Before you pay a visit to Victoria Harbor, you may want to stop by at 1881 Heritage (about 5 mins walk). It is quite a historical sites which have some artifacts and some preserved old buildings. The site now has transformed into a shopping mall, a hotel and exhibition hall.
1881 Heritage
The Former Marine Police Headquarters Compound as after renovation, viewed from the entrance on Salisbury Road. The Hong Kong Marine Police used this site and buildings from 188s to 1996. The unique Victorian architecture and colonial style attract visitors to pause and take a few pictures.
Victoria Harbour is considered the most happening place in Hong Kong when the sky turns dark, travelers around the world fly in Hong Kong to check out this wonderful night view. You cannot miss out this one.
History of Victoria Harbour
Victoria Harbour was called “Hong Kong Harbour” at first but after China was defeated by Great Britain in the Opium War, Hong Kong became a colony of Britain and Victoria Harbour was named after the British Queen Victoria. This harbor, due to its location in the south, was favored by the British to be used as one of the largest ports for trade.
Best time to visit
People are attracted to the harbor because it offers a beautiful skyline of Hong Kong, especially in the evening when night starts to turn dark. Best time to visit is in the “golden hour” before sunset as it is the best timing for photography. Everything under this golden hour seems beautiful and dreamy.
“Symphony of Lights” show
Every night at 8 PM local time, you can view the “Symphony of Lights” show where synchronized lights and fireworks set the backdrop of Victoria Harbour alight. The “Avenue of Stars” on the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront is the best place to watch this show. It is free but please do not have too high expectation on this show. Go only if you have extra time to kill.
Cruising
Cruising is another popular activities to do here. Aqua Luna is one of the most popular harbor cruise operators. The total duration took about an hour.
Hong Kong Ferris Wheel
It is a 60 meter tall Ferris Wheel was built on the north shore in Central Harbourfront Hong Kong. The ticket is cheap, less than SGD4.00 (USD 3.00) you get to enjoy spectacular views of Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong Island, and Tsim Sha Tsui on top.
Clock Tower Hong Kong
The clock tower stands 44 meters tall and it is a relic of the days of the railway in the colonial period. It is a historical landmark located in Star Ferry terminal on Kowloon side. The clock tower is also called Tsim Sha Tsui Tower as it is very close to Tsim Sha Tsui Station.
Pac Man Street Art
The Pac Man Street Art is located at Ocean Terminal, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong.
Hui Lau Shan Dessert
Hui Lau Shan is a chain of dessert shops based in Hong Kong and with over 300 stores internationally – China, Malaysia, South Korea, Macau, Canada, Taiwan, Paris, Vietnam, and Melbourne. There are a number of stores in Hong Kong and the one I visited is near Victoria Harbour Tsim Sha Tsui. We ordered their signature dessert – mango dessert but I won’t say it taste super great.
Chow Tai Fook
Chow Tai Fook is a famous jewelry chain shops in Hong Kong. They are very reputable and sell genuine gold of 24k. Chow Tai Fook Jewellery is considered the highest-ranking Asian brand for their gold jewelry. If you want something expensive and keep for investment, Chow Tai Fook gold jewelry is a great choice of souvenirs.
Street Art at Victoria Bay Harbour
Palm Reading
Final thoughts:
A visit to Victoria Harbour is a must for any first-time traveler to Hong Kong. It is the gem and signature of Hong Kong.
29 comments
This looks so amazing. I would live to visit.
That is such a beautiful area. I’ve always wanted to go to Hong Kong. I’m going to get there one day!
Dear Stacie,
Hong Kong is about food, skyscrapers, and shopping. LOL.
I was about to visit HongKong last year but could not make it because of time crunch. But your post made me wanna try for this year soon. Helpful information.
Dear Payal,
I hope you get to visit Hong Kong soon and please make sure to pay a visit to the Victoria Harbor.
Hong Kong looks like such a cool city to visit! I would love to see that Symphony of Lights! I bet it is pretty
Dear Jackie,
The Symphony of lights show is free but please do not have too high expectation. After all, it is free.
I love all the bright colors! This looks like an awesome city to explore. The neon lights are the coolest
Dear Katie,
You are right, neon lights are the selling point in Victoria Harbour Hong Kong. LOL. So the best time to visit is in the evening and night time. I still prefer evening as you get to see the sky colors changes.
Beautiful photos of Hong Kong. I learned so much and now know the hotspots to visit!
Thank you for your comment. You may want to try out the cruising in Victoria Harbour, pretty cool too.
Wow, Victoria Harbour definitely looks like a place that should be checked out. I also really love that Pac Man street art.
You are absolutely right. A visit to Hong Kong is not complete without visiting Victoria Harbour. After all, Hong Kong is all about the skyscrapers and neon lights and red junk boats.
this looks like a neat adventure. i’d love to walk around and see this
Dear Jasmine,
A stroll in the harbor in the evening would be a good one.
I’m a huge fan of historical spots. Pretty grateful for that tip! I’ll be visiting next year if everything goes as planned!
Dear Alexandra,
Hope everything plans well for your next year. It is best if you could try out one of the junk boats in Hong Kong. It takes about an hour including a free drink.
Looks like a great day out and about the city!
Nice reading about your experience in Victoria Harbour. I will have to plan a trip here soon.
I love reading about the history about places like this. Oh, and that clock tower is pretty!! Looks like a great place to hang out!
Dear Amy,
The clock tower is one of the memorable and historical monument left by the British.
I want to visit Hong Kong so badly. It would be such a beautiful place and these pictures really showcase that. Also, the food looks so amazing!!!
Dear Amy,
Thanks for your kind comment. Hong Kong is the food paradise, it has lot of yummy food, be it street food or Michelin star restaurants. And the best thing is the eateries open very early (6am) and close late at night (12 midnight).
I have been to Hong Kong last in December and I did take a walk around Victoria Harbor. It was a must, I crossed from Hong Kong Island via the Star Ferry. I have been to Hong Kong before and I remember every night going to the harbor to see the Symphony of Lights. Unfortunately this time I was there just for a layover in the morning, so I didn’t have enough time for the evening show.
Dear Joanna,
I love Hong Kong Disneyland and I visited during my first visit to Hong Kong many years ago. This time I did not visit Disneyland due to time constraint. It is such a lovely idea for you to cross from Hong Kong Island via the Star Ferry. I mean you were still able to enjoy the cruising without paying a high price for those junk boats. I am sure star ferry cost a lot more cheaper.
what a trully cool place to visit – the views , food as well as street art wow – the whole community is so vibrant x kind regards Pati Robins
Such a great place, the pictures will attract you more into visiting this beautiful place. Love it.
This place looks so vibrant and definitely added to my places to visit list for Hong Kong. Thanks for sharing. These are beautiful pics.
I’ve never been here, but I definitely want to go in the future 🙂 thanks for a comprehensive guide and lots of information – love all the pics! x