12 Must-Visit Buildings in Hong Kong for First-Time Travelers

Hong Kong is a city whose architecture displays a blend of modernity and tradition. Towering skyscrapers pierce the clouds, set against lush green hills and Victoria Harbour’s gleam.

As one of the most vertical cities in the world, Hong Kong is a great place for architectural innovation, history, and amazing views.

Let’s explore twelve of the most iconic buildings in Hong Kong.

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1. International Commerce Centre (ICC)

Highlights

• Sky100 Observation Deck: Located on the 100th floor, Sky100 offers unmatched 360-degree views of Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong Island, and the Kowloon Peninsula.

• Ozone Bar: Dine and drink at one of the highest bars in the world at the Ritz-Carlton.

• Light Spectacle: View the nightly “Symphony of Lights” show from above.

Architecture

• Designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox, ICC is the tallest building in Hong Kong at 484 meters.

• Its tapering, sleek glass façade enhances the city’s skyline while reflecting the sea and city below.

Facilities

• Restaurants, cafés, and luxury lounges.

• Souvenir shops and interactive displays at Sky100.

• High-speed elevators and washroom facilities on major floors.

Accessibility

• Fully wheelchair accessible.

• Accessible restrooms and designated parking are available.

Costs Involved

• Sky100 entry: HKD 168 onwards (~USD 21).

• Ozone Bar: Dining prices vary by menu.

Location & How to Get There

• Address: 1 Austin Road West, West Kowloon, Hong Kong.

• How to Get There: MTR to Kowloon Station, then follow signs to ICC.

Pro Tips

• Visit around sunset for magical transitions from day to night.

• Book Sky100 tickets online to avoid queues.

2. International Finance Centre (IFC)

Source:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Finance_Centre_(Hong_Kong)

Highlights

• IFC Mall: A luxurious shopping destination with global brands and gourmet dining.

• Four Seasons Hotel: Offers sweeping harbour views and a rooftop infinity pool.

• Airport Express In-Town Check-In: Convenient flight check-in service within the complex.

Architecture

• Designed by César Pelli, the tower rises to 415 meters and symbolizes prosperity.

• Glass curtain walls maximize natural light and efficiency.

Facilities

• Extensive shopping and dining.

• Office towers and business lounges.

• Direct access to the Airport Express.

Accessibility

• Fully accessible with lifts and accessible toilets.

• Clear signage and service counters are available.

Costs Involved

• Entry: Free access to the mall and public spaces. Hotels and restaurants are priced individually.

Location & How to Get There

• Address: 8 Finance Street, Central, Hong Kong.

• How to Get There: MTR Central Station or Hong Kong Station.

Pro Tips

• Great for luxury shopping and fine dining.

• Ideal place to start your journey if heading to the airport.

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3. Bank of China Tower

Highlights

• Public Viewing Gallery: Located on the 43rd floor, offering a unique perspective of the city.

• Symbolic Design: Each section represents growth and progress in Chinese culture.

Architecture

• Designed by I.M. Pei, this 367-meter building features sharp lines and a geometric, crystalline structure.

• The X-bracing provides both form and function.

Facilities

• Visitor center and exhibition area.

• Public access to viewing floor (weekdays only).

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible but limited to the ground floor and viewing level.

Costs Involved

• Free public entry during open hours (weekdays only).

Location & How to Get There

• Address: 1 Garden Road, Central, Hong Kong.

• How to Get There: MTR Central Station Exit J2.

Pro Tips

• Visit early on weekdays to avoid queues for the observation gallery.

• Bring ID for access to the upper floors.

4. HSBC Main Building

Highlights

• Innovative Open Atrium: The world’s first building designed entirely with prefabricated parts.

• Feng Shui Alignment: Mirrors and cannons guard against negative energy.

Architecture

• Designed by Norman Foster, this 180-meter building revolutionized modern skyscraper design.

• Exposed steel structure and modular design elements.

Facilities

• Ground-level public plaza and exhibition spaces.

• Unique escalator system and glass elevators.

Accessibility

• Fully accessible, wide open spaces and accessible toilets.

Costs Involved

• No entry fee for the public areas.

Location & How to Get There

• Address: 1 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong.

• How to Get There: MTR Central Station Exit K.

Pro Tips

• Check out the lion statues out front, they’re steeped in lore and luck.

• Great photo spot in the heart of Central.

5. The Center

Highlights

• Night Light Show: The entire building lights up with LED displays.

• Office and Tech Hub: Home to numerous startups and tech firms.

Architecture

• A 346-meter marvel known for its symmetry and metallic finish.

• Designed with a steel-frame structure.

Facilities

• Office space, business lounges, and cafes.

Accessibility

• Full wheelchair access.

Costs Involved

• Viewing from the outside only, no public observation deck.

Location & How to Get There

• Address: 99 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong.

• How to Get There: MTR Central Station or Sheung Wan Station.

Pro Tips

• Best seen at night for its colorful light display.

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6. Chi Lin Nunnery

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chi_Lin_Nunnery

Highlights

• Peaceful Oasis: A tranquil Buddhist sanctuary in the middle of bustling Kowloon, known for its serene lotus ponds and classical gardens.

• Nan Lian Garden: Located adjacent to the nunnery, this Tang dynasty-style landscape garden is perfect for quiet reflection and photography.

• Cultural Exhibitions: Offers rotating displays of Buddhist art, relics, and architecture.

Architecture

• Built entirely with interlocking wood using traditional Tang Dynasty techniques, no nails were used in its construction.

• Features golden teak halls, curved tiled roofs, and tranquil courtyards.

• Inspired by traditional Chinese monastic architecture.

Facilities

• Main temple hall, exhibition spaces, vegetarian restaurant.

• Gift shop selling Buddhist literature, incense, and handicrafts.

• Garden café and rest areas.

Accessibility

• Fully wheelchair accessible.

• Ramps and wide walkways are available throughout the premises.

Costs Involved

• Entry: Free of charge.

• Vegetarian meal sets are available starting at HKD 80 (~USD 10).

Location & How to Get There

• Address: 5 Chi Lin Drive, Diamond Hill, Kowloon, Hong Kong.

• How to Get There: MTR Diamond Hill Station, Exit C2. Follow the signs through the Plaza Hollywood mall.

Pro Tips

• Visit early in the morning for quiet meditation or photography without crowds.

• Combine your trip with a walk in Nan Lian Garden, especially beautiful during spring.

7. Hopewell Centre

Highlights

• 360° Revolving Restaurant: Experience panoramic dining at the top.

• First Circular Skyscraper in HK.

Architecture

• 222 meters tall and cylindrical, offering full-range views.

• The roof is equipped with a helipad.

Facilities

• Restaurants, retail spaces, and gym facilities.

Accessibility

• Ramps and elevators for accessibility.

Costs Involved

• Dining prices at the revolving restaurant vary.

Location & How to Get There

• Address: 183 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai, Hong Kong.

• How to Get There: MTR Wan Chai Station, then a short walk.

Pro Tips

• Book a table by the window for the best views.

8. The Peak Tower

Highlights

• Sky Terrace 428: The highest viewing platform in Hong Kong.

• Shopping & Dining: Shops, restaurants, and the famous Madame Tussauds.

Architecture

• Designed like a wok or bowl, it stands out among The Peak’s lush backdrop.

• Built with futuristic curvature and observation decks.

Facilities

• Sky Terrace, souvenir shops, and restaurants.

• Madame Tussauds and interactive exhibits.

Accessibility

• Fully accessible with lifts and escalators.

Costs Involved

• Sky Terrace 428 entry: HKD 75 (~USD 10).

Location & How to Get There

• Address: 128 Peak Road, The Peak, Hong Kong.

• How to Get There: Peak Tram or bus from Central.

Pro Tips

• Buy combo tickets for the tram + Sky Terrace to save money.

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9. Tian Tan Buddha (Big Buddha)

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Big_Buddha_(Hong_Kong)

Highlights

• One of the World’s Largest Outdoor Bronze Buddhas: Sitting 34 meters high, this awe-inspiring statue represents peace and enlightenment.

• Po Lin Monastery: Located nearby, it’s an important spiritual site and pilgrimage destination.

• Wisdom Path: A serene walk among 38 wooden steles inscribed with the Heart Sutra.

Architecture

• Completed in 1993, the seated Buddha is made of 202 bronze pieces.

• The statue sits atop a three-level altar platform, reached by climbing 268 steps.

• The harmonious layout aligns with Buddhist cosmology and principles.

Facilities

• Exhibition halls beneath the statue (ticketed).

• Vegetarian restaurant operated by Po Lin Monastery.

• Gift shops and teahouses on-site.

Accessibility

• There’s a bus option for visitors who cannot climb the stairs.

• Wheelchair access to the base level; full statue access may be limited.

Costs Involved

• Outdoor viewing: Free.

• Exhibition Hall + Vegetarian Meal: Combo tickets start around HKD 78 (~USD 10).

Location & How to Get There

• Address: Ngong Ping Road, Lantau Island, Hong Kong.

• How to Get There:

  • Option 1: MTR to Tung Chung Station, then take the Ngong Ping 360 cable car.

  • Option 2: Bus 23 from Tung Chung.

Pro Tips

• Try to visit on a clear day, fog often shrouds the Buddha.

• Take the glass-bottom cable car for epic views of Lantau Island and the South China Sea.

10. The Murray, Hong Kong

Highlights

• Luxury Heritage Hotel: Once a government office, now a five-star hotel.

• Rooftop Garden Dining: Popinjays offers top-tier dining with city views.

Architecture

• Award-winning conversion by Foster + Partners.

• Arched windows and a white facade highlight its 1960s roots.

Facilities

• Spa, gym, restaurants, and meeting rooms.

Accessibility

• Fully accessible, with premium amenities.

Costs Involved

• Hotel rooms start at HKD 3,000/night (~USD 385).

Location & How to Get There

• Address: 22 Cotton Tree Drive, Central, Hong Kong.

• How to Get There: MTR Central or Admiralty Station.

Pro Tips

• Book lunch at Popinjays for rooftop views without staying overnight.

11. Jardine House

Highlights

• First Skyscraper in Asia: Known for its round windows and historic legacy.

• Futuristic in the 70s, still iconic today.

Architecture

• 178 meters tall, designed with circular windows to reduce wind pressure.

Facilities

• Offices, cafés, and restaurants.

Accessibility

• Accessible restrooms and elevators.

Costs Involved

• No public observation area; admire from the outside.

Location & How to Get There

• Address: 1 Connaught Place, Central, Hong Kong.

• How to Get There: MTR Central Station Exit A.

Pro Tips

• Visit in the evening for beautiful reflections of the harbor.

12. Tsim Sha Tsui Clock Tower

Highlights

• Historic Landmark: Remnant of the former Kowloon-Canton Railway terminus.

• Popular Photo Spot: Overlooks Victoria Harbour.

Architecture

• Constructed with red bricks and granite, 44 meters tall.

• Colonial-era style with a clock still in operation.

Facilities

• Public square, seating areas, and harbor promenade.

Accessibility

• Fully wheelchair accessible.

Costs Involved

• Free public access.

Location & How to Get There

• Address: Star Ferry Pier, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong.

• How to Get There: MTR Tsim Sha Tsui Station Exit E.

Pro Tips

• Visit at sunset for spectacular views across the harbor.’

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FAQs

What is the tallest building in Hong Kong?

The tallest of all buildings in Hong Kong is the International Commerce Centre (ICC), which stands at 484 meters and offers breathtaking views from the Sky100 observation deck.

Which buildings in Hong Kong offer the best views of Victoria Harbour?

Some of the best buildings in Hong Kong for harbour views include Sky100 at ICC, The Peak Tower, and Harbour Grand Hong Kong. These spots provide panoramic cityscapes, especially at sunset.

Can tourists visit the observation deck of the Bank of China Tower?

Yes! Among the most iconic buildings in Hong Kong, the Bank of China Tower has a 43rd-floor viewing gallery that is open to the public on weekdays, free of charge.

Are buildings in Hong Kong accessible to wheelchair users?

Most major buildings in Hong Kong, especially skyscrapers like the ICC, IFC, and Sky100, offer excellent accessibility, with elevators, ramps, and dedicated restrooms.

Do I need to follow a dress code when visiting buildings in Hong Kong?

While casual wear is acceptable for most observation decks and attractions, upscale buildings in Hong Kong with restaurants or lounges, like The Murray or Ritz-Carlton, may require smart casual attire.

What’s the best time to visit buildings in Hong Kong for views and photos?

Golden hour (just before sunset) is ideal for visiting observation decks in buildings in Hong Kong. You’ll capture both the daylight views and the illuminated skyline as night falls.