Be prepared for an unforgettable trip to Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour as there are many amazing things to do there. You will be able to learn more the city’s history and culture as you explore its iconic landmarks and world-class museums. You’ll also be captivated by the breathtaking views of the harbour that harmoniously blend iconic skyscrapers, seaport, and mountains.
What to Do in Both Sides of Victoria Harbour
You can experience Victoria Harbour from Kowloon Peninsula (north side) and Hong Kong Island (south side). In terms of harbour attractions, the Kowloon side has more than the Hong Kong Island. Nevertheless, both sides has its own charms and several similar activities that you can enjoy. Let’s see what you can do in both sides.
1. Stroll Along the Promenades
Hong Kong has many public promenades around Victoria Harbour that you can enjoy and relax at. These scenic pathways provide a serene and leisurely way to appreciate and explore the vibrant city.
Notable promenades in the Kowloon Peninsula include Tsim Sha Tsui Waterfront and West Kowloon Waterfront Promenade. On Hong Kong Island, you can enjoy the beauty of Tamar Park, HarbourChill, and East Coast Park Precinct.
2. Admire the Harbour View
While strolling along the promenade, be sure to take a moment to fully appreciate the breathtaking sight. The waterfronts in Kowloon are generally considered the best place to see the harbour and Hong Kong’s iconic skyline.
For panoramic view of the harbour, you can go to Harbour City’s Ocean Terminal Deck in Tsim Sha Tsui. Alternatively, you can ascend to sky100 in West Kowloon, the highest indoor observation deck in the city.
You can also go to The Peak to get a different perspective of the city’s iconic skyline. It is the highest point on Hong Kong Island. The views there are truly breathtaking, especially during sun sets.
3. Watch Symphony of Lights
You can enrich your harbour viewing experience by watching the Symphony of Lights during the evening at 8:00 p.m. when. It is a show that blends lights, music, and narration to illuminates the city skyline. The light show is best seen from sightseeing ferries as well as the waterfronts of Kowloon and Hong Kong Island.
4. Tour the Museums
There are numerous museums located near popular attractions in the city. For instance, just besides Avenue of Stars are the Hong Kong Museum of Art and Hong Kong Space Museum. In West Kowloon Cultural District, you can explore M+ Museum of visual culture and the Hong Kong Palace Museum. In Central Ferry Pier No. 8, you can learn about the city’s trade history in Hong Kong Maritime Museum.
(Kowloon) Victoria Harbour Things to Do & Attractions
On the Kowloon side, you may find yourself spending a lot of time in Tsim Sha Tsui (TST) waterfront and West Kowloon Cultural District. In TST waterfront, you’ll discover numerous renowned tourist attractions and museums. While in West Kowloon, you can enjoy its Art Park or ascend sky100 Observatory Deck, in addition to visiting the museums.
5. Visit the Historic Clock Tower
The Clock Tower, a remnant of the original Kowloon-Canton Railway terminus built in 1915, is a must-visit. It’s particularly captivating at night when it’s beautifully lit up. There’s an elevated observation platform next to the tower where you can get a magnificent view of Victoria Harbour.
6. Walk along Avenue of Stars
Inspired by Hollywood’s Walk of Fame, the Avenue of Stars is a walkway that pays tribute to Hong Kong’s film industry. Look out for the statues of Bruce Lee and handprints of renowned Hong Kong actors like Tony Leung and Chow Yun Fat, among others. This is also a splendid vantage point to see Symphony of Lights.
7. Explore the Artistic K11 MUSEA
Just besides Avenue of Stars is K11 MUSEA, a cultural-retail destination and Hong Kong’s Silicon Valley of Culture. With its amazing and contemporary interior, this place offers an excellent opportunity to explore, shop, and appreciate world-class art.
8. Cross the Harbour with Star Ferry
Hop on the Star Ferry and feel the sea breeze as you cross the harbour. This historic mode of transport is a must do for anyone visiting Hong Kong. Not only it is very affordable, you can also get a unique perspective of the city. After exploring the waterfront, you can ride the ferry from Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry Pier to Central or Wan Chai.
(Hong Kong Island) Victoria Harbour Things to Do & Attractions
On the Hong Kong Island side, you can go to Central, Wan Chai, or Causeway Bay area to enjoy Victoria Harbour. Each area has unique attractions and public parks that offers interesting perspectives of the harbour and city.
9. Ride Hong Kong Observation Wheel
If you ride the Star Ferry from Tsim Sha Tsui to Central, you will immediately spot the ferry wheel just outside of the ferry pier. The 15-minute ride offers stunning views of the harbour, especially at night. It can be a romantic experience as well, so bring your friends or date.
10. Visit Golden Bauhinia Square
This historic place is home to The Forever Blooming Bauhinia Sculpture, which is shaped after the bauhinia flower. The flower can be seen in Hong Kong’s flag and is also the regional emblem. You can take good photos with the city’s skyline as the background from the square. There is also a flag-raising ceremony that you can catch daily at 8:00 a.m.
Adjacent to it is the iconic Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) building. It is just west of Wan Chai Ferry pier, which you can also reach by Star Ferry from Tsim Sha Tsui. Also, a short stroll away is Tamar Park and HarbourChill, perfect for a scenic waterfront walk with views of the harbour.
11. Enjoy Tamar Park, HarbourChill, and East Coast Park Precinct
You should at least go to Tamar Park, HarbourChill, or East Coast Park Precinct when exploring the promenade. are must-visit spots for nature-lovers looking for things to do in Victoria Harbour.
Tamar Park is a beautifully landscaped garden located near the Hong Kong Observation Wheel in Central. On the other hand, HarbourChill in Wan Chai and East Coast Park Precinct in Causeway Bay are newer, themed waterfront spaces. Both have captivating art installations and provide beautiful view of Victoria Harbour from different perspectives.