Spend some time admiring the expansive harbour responsible for the tremendous commercial wealth that produced the dazzling Hong Kong of today. Located between the towering skyline of Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon Peninsula, Victoria Harbour provides passage between the different districts of the city as well as open views of its tallest high-rises.
Go to the top of Victoria Peak in the interior of Hong Kong Island for the broadest view of the busy harbour. Cruise liners and cargo ships are constantly entering and leaving the harbour, giving you plenty of activity to focus on. Victoria Harbour was especially important to Hong Kong’s history during the several centuries it spent as a British colony. The natural harbour’s sheltered, deep waters allowed fleets of trade ships to enter and exit the city filled with Asian spices and tea.
Visit the portside neighbourhood of Tsim Sha Tsui on the Kowloon Peninsula for luxury accommodations, skyline views and cultural sites. Shop in the malls and designer outlets that line the streets just north of the harbour. Look out upon the harbour from the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade, which is the best place in the city to watch the skyline light up at sundown. Hong Kong’s Avenue of the Stars is situated here, featuring a statue of Bruce Lee.
Walk a short distance to admire the works at the Hong Kong Art Museum, learn about interplanetary travel at the Hong Kong Space Museum or catch a ballet performance at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre. Return to the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade at night to catch the Symphony of Lights over the harbour.
The Star Ferry runs through the harbour. Take a scenic cruise during the morning or evening for 360-degree panoramas of the cityscape and the hills looming behind it. Keep an eye out for the Hong Kong Bank, the Tsing Ma Bridge and Stonecutters Island, some of the city’s architectural highlights.
From the Kowloon side, boats depart from the Star Ferry Pier. From the Hong Kong Island side, board a boat from Central Pier No. 7 or Wan Chai Ferry Pier.
