The Victoria Harbour skyline is one of the most stunning harbour skylines on the planet. Depending on how you’re getting to Hong Kong, the flight could range from a few hours to over 15. That’s a long flight. You would want to maximize your chances of being able to admire this skyline in all its magnificence during your trip. Some easy ways to enjoy the view include crossing the harbour in a star ferry or taking a harbour cruise. You could also stroll along the Star Walk, especially at night, to admire the Symphony of Lights. This is when the skyscrapers on the harbour coordinate their lights for an epic light show set to music. There are several free and premium ways to marvel at the skyline that is Victoria Harbour. Take your pick of mixing some free and splurge-worthy experiences to get the most out of your trip to Hong Kong to see this stunning harbour.
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Best Places to view Victoria Harbour for Free
Free (or almost free!) places to get stunning views of Victoria Harbour at Tsim Sha Tsui. The places listed below are either free or will cost you the price of a cheap coffee (literally!).
Starbucks
Address: 24 Salisbury Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
Buy a cold latte and sit on the second floor of this Starbucks to admire the splendour of the Victoria Harbour in front of you. For the price of a cup of coffee, you can actually sit and enjoy the view. From personal experience, this particular Starbucks isn’t that busy but, of course, it depends on when you go. Head straight over here if you need a caffeine break from all the walking you’ve done on the Avenue of Stars.
Avenue of Stars
Bruce Lee’s statue is honoured on the Avenue of Stars along with handprints of other famous celebrities. The best time to come here is during mornings and evenings so you can admire Victoria Harbour with minimal crowds. A night time stroll here around 8 PM means getting to see the Symphony of Lights set to music. It’s a simple laser light show but it still makes for a fun, free event. The skyscrapers on Victoria Harbour side are stunning to see when they sparkle at night. The skyscrapers also double as the largest billboards, ever. You’re constantly bombarded by advertising in Hong Kong, but that’s part of the thrill of being there.
Museum of Art (MOA)
Address: Hong Kong Museum Of Art, 10 Salisbury Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
As of April 2024, this museum offers free admission. Walk into the museum and, after admiring all the wonderful collections of ancient treasures, make sure to stand in front of the floor to ceiling windows on one of the landings and admire the view of Victoria Harbour. Visiting museums is also an easy way to get out of the heat and enjoy some AC if you’re there during the hotter months.
Star Ferry
This iconic ferry has been crossing the channel to and fro since the British colonized Hong Kong. There’s even a great shot of it in the movie The World of Suzie Wong with the actor Nancy Kwan (this is a beautiful movie to see if you want to get a feel for what Hong Kong was like in the ’60s). The ferry ride costs about 4 to 6 HKD for s single ride. The ride takes about 15 minutes, but you get a remarkable view of Victoria Harbour from the water.
Harbour City (or the Ocean Terminal) Mall
The Star Ferry lands you right near the Harbour City (a.k.a Ocean Terminal mall). You can shop for some designer goods here, but the cool thing about this mall is that there are open terraces you can walk out onto and admire the views of both harbours. It’s a nice, free way to enjoy the views and if you walk up to the roof terrace, you get a decent view of the harbour while being able to enjoy a cold beer.
Best Restaurants to Marvel at Victoria Harbour
Free (or near free) spots to admire the splendour that is Victoria Harbour is a wonderful way to see one of the world’s most iconic landmarks while saving a few bucks. But you know what? Sometimes you need to pamper yourself a little and go after some splurge-worthy experiences. Treat yourself to some premium experiences to get some premium views of Victoria Harbour.
Hue at Museum of Art (MOA)
MOA was where I said earlier you can walk to one of the landings and get stunning views of the harbour through floor to ceiling windows. But for a slightly more premium experience, you can get a drink at the Hue restaurant. I recommend walking all the way to the end of the restaurant where the bar is and get a table set in front of the floor to ceiling windows. The nook is cozy and you can enjoy the view with a drink. And yes, you can order coffee of course, but the price of the coffee here will be a bit pricier. But the view—worth it.
Aqua
Dine up high on the 17th floor and get a panoramic view of the Victoria Harbour skyline. I recommend coming here for lunch for a day time view of the place, but also because their menu prices are quite reasonable. The food is delicious and, when compounded with the views, amplifies the experience.
Tin Lung Heen dimsum at The Ritz-Carlton
Dine on decadent dim sum on the 102nd floor of the Ritz-Carlton while you gape at the views of Victoria Harbour below. The passing cargo ships, harbours, and skyscrapers look like lego toys when you view them from 100 stories high. Make sure to order the Iberico char siu! It is the most divine roast barbecue park you’ll ever taste. Oh and the view of the harbours from the washrooms are quite stunning as well.
The Lobby Lounge at The Regent
Most of the above restaurant suggestions will give you a high, birds-eye view of the harbours, but the Lobby Lounge at the Regent gives you a straight-on, eye-level, almost up-close view of the harbour. It’s quite a relaxing atmosphere in the hotel. The wood furniture provides a warm and welcoming ambiance with the most natural view of Victoria Harbour. And yes, order a luxury cup of coffee here and it’ll probably be the most expensive coffee you’ll sip for the view. But, as I say again, some things are worth splurging on.
Qura (at The Regent)
This is an Italian restaurant also inside the Regent. The food isn’t worth it in my opinion, but a nice glass of chilled wine or beer in their sumptuous lounge area with the view is quite spectacular. There’s a cigar room inside somewhere at the back of the restaurant if that’s your thing to splurge on.
Felix (at The Peninsula)
The restaurant Felix at The Peninsula hotel offers a magnificent view of Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour from the 28th floor. It’s been recently renovated but the view is still fabulous. Saunter over to the bar to get a drink for the view.
Best Tourist Attractions to see Victoria Harbour
Some tourist attractions are non-negotiables for first-timers to Hong Kong. Yes, they’re touristy, but there’s a reason why they’re still worth doing, especially when they’ll give you an awesome view of Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour.
The Peak Tram
The classic tram (it’s been renovated and updated as of 2024) takes residents up and down the mountain and gives you a slanted view of the city going up. It’s quite the sight to see the city at a 45 degree angle. Once at the peak, take the escalators all the way up to the open roof and (don’t get your stuff blown away!) admire the most famously photographed view of Kowloon and Victoria Harbour. A truly classic view.
Lantau Island (Ngong Ping 360 cable car)
Lantau Island is home to the famous Buddha on the mountain top. The area where the buddha is doesn’t actually give you a view of the harbours, but the cable car ride up there gives you a fantastic view of the harbours, the mountains, the airport, and the HK-Macau bridge in epic proportions. The cable cars rise over the water and cross above the mountains. This is one of the most wondrous views of Hong Kong in my personal opinion.
Hong Kong is a plentiful destination. It’s filled with endless shopping, constant advertising, and dining options galore. But Hong Kong is most famous for the supreme views it offers. The Victoria Harbour skyline is glorious in its industrial design. The light show is a nice hit. The promenade provides a serene stroll (or as serene as you can get with all the hubbub of the city). Regardless of how you want to spend your money to enjoy the view (from free to premium) just make sure you do sit and enjoy it while you’re there.
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