Hong Kong Island to Kowloon Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour - Site Seeing & Cultural Heritage
Places: 18 POIsDistance: 25.55 miDuration: 1h:34m
Tour #2478
About this English self-guided 1h:34m driving tour in Hong Kong
Hello there!
My name is Emma, and I will be your guide on this self-guided driving adventure through Hong Kong’s beautiful sights and wonders.
Together, we will drive by iconic cultural landmarks and discover hidden gems in this vibrant city.
Expect a 2 and half to 3 and a half hour tour, depending on traffic and your willingness to make stops along the route.
This tour is perfect for both first-time visitors and seasoned travelers, offering a comprehensive overview of Hong Kong’s rich history, culture, and stunning scenery.
We will begin our journey at Victoria Peak, enjoying panoramic views before descending into the bustling Central District.
If you started the tour before you got there, no problem, the app will navigate you to the starting point, just follow the route.
You’ll discover historical treasures like Man Mo Temple and the Western Market, then cross the harbor to explore Kowloon’s lively streets, including Nathan Road and the Avenue of Stars.
Experience the serenity of Nan Lian Garden, admire the architectural marvel of the Bank of China Tower, and visit the Sky100 Observation Deck if you wish – it’s right along our route and offers breathtaking views of the Hong Kong skyline.
This tour balances popular tourist spots with meaningful locations, creating a well-rounded and memorable exploration of Hong Kong.
Feel free to divide this tour into multiple parts and take it over two or more days if you wish. At any point, you can stop the tour, then easily continue later from any point of interest along the route. Simply enter the tour screen in the app, tap “Starting Point,” and select where you’d like to continue from.
I recommend connecting your phone to your car’s entertainment system for an even better experience. And if you have an iPhone, connect it via CarPlay for the best results. Just look for the UCPlaces icon on your car’s dashboard once you’re connected.
When you’re ready, start the tour, follow the driving navigation instructions on the map, and I’ll meet you at Victoria Peak, our first point of interest.
22 Mount Austin Road, 22 Mount Austin Rd, The Peak, Hong Kong
Victoria Peak
Great,
You found me.
Welcome to Victoria Peak, our very first stop and the perfect way to begin your Hong-Kong driving adventure.
We actually passed the formal Victoria Peak about a mile back, but I wanted to find a safe spot for you to pull over while I tell you a bit about this iconic area.
If you can safely stop the car near the sidewalk and turn on your hazard lights, that would be great.
If not, no worries. Carefully make a U-turn, and I’ll continue guiding you as you drive back towards Victoria Peak. Just follow the route on your map.
Rising 552 meters above sea level, Victoria Peak is the highest point on Hong-Kong Island.
From here, you’re treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the city skyline and surrounding islands. It’s no wonder this is Hong-Kong’s most famous viewpoint.
You probably drove up here via scenic Peak Road, but another way to reach the top is by taking the historic Peak Tram, which has been operating since 1888.
The tram itself is a piece of living history, once reserved exclusively for British colonial officials and wealthy residents.
During the colonial era, only the Governor, top officials, and Hong Kong’s elite were allowed to live up here. The Peak’s cooler temperatures and cleaner air made it a desirable escape from the heat, humidity, and pollution of the city below.
I’ll tell you more about the island’s British colonial history shortly.
When you reach the area of Victoria Peak again, at the intersection of Mount Austin Road and Peak Road, you’ll notice the famous Peak Tower on your left, and just across from it, The Peak Galleria mall.
If the weather is good and you’d like to stop for a closer look, your best bet is to park at The Peak Galleria.
Here are your top options:
1. Enter Sky Terrace 428.
Walk to the Peak Tower and head up to Sky Terrace 428 for a stunning 360-degree view. Entrance fees apply.
2. Walk to Lions Pavilion.
Take a short walk down Findlay Path, just outside the Galleria, for a great free view of Victoria Harbour, the skyscrapers, and the rest of Hong-Kong.
3. Stroll along Peak Circle Walk.
For a longer, peaceful walk, head up Lugard Road for nature, quiet greenery, and panoramic city views. Free of charge.
And of course, don’t forget to take a selfie. This is the perfect place to capture unforgettable photos of your journey.
Take a moment here to admire the beauty of Hong Kong from above and reflect on how this city has grown from a quiet fishing village into one of the most impressive skylines in the world.
When you’re ready, let’s continue our journey down towards the vibrant streets of the Central District.
If you decide to make a stop, remember you can always pause the tour and continue later.
Just enter the tour screen in the app, tap “Starting Point,” select the next stop, and tap “Start Tour.”
We’re now approaching one of Hong-Kong’s most unique engineering marvels – the Central–Mid-Levels Escalator.
Look up ahead.
Can you see it crossing over the street?
The escalator was born out of necessity. Back in the late 1980s, Hong Kong’s urban planners realized that the steep hills of the Mid-Levels made commuting extremely tiring for residents who lived uphill but worked down in Central.
It was officially opened to the public on October 1993, following 2 years of construction.
Built at a cost of around HK$240 million, it consists of 18 escalators and 3 moving walkways, seamlessly linked to help people navigate this challenging terrain.
Interesting fact:
From 6 am to 10 am, the escalator runs downhill to carry residents to work.
Then at 10 am, it switches to uphill mode, running until midnight, helping people get home easily after a long day.
Imagine how life-changing this was for residents back in the 90s. How the exhausting climb up steep slopes became a breezy 20-minute ride, with the city’s sights, sounds, and hidden gems unfolding along the way.
We'll soon pass by it again, on Staunton Street, where I’ll share more stories about its role in daily life and Hong Kong culture.
Tour itinerary stops | Additional places you'll see on this self-guided tour
Place 1Victoria Peak
Place 2Mid-Levels Escalator
Place 3Ladder Street
Place 4Man Mo Temple
Place 5Western Market
Place 6Central / Financial District - Des Voeux Rd
Place 7Central Market
Place 8The Landmark Shopping Mall
Place 9Statue Square
Place 10The Cenotaph
Place 11Central District Skyscrapers
Place 12Cross-Harbour Tunnel
Place 13Walled City Park
Place 14Nan Lian Garden + Chi Lin Nunnery
Place 15Sky100 Deck
Place 16Nathan Road - Golden Mile
Place 17Clock Tower
Place 18Avenue of Stars
This is a premium tour, click below for complete access!
How to take a UCPlaces tour
Taking a UCPlaces tour is fun and easy.
Download the app (Android or iOS), purchase the tour (either here on the website, or from within the app).
That's it, you're ready to go!
When you want to start the tour, find the tour in the app (via a quick in-app search or by clicking the tour link received in your confirmation email) and click "Start Tour" (headphones recommended for best experience.)
* After purchasing a tour you will receive a purchase confirmation email including the tour link and instructions on how to take the tour, so you don't have to remember anything now.
How does the tour work?
UCPlaces acts as your personal tour guide, providing self-guided audio tours fully navigated within our app using GPS-based navigation. You won't need to switch between external navigation apps.
Whenever you approach a point of interest (POI) on the tour, our app will automatically play the relevant audio story at the right time and place.
If you start the tour before reaching the first POI, the app will navigate you to the starting point and then begin the tour.
How is this more convenient than a traditional tour?
UCPlaces offers an innovative and flexible way to explore exciting destinations on your terms.
Here are some key advantages over traditional tours:
No need to commit upfront or purchase in advance; buy a tour only when you're ready to go.
Walk at your own pace.
No waiting for groups; go on your schedule.
Take the tour in your preferred language.
Start, stop and continue the tour whenever you want.
Returning to the same destination? Take the tour again, and again, and again... And bring a friend!
Enjoy preferred prices.
What's included?
A self-guided audio tour taken via the UCPlaces app [Android / iOS (iPhone) / Apple CarPlay].
Tour route map and in-app GPS navigation (via the UCPlaces app).
Audio stories for places visited during the tour.
Apple CarPlay connection (for iOS users); for a seamless driving tour experience.
What's NOT included?
Earphones (highly recommended).
Smartphone.
Any kind of transportation (including tickets and passes).