Hong Kong is known for its impressive skyline, featuring towering skyscrapers that dominate the city's landscape. Observation decks are a popular way for visitors to take in panoramic views of the city's iconic skyline, including Victoria Harbour. In this article, we'll explore the top five tallest buildings in Hong Kong and the observation decks and other options available for enjoying the view.
Here are the top five tallest buildings in Hong Kong and their unique characteristics:
International Commerce Centre (ICC) - Standing at 484 meters tall, the ICC is the tallest building in Hong Kong. It features a unique 118-floor design and is home to the luxury hotel The Ritz-Carlton and many international investment banks.
International Finance Centre (IFC) - The IFC is a two-tower complex, with the second tower being the tallest in Hong Kong Island. The top floors are reserved for the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA, the central bank of HK) and the building was featured in Batman: The Dark Knight.
Central Plaza - At 374 meters tall, it is the third tallest building in the city. Its unique design, featuring triangular shapes and a sleek, modernist facade, makes it instantly recognizable from a distance. At the top of the building, a striking light display can be served as a clock, with different colors indicating different times of the day.
Bank of China Tower - The Bank of China Tower stands at 367 meters tall and has a unique design resembling bamboo shoots. It is home to various offices, including the Bank of China's Hong Kong headquarters.
The Center - Standing at 346 meters tall, The Center is located in the heart of Hong Kong's financial district. It is known for its unique shape resembling a bent paperclip.
Hong Kong's skyscrapers offer various observation decks that allow visitors to enjoy the breathtaking views of Victoria Harbour and the city's skyline. Here are the observation decks available in some of the top skyscrapers:
ICC - The Sky 100 observation deck, located on the 100th floor of the ICC, offers a 360-degree panoramic view of Hong Kong's skyline and Victoria Harbour. The OZONE rooftop bar, located on the 118th floor of the ICC, is the highest bar in the world and offers a unique experience of enjoying drinks with a stunning view.
IFC - The highest floor available to the public is the HKMA Information Centre on the 55th floor, which offers a stunning view of Victoria Peak.
Central Plaza - The iSee Church, located on the 75th floor of Central Plaza, offering English service at 11 am and Cantonese service at 4 pm. It is the church closest to God in Hong Kong!
Apart from observation decks in skyscrapers, there are other options for enjoying the view of Hong Kong's skyline. Here are some other popular options:
Sky Terrace 428 and the Peak Circle Walk at the Peak - The Peak is one of Hong Kong's most famous tourist spots and offers stunning views of the city's skyline. The Sky Terrace 428 observation deck offers a 360-degree view of the city, and the Peak Circle Walk offers a leisurely stroll around the Peak, taking in the breathtaking views.
Rooftop bars in Hong Kong - Hong Kong is home to many rooftop bars that offer a great view of the city. Some popular rooftop bars include Sugar at East Hotel, Sevva in Central, and Felix (technically a top floor bar) at Peninsula Hotel. These bars offer a unique experience of enjoying a drink with a stunning view of the Victoria Harbour.
Lion Rock - Lion Rock is a popular hiking spot in Hong Kong that offers stunning views of the city's skyline. The hike can be challenging, but it is worth it for the panoramic views of the city.
Braemar Hill - Braemar Hill offers a unique sunset view in Hong Kong between the city's tallest buildings, ICC and IFC, accessible via a 20-minute hike from the bus terminal!
Hong Kong's skyline is one of the most iconic in the world, and there are plenty of options for enjoying the view of Victoria Harbour. From observation decks in skyscrapers to rooftop bars and hiking trails, there is something for everyone. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a local, experiencing the breathtaking views of Hong Kong's skyline is a must-do activity.