Sunsets in Hong Kong can be very beautiful at times. But with all the skyscrapers, and mountains surrounding the city, it can be a challenge to find a spot to see the setting sun. But at the same time, you may want to capture the sunset against Hong Kong’s skyline.
Having lived in Hong Kong for a while now, I’ve discovered many locations to catch the sunset. However, in this post I’m going to list down my 5 favourite sunset spots in the city. Although 3 of the 5 spots require a short hike or walk, they are completely worth it! And yes, all of these spots are free to access. You don’t have to pay to find a fantastic spot to watch the sunset in Hong Kong.
So, here goes.
5. Kennedy Town Waterfront
Sunsets from Kennedy Town
One of the easiest places to see the sunset in Hong Kong is from Kennedy Town, the north-western corner of the island. Take the Island Line MTR till Kennedy Town, the last stop. Then take Exit C and head down towards the harbour on Smithfield Road. Once you reach New Praya Road, walk across towards the promenade where all the benches are located.
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- Beautiful sunset views from Kennedy Town, Hong Kong
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- Sunset vistas from Kennedy Town in Hong Kong
This spot is quite popular with Kennedy Town residents, you’ll be sure to find many of them here during sunsets.
4. Instagram Pier
The West District Public Cargo Depot has been aptly renamed to Instagram Pier. Located in Sai Wan on Hong Kong Island, Instagram Pier was originally a container terminal. However, it has now become a popular spot for photographers and Instagrammers who want to capture gorgeous shots of the sunset.
The pier sticks out into the sea to provide an unobstructed view of the harbour, skyline and the horizon. Add to that props like cargo pallets, containers, freight machines, old lamp posts, people fishing, and you’ll have a good idea why this place is so popular! And with a name like that, the pier has also gotten a lot of press coverage.
To get to Instagram Pier take the Island Line to HKU MTR station. Take Exit B1 and walk along the path in the map below.
How to get to Instagram Pier
3. Cyberport
Sunsets at Cyberport
Cyberport is one of our favourite go-to spots to catch the sunset. Located on the south-west corner of the island, Cyberport Park is one of the few places in Hong Kong where you can see the sunset obstruction-free.
Cyberport is relatively easy to get to from Kennedy Town or anywhere on Hong Kong Island. Here is a full list of public transportation that can get you to Cyberport.
We usually grab a drink and enjoy the sunset at Cyberport. You too could do that. Once at Cyberport, head to the supermarket (the International is conveniently located near the bus stop) and grab something to eat or drink. After that, head to the park and get a place to sit on the edge of the harbour. From here, the sunset views never disappoint. There’s only a sea, and hills between you and the sun. And many passing ships.
You can read more about what to do in Cyberport in this post.
2. Devil’s Peak
Watching the sun set from on top of Devil’s Peak, Hong Kong
Devil’s Peak is a short and easy hike up from Lei Yue Mun at the eastern edge of Kowloon. The area is most famous for it’s historical importance as a fort used to defend the Hong Kong harbour.
Today, many locals visit Devil’s Peak not only to see the remains of the forts, but also to witness the sunset from the summit. With a view of the harbour, and the skyline, sunset views from the Devil’s Peak are always beautiful.
View of the sunset from Devil’s Peak
You can learn more about the hike, and the Devil’s Peak area in this post.
1. Braemar Hill (Red Incense Burner Summit)
The city looks spectacular with the lights during a sunset
For a long time Braemar Hill (Red Incense Burner Summit) was one of Hong Kong’s best kept secret sunset locations. These days, you’d better make it there an hour or two before sunset to get a good viewing spot. It can get really busy, especially on days with a beautiful sunset.
There are limited spots at Braemar Hill, so arrive early
There’s a good reason why Braemar Hill is one of the best sunset viewing spots in Hong Kong. Located at the edge of Causeway Bay, the view from the hill looks right over Hong Kong’s stunning skyline and landscape. Also depending on the time of the year, the sun either sets behind the skyline, or into the harbour.
If you ask me, Braemar Hill is also one of the best places to photograph the Hong Kong skyline.
A beautiful sunset seen from Braemar Hill, Hong Kong
How to get to the Braemar Hill Sunset Spot?
The fastest way to get to Braemar Hill is from Tin Hau MTR station. Take Exit A1 and head straight into the bus station. From here, catch the Green Minibus 49M to Braemar Hill. Make sure you let the bus driver know to let you off at Braemar Hill Bus Terminus.
From the terminus, it can be a bit tricky to get to the hill. On Google Maps, the hill is labelled as Red Incense Burner Summit. There’s a short cut, that involves jumping over a fence, and the long way that isn’t really shown on Google Maps. Here is a quick video that shows you the way to the summit.
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And here is a crudely drawn map that shows you how to get to the sunset spot (yellow is for the long route, red is for the short cut).
Route to get to the sunset point at Braemar Hill
Remember to bring a torch with you. It get dark quickly after the sunset, and you’ll need to the light to get back to the bus stop.
Hong Kong bathe in city lights and twilight
If you’re a fan of hiking in Hong Kong, check out my guide to hiking from Braemar Hill to Tai Tam Reservoir.
There many other equally beautiful locations to watch the sunset in Hong Kong, but these are my personal favourites. If Po Toi wasn’t so far away, I’d add it to this list too!
Do you have any favourite spots to catch the sunset in Hong Kong?
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4 Comments
Are there many snakes upon the way to braemar hill?
With this small way it looks quite dangerous, especially in the dark.
Hi, Ralf,
I’ve been there on multiple occasions and have never encountered any snakes (just spiders). It’s difficult in the dark if you’ve never been there before. I would suggest going there in the day to get an idea of the route. It’s honestly not dangerous, but be mindful of the rocks just before the peak. They can get slippery, especially after rains.
Thanks for sharing! re: the shortcut, it means we have to hop over that closed gate/fence? is that even allowed? (because I saw a no trespassing sign of some sort lol)
Also going back, how do we return to Tin Hau MTR? Thanks again!
Yeah, I know it says no trespassing but I see people jump over it all the time! Otherwise, you can always take the “normal” route. To go back to Tin Hau take the same bus (49M) that you came on. Or, what I do is take the minibus number 25 to Causeway Bay.