10 most Instagrammable spots on Hong Kong Island

Covering over eight hectares of area, Hong Kong park offers a variety of places to take great Instagram photos. Inside the park, there are many photo-taking opportunities like the Tai Chi Garden, Aviary, and Gardens. At the centre of the park is a beautiful artificial lake and waterfall; not only does it incorporate a number of waterfalls and rock pools but when you snap off a photo, you will also have a sky filled with skyscrapers and views of Victoria Peak.

Hong Kong Park, 9 Cotton Tree Drive, Central

Sai Wan is a popular spot for photographers to snap classic harbour-view vistas. Many would consider the Western District Public Cargo Working Area—aka “Instagram Pier”—to be one of the best spots for pictures due to the density of amazing shooting locations. In fact, the container terminal and cargo dock have become extremely well-known to Instagrammers of all kinds, with some even claiming this dock for wedding photos! It has since been closed to the public due to Covid-19 health concerns, but you can still see the site from afar.

However, while many would bemoan the closure of Instagram Pier, we would suggest stopping at Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Park instead, which is about 10 to 15 minutes from the Western District Public Cargo Working Area. Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Park is a great alternative to going to Instagram Pier if you want the same vibes but fewer people; I suggest posing in front of the pillars with the Hong Kong skyline in the background.

Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Park, 16 Eastern Street North, Sai Ying Pun

Western District Public Cargo Working Area, at the junction of Hill Road at Connaught Road West, Sai Wan

As one of the easiest hikes and lesser-known locations for skyline photos, Braemar Hill Lookout is a great spot to capture amazing sunset or golden hour pictures. With a hike that clocks in at around two hours, the views are worth every second of the climb. Braemar Hill Lookout is also unique compared to other spots due to its unique vantage points of both harbours (Hong Kong Island and Kowloon). While you’re there, you can also check out either the Braemar Hill Viewpoint or Red Incense Burner Summit for equally amazing photo ops.

Braemar Hill Lookout, Braemar Hill Road, North Point

Being one of Hong Kong’s oldest religious structures and now a declared historical monument, Man Mo Temple is one of the most famous sites of worship in Hong Kong. From the sea of red lanterns and incense coils hanging from the roof to the smoky and ethereal interiors, this is not only a great photo spot, but also a great place to immerse yourself in a spiritual atmosphere and the powerful beliefs surrounding local deities.

Take note when sunlight shines through the roof; it is a beautiful chance to capture fleeting moments and play around with different lighting and angles. Also, if you visit at the right season, you can catch the blooming of the cherry blossom tree at the entrance! Just remember that Man Mo Temple is a place of worship first and foremost, so please remember to be respectful while snapping your pics.

Man Mo Temple, Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan

As one of Hong Kong’s main cultural centres, Tai Kwun provides ample opportunity for visitors to discover the arts, heritage, and culture of the city. Not only does Tai Kwun allow you to learn about the past and explore contemporary exhibitions and gallery shows featuring local and international artists, but you also have many opportunities to take photos with the former Central Police Station as a backdrop. Well-known spots around Tai Kwun include the flowing spiral staircase of the JC Contemporary building and the expansive courtyard.

Tai Kwun, 10 Hollywood Road, Central

This Baroque-style building is the oldest structure on the HKU main campus. It is popular amongst many university students as a backdrop for graduation pictures because of its singular architecture, contrasted by 30-feet-tall trees for a romantic touch. With four courtyards and a historical clock tower, there are plenty of opportunities to snap great photos against the European façade, and if you are lucky, the sun will cast astounding shadows across the building.

HKU Main Building, Bonham Road, Lung Fu Shan, Pok Fu Lam

Last but not least, the Causeway Bay Typhoon Shelter is one of the more underrated photography spots on Hong Kong Island. Due to the landscape of high-rises on Hong Kong Island and Tsim Sha Tsui in the background, this spot is perfect for a quiet sunset photoshoot.

Causeway Bay Typhoon Shelter was the first of its kind in Hong Kong and was purpose-built for fishing boats to dock during storms, but it has since become a popular tourist spot for dining on seafood featuring authentic fishermen’s recipes. For the best photos, make sure to catch the intricate maze of fishing boats floating on the water.

Causeway Bay Typhoon Shelter, Victoria Harbour, Causeway Bay