There is no attraction in the city that is more iconic than the skyline of Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour. In fact, one can say that the harbour was the very birthplace of the city itself. The deep waters between Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon Peninsula are why a collection of fishing villages grew to become an international centre of trade. Today, the harbour is still the city’s throbbing heart and its iconic skyline is also one of the world’s most stunning urban landscapes. With such a skyline, it deserves to been seen at more than one angle.
The most classic view of the harbour is from the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront. Here you can stand right in front of the harbour and not only marvel at the topological and architectural spectacle of Hong Kong’s iconic skyline, but also admire how the colourful lights from across the harbour dance on the waves. While you’re at the waterfront, head toward Tsim Sha Tsui East to check out the Tsim Sha Tsui promenade, Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade Address Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon More info Avenue of Stars, Clock Tower, Clock Tower Address Star Ferry Pier, Kowloon Point, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon Website https://www.hkculturalcentre.gov.hk/en/hkcc/TSTClockTower.html More info Hong Kong Cultural Centre Hong Kong Cultural Centre Address 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon Website http://www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/hkcc/index.html More info and enjoy 'A Symphony of Lights' A Symphony of Lights Address Buildings on both Hong Kong Island and Kowloon Website http://www.tourism.gov.hk/symphony/eindex.html More info in the evening.
What could make the harbour even more stunning? A multimedia light show! Every night at 8pm, iconic buildings from both sides of the harbour unite to form a harmonious canvas for a sensational multimedia extravaganza, with a myriad of searchlights, lasers, LED screens and lighting working in symphony to put together a nightly spectacle that transforms the Hong Kong skyline into an outdoor audiovisual feast.
As one of the oldest forms of transportation in Hong Kong, the Star Ferry Star Ferry Pier Address Star Ferry Pier, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon (pinned location on map) / Central Pier, Central, Hong Kong Island / Wan Chai Ferry Pier, Wan Chai, Hong Kong Island Website http://www.starferry.com.hk/en/home More info has been faithfully carrying passengers across the harbour for more than a century. Although cross-harbour road and rail tunnels now connect both sides of the harbour, the Star Ferry still holds a dear place in locals’ hearts, providing a scenic way to cross the harbour that provides an up-close view of our iconic skyline, and an experience that is reminiscent of the charms of old Hong Kong.
Located on the rooftop of Ocean Terminal’s five-storey extension building, opened in 2017, Ocean Terminal Deck Ocean Terminal Deck Address Ocean Terminal Deck, Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui Website http://www.harbourcity.com.hk/en/explore-hc/services-facilities/ocean-terminal-deck/ More info is an observatory deck surrounded by the sea that offers a 270-degree panorama of the harbour as well as breathtaking views of Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. It is one of the best venues to enjoy Hong Kong’s sunset and evening views, while being close to the many shopping and dining options of Harbour City Harbour City Address 3–27, Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon Website http://www.harbourcity.com.hk/en/ More info .
Finding a unique vantage point to see the Hong Kong skyline from a different perspective? Look no further than sky100 Hong Kong Observation Deck sky100 Hong Kong Observation Deck Address 100/F, International Commerce Centre, 1 Austin Road West, Kowloon Website http://www.sky100.com.hk More info . Located on the 100th floor of the tallest building in Hong Kong, International Commerce Centre, International Commerce Centre Address 1 Austin Road West, West Kowloon, Kowloon Website http://www.shkp-icc.com More info it is the highest indoor observation deck offering a 360° panoramic view of Hong Kong and its famous harbour. Aside from the spectacular views, sky100 also offers a variety of sky-high experiences, including a VR Time Travel experience in the Sky-High Tech Zone that brings you back to old Hong Kong, sky100’s Tales of Hong Kong, a 28-metre-long multimedia story wall showcasing fascinating local tales and anecdotes, 'Love is in the Sky' light show with the harbour’s famed nightscape as the backdrop, creating an unprecedented visual treat and Café 100 by The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong offering a range of delectable delicacies to go along with the stunning view. And more fun awaits you at sky100!
As the highest point on Hong Kong Island, The Peak The Peak Address The Peak, Hong Kong Island Website http://www.thepeak.com.hk More info has been Hong Kong’s most exclusive neighbourhood since historical times and is also home to the city’s rich and famous today. But it is the view that makes The Peak one of the most popular attractions in Hong Kong. By day, your eyes stretch across sparkling skyscrapers and the harbour all the way to the green hills of the New Territories. In early evening, this panorama melts into pink and orange before reincarnating as a dazzling galaxy of light, shimmering beneath you. And if you listen carefully enough, you can hear Asia’s world city humming below.
For those who would like to experience the harbour with a taste of history, then the Golden Bauhinia Square Golden Bauhinia Square Address 1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai, Hong Kong Island Website http://www.hkcec.com/en/golden-bauhinia-square More info is a must visit! The bauhinia is the emblem of Hong Kong; the Forever Blooming Bauhinia Sculpture that sits on the promenade was a gift from the Central Government to mark the 1997 handover of Hong Kong from Britain to China. Every day from 7:50–8:03am (except the first day of each month) is a flag-raising ceremony performed by Hong Kong police officers, which is a nice way to start a day by the harbour.
Located on the Central Harbourfront is Hong Kong’s own Ferris wheel – the Hong Kong Observation Wheel The Hong Kong Observation Wheel Address 33 Man Kwong Street, Central, Hong Kong Island Website https://hkow.hk/ More info . At 60 metres high, it offers spectacular day and night-time views of the harbour. The wheel has 42 luxurious gondolas that can comfortably seat eight passengers. Be sure to keep an eye out for events, drinks and snacks on the surrounding plaza.
A harbour tour on the Hong Kong Water Taxi Water Taxi Address Hung Hom (South) Ferry Pier Website https://www.hongkongwatertaxi.com.hk/en/ More info offers a unique way to experience the harbour. The daily route passes by the city’s most iconic attractions including Hong Kong Observation Wheel, International Financial Centre, the Tsim Sha Tsui promenade and West Kowloon Cultural District.
Hong Kong’s rooftop bars not only offer some jaw-dropping views of the city, but impressive food and drink to match. Sit down to a sophisticated evening of Japanese and Italian cuisines surrounded by floor-to-ceiling glass windows at Aqua. Sitting high above Nathan Road, the terrace at Eyebar is also a top contender for one of the best vantage points in the city. For one of the best cocktail and wine lists in town, head to Ozone Ozone Address 118/F, The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong, ICC, 1 Austin Road West, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon Website http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/china/hong-kong/dining/ozone More info on the 118th floor of the ICC. As the highest bar in Hong Kong, and in the world, it offers a completely unobstructed view of western Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. On Hong Kong Island, a luxurious but relaxed fine dining experience showcasing the dazzling skyline awaits on the 49th floor of The Upper House at Salisterra.