Victoria Harbour
The harbour between Kowloon and Hong Kong Island: Tsim Sha Tsui promenade, the Star Ferry and the nightly light show.
At a glance
National Geographic Traveler named the Star Ferry crossing of Victoria Harbour one of its fifty places of a lifetime.
Victoria Harbour is the natural harbour that separates the Kowloon Peninsula from Hong Kong Island, with skyscrapers lining both shores. Its deep, sheltered waters were a key reason for the founding of the British colony in 1841, and today ferries, barges, tour boats and cruise ships share the water, which is also the stage for Hong Kong's fireworks displays.
The classic way to see it is from the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront, on the Kowloon side: the Clock Tower of 1915, the Cultural Centre, the Avenue of Stars and the view across to Central, Wan Chai and the Peak. From the Star Ferry pier next to the Clock Tower, green and white double-deck ferries cross to Central every 6 to 12 minutes. In the evening, A Symphony of Lights links buildings on both shores at 20:00.
Kai Tak Cruise Terminal stands on the old airport runway at the eastern edge of the harbour, and its rooftop park already looks over the water. For the heart of the harbour, take the bus or MTR to Tsim Sha Tsui, about 35 minutes; ships berthed at Ocean Terminal are on the promenade itself. Two or three hours are enough for the waterfront, a return crossing and a walk in Central, and if the ship stays overnight, add the light show or an evening harbour tour.
Official websiteGetting there from the port
5 optionsWhat to see
- 1Star FerryThe crossing between Tsim Sha Tsui and Central or Wan Chai in double-deck ferries, the cheapest way to see the harbour from the water.
- 2Tsim Sha Tsui promenadeThe Kowloon waterfront from the Clock Tower to the Avenue of Stars, with the classic view of Hong Kong Island.
- 3Clock TowerThe 44 m red-brick tower of 1915, the only remnant of the Kowloon-Canton Railway terminus, a declared monument since 1990.
- 4A Symphony of LightsLights, lasers and searchlights on buildings on both shores every night at 20:00, with music on the Tsim Sha Tsui and Wan Chai waterfronts.
- 5Harbour toursStar Ferry tours on the Shining Star, a re-creation of a 1920s ferry, in the afternoon, at sunset and at night.
- 6Ocean Terminal DeckThe open deck at the tip of Ocean Terminal, in Harbour City, open 07:00 to 24:00, with a view along the harbour.
Tips for cruise passengers
- Upper or lower deckOn the Central route the upper deck costs a little more (HK$5 against HK$4 on weekdays) and has the better view. Pay with Octopus or Hong Kong dollar cash.
- Four-day passThe Star Ferry four-day tourist pass (HK$50) gives unlimited rides on the Central and Wan Chai routes; it is sold at the Tsim Sha Tsui pier.
- Harbour tour timesShining Star tours leave the Tsim Sha Tsui pier at 15:20 and 17:30 (HK$230) and at 19:45 (HK$280, during the light show); concessions for children aged 3 to 12 and over-65s.
- Light show and weatherA Symphony of Lights is cancelled if Typhoon Signal No. 3 or above or a Red or Black Rainstorm Warning is issued at or after 15:00.
- Kai Tak rooftopIf you have little time ashore, the rooftop park of Kai Tak Cruise Terminal gives a view over the eastern harbour.
Accessibility & families
Accessible: the Tsim Sha Tsui promenade is level, and wheelchair users board the Star Ferry on the lower deck (up to four per ferry). Children aged 3 to 11 pay a reduced fare on the ferry.
In pictures
