view of the East Kowloon skyline and harbour. By day, it’s a relaxing spot to lounge on the grass and watch the sun go down. Come nightfall, the garden's terrace floor is taken over by digital projections of flowers and marine life such as giant whales and jellyfish, immersing visitors in an audio-visual experience. Perfect for families after a day of shopping.

This golden complex along the TST harbourfront often gets overlooked thanks to its popular neighbour Harbour City. What most people don’t know, however, is that there’s a spacious deck on its promenade level with sweeping views of the Kowloon waterfront. The space is lined with benches and greenery, making it a peaceful little spot to step away from the rush of the city and just watch the boats go by.

Inside the garden stands the historic Signal Tower, built by the Hong Kong Observatory in 1907 to house a time-ball apparatus for maritime timekeeping. It ceased operations in 1933 and was designated a declared monument in 2015. Nowadays, it’s a unique landmark where those willing to venture up a narrow spiral staircase are rewarded with excellent views of the surrounding area. Not in the mood for a climb? Settle down in the garden where there are benches and a pavilion with perfectly good views of the harbour.

The fishing village of Lei Yue Mun is ideal for getting fresh seafood and experiencing authentic, local culture. Uninterrupted by the hustle and bustle, Lei Yue Mun is the place to be for a slice of old Hong Kong. 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.

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.

Located next to Kerry Hotel, this stretch encompassing the Hung Hom Ferry Pier, the former bus terminus, and the waterfront promenade offers incredible views of Hong Kong Island. The old terminus looks out over a calming panorama that stretches from Kai Tak all the way to North Point and Causeway Bay. If you walk further along the promenade toward TST, you'll be greeted with a more familiar sight of the HKCEC and a snippet of Central. Do 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 with some peace and quiet.