The 9 most Instagrammable spots in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is an Instagrammer's dream, it's the perfect mix of old and new. There's the beautiful modern skyline and the stunning surrounding countryside with so many edge of the world style cliff edges.

Here's our guide to some of the best photography spots in one of our favourite cities in Asia.


Instragrammable Spots in Hong Kong

1. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel

It's fair to say that most of the hotel offers perfect photo opportunities but if we had to pick one spot you can't go past the infinity pool.

On the 118th floor it's the highest infinity pool, in the highest hotel in the world. Go at sunset for that perfect golden light shot.

You do have to stay at the hotel to access the pool, but with views like this it might be time to treat yourself!

Getting there: Take the MTR to Kowloon Station. Then it's a short walk through the Mall and the ICC to the hotel.


2. Star Ferry Pier

This is another great sunset spot. We had such perfect cloudless skies that we didn't see any wild sunrises or sunsets but we did get glorious golden light every evening.

The traditional red junk boats make a great shot and there are plenty of places you can skip the barriers and take in the scene too.

Getting there: The best view of Star Ferry Pier is from the Kowloon side, looking at Hong Kong Island. The Pier is only a short walk from either Tsim Sha Tsui or East Tsim Sha Tsui MTR stations. Alternatively you can get the Star Ferry from Central or Wan Chai to Star Ferry Pier.


3. Dragon's Back Trail

This beautiful and easy (at least by Hong Kong standards) walking trail has photo ops around every corner.

We were hiking in the middle of the day which wasn't the best light but if you could go early morning it would look even better. 

Getting there: The easiest way is to get a taxi, but you can get here by public transport. Take the MTR to Shau Kei Wan and follow the exits to the bus station. From here take Bus 9 (Shek O direction) and get off on at the start of the trail on Shek O Road (see map below).


4. Montaine Mansions

Brought to fame by the filming of Transformers 4: Age of Extinction, this spot is a must for any instagrammer.

The densely packed buildings are on three sides which gives great perspective to this inner city housing area. 

Getting There: Montaine Mansions is a 5 minute walk from Tai Koo MTR Station. Simply walk west along King's Road and find the small passageway which is accessible on Kings Road (you can't enter via Yau Man St or Mount Parker Road).


5 Lion Rock Peak

Another trail that's full of opportunity for a classic edge of the world shot.

Our favourites were right at the very top where you get panoramic views of the city below and plenty of crags to stand and admire from.

Don't go on a weekend unless you want to queue for your shots!

Getting there: There are two entry points to Lion Rock - Lion Rock Park Community Garden or Sha Tin Pass Road just by the Fat Jong Temple. The easiest way to get there is to get a taxi to the start of the walk. Alternatively, you'll have a steep hike (even before the start of the trail) from Weng Tai Sin MTR or Lok Fu MTR.


6 Lantau Peak

As the second highest peak in Hong Kong this trail is definitely harder work than the other ones mentioned here, totally worth it though.

Parts of the track reminded us of New Zealand and it even has its own Roy Peak style photo op.

If you can get to the peak for sunrise we salute you, please show us your shots as we would have loved to have done this but didn't get up in time!

We've detailed the hike up there if you fancy taking on the challenge yourself!

Getting there: First get the MTR to Tung Chung on Lantau Island. The start of the trail is at Pak Kung Au, an area on Tung Chung Road. Here you face two choices - a 45 minute bus ride or one of the local blue taxis (ours cost HK$50 from Tung Chung to the start of the trail).


7. Tian Tan Buddha

If you finish the Lantau peak trail this is where you will end up or alternatively take the cable car up. A lovely spot at sunset for softer light.

The cable car doesn't open until 9am so unless you hike up you won't have the chance to shoot at sunrise so sunset would definitely be our recommendation. 

Getting there: The most scenic route is by cable car which is connected to Tung Chung MTR station. Alternatively, you can save the HK$145 per person and get a local bus Ngong Ping.


8. Sai Wan Swimming Shed

Now this is a really popular local photography spot so if you go at sunset expect to queue for a quick slot even on a week day.

It's nicknamed Instagram pier for a reason! Still it's an atmospheric place to wait and the view is pretty hard to beat.

Getting there: You can get here by public transport, getting the MTR to Kennedy Town. From here walk to Belcher St and get one of the buses heading West on Belcher St / Victoria Road. Hop out Caritas Jockey Club Hostel, cross the road and look for the steps down to the water.


9. Victoria Peak

We think you could come here at any time of day and be blown away by the view but we've heard it's especially good at sunset or night time.

We hiked up so were there in the middle of the day but it still blew us away. It really is an incredible skyline.

Getting there: Whether you choose to walk up the peak or get the tram, it all starts in the same place. The Peak Tram is where both the train and trail begin. You can get here by taking the MTR to Central or Admiralty and walking 15 minutes.


Where to stay in Hong Kong

Our Pick - The Ritz Carlton

Booking.com

Possibly, the greatest hotel we've ever stayed in, the Ritz Carlton in Hong Kong is an incredible hotel. The hospitality is unparalleled, the rooms are equisite and the views all round are out of this world. It's the kind of hotel where you have to summon the will to leave each day!

Check the latest prices & reviews on:


Mid (ish) Range - Hyatt Sha Tin

Booking.com

If you're happy to be a little way out of the centre of Hong Kong, then the Hyatt in Sha Tin is a great option. The rooms here are huge, nicely furnished and really relaxing. It's a nice and quiet area as well. However, you're about a 20 minute taxi ride or hour long train journey from Hong Kong island.

Check the latest prices & reviews on:


Our Camera Gear

Our brand of choice for camera gear has been Canon for many years and we love their L-Series lenses. Whilst they are heavier than some other brands, the image results are worth the additional weight. You can read our honest and unsponsored guide to the pros and cons of our current kit here.

We’ve also used a few drones in our time (check out our guide to which drone to buy here) but currently own a DJI Mavic Pro.


This post may contain affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, that we will earn a small commission if you click through and decide to make a purchase. This helps towards the costs of running our website. :-)


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Have you been to Hong Kong? Know of any Instagram spots we may have missed? Let us know in the comments below.


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