Victoria Harbour
Victoria Harbour · Victoria Harbour, between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, Hong Kong
Last updated 2026-10-29
By Global Travel Guide Editorial Team
Introduction
Victoria Harbour separates Hong Kong Island from Kowloon and has served as the territory's working port since the British colonial era. Crossings on the Star Ferry, running since the 1880s, remain the cheapest and most scenic way to travel between Central and Tsim Sha Tsui, while the MTR tunnels underneath. Each evening at 8pm, more than 40 buildings on both shores take part in the Symphony of Lights. Autumn and early winter bring the clearest skies for the skyline; the promenade and harbour itself are free and open around the clock.
Ticket Price
Star Ferry: 5 HKD (≈ USD 0.64) (adult, lower deck) / 6.5 HKD (upper deck). Harbor cruise: 150-500 HKD depending on type (day cruise, dinner cruise, etc.). Avenue of Stars: free. Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade: free. Check the official site before booking.
Opening Hours
Harbor is always there — open 24 hours. Star Ferry: roughly 6:30 AM-11:30 PM. Symphony of Lights show: 8:00 PM every night (about 10 minutes). Harbour City and TST promenade: roughly 10 AM-10 PM for shops, promenade always open. Check the official site before visiting.
Transportation
Star Ferry: connects Central (Hong Kong Island) and Tsim Sha Tsui (Kowloon) — the classic way. MTR: Tsuen Wan Line and Island Line connect across the harbor. Trams (Hong Kong Island side): double-decker trams from Kennedy Town to Shau Kei Wan. Peak Tram: from Central to Victoria Peak. Taxis: plentiful on both sides. Ferries also go to outlying islands.
Best Season
October to December — cool dry season, clear skies, most comfortable weather. March to April — pleasant but foggy at times. May to September — hot, humid, and rainy (typhoon season). The skyline looks good year-round but visibility is best in autumn and winter.
Pro Tip: Take the Star Ferry across the harbour
Local Tips You'd Only Learn After Visiting
The details official guides skip — save time, avoid crowds, and get better photos.
1
Take the Star Ferry across the harbour The Star Ferry is cheap, historic and gives the best water-level view. Use the Tsim Sha Tsui to Central route, then walk the promenade at sunset.
Member-Only Tips
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Frequently Asked Questions4 questions
The show runs nightly at 20:00 and lasts about 10 minutes. The Tsim Sha Tsui promenade and harbour cruises give the best views.
The Star Ferry between Tsim Sha Tsui and Central is the classic cheap crossing; the MTR also runs under the harbour.
The Avenue of Stars in Tsim Sha Tsui is the classic front-row view; Victoria Peak and sky100 give the elevated panorama.
Yes. The promenade runs from Tsim Sha Tsui east to Hung Hom and is fully walkable, with seating and viewing points along the way.