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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 19 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Lee Cobaj

Hong Kong’s world-famous harbour sits in an arena of skyscrapers and verdant hills, offering a spectacular perspective on the city. Its deep waters and location on the South China Sea were key to Hong Kong’s establishment as a British colony in the mid-19th century.

A trip around or across the harbour offers the chance to contrast mainland China with the unique atmosphere and pace of Hong Kong island – for mere pennies.

The cheapest and simplest way in on the iconic Star Ferry – a standard ferry route that connects Hong Kong Island with Kowloon. The Star Ferry has been in operation since 1888, before which time passengers crossed the harbour in oar-powered sampans. The early Star Ferries were steamboats. The Star Ferry Company also operate a harbour tour in the double-decker Shining Star, a re-creation of these ferries that plied the harbour in the 1920s.

A more traditional, cultural option is a tour on a traditional red-sail junk. Or you can go luxury, and book in for one of the luxury dinner cruises, often with a buffet dinner and sometimes a live band on board.

Aqua Luna

Hong Kong, China

This cinematic junk boat, complete with stiff fan sails, is the most stylish way to cruise Hong Kong’s mesmerising harbour.

Best for ages: 12+ | £23 | 45+ mins

Price from: £3
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 4+
When: All year around
Duration: 1+ hours

Getting there & doing it

The Star Ferry crosses to Kowloon from either Central No.7 pier, or the Star Ferry pier at Tsim Sha Tsui. You can also catch the ferry from Wanchai pier to Tsim Sha Tsui.

When to do it

The Star Ferry runs all year round, seven days a week, with ferry crossings every 10 minutes.

Hop on just before 8pm if you want to catch the Symphony of Lights show, as the ferry pauses mid-crossing to allow for better photography.

Star Company tours on the Shining Star and dinner tours can also be timed to watch the show.

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Aqua Luna: Symphony of Lights Cruise in Hong Kong

Aqua Luna: Symphony of Lights Cruise in Hong Kong

Hong Kong SAR

Join this 45 minutes harbour night cruise and get relax in a stylish lounge beds. You can enjoy drinks and snacks while soaking up the sight...

H374 | Rating 4.36 / 5 [75 ratings]

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Tour supplied by:

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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

The Upper House

Hong Kong, China[0.6 miles]

A sleek, high-end design hotel on Hong Kong Island, with superlative Victoria Harbour views and one of the city’s best cocktail bars.

Official star rating:

Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong

Hong Kong, China[1 miles]

A regular on list of the world’s best hotels, the Mandarin Oriental sits at the heart of Hong Kong, both socially and geographically, and is the place to come for everything from afternoon tea to pre-dinner cocktails.

Official star rating:

The Murray

Hong Kong, China[1 miles]

A fabulous five-star hotel with spacious outdoor terraces – a rarity in Hong Kong – and perfectly placed for hitting the city’s top attractions. The Peak Tram is literally on the doorstep.

Official star rating:

Four Seasons Hong Kong

Hong Kong, China[1.3 miles]

Experience the harbour high life at Hong Kong’s swankiest five-star favourite with exceptional dining and a spectacular infinity pool that appears to flow directly into the harbour.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Hong Kong

China

One of the world’s most extraordinary cities, where rippling mountains, a kaleidoscopic waterfront and futuristic architecture merge with fabulous food, sizzling nightlife and top shopping.

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Overview >

Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Symphony of Lights

Hong Kong, China[0 miles]

A nightly light and sound show extravaganza, choreographed to classical music, that ripples along the Hong Kong and Kowloon waterfront every night at 8pm.

Best for ages: 4+ | Free | 10 minutes

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Overview >

Chinese Opera

Hong Kong, China[2.2 miles]

Head to the landmark Xiqu Theatre to experience this uniquely Chinese performing art – either a full four-hour extravaganza or a shortened 90-minute version with dim sum.

Best for ages: 18+ | £25 | 1 or 4 hours

Victoria Peak

Hong Kong, China[2.4 miles]

Fantastic views and cooling breezes combine to make a visit to The Peak – Hong Kong’s highest point, accessible by funicular railway. A must do.

Best for ages: 4+ | £5

Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..

Hong Kong Museum of Art

Hong Kong, China[1.3 miles]

Hong Kong’s premier art museum houses an outstanding collection of traditional and modern Chinese art, set against the spectacular backdrop of Victoria Harbour.

Best for ages: 18+ | £1

Interior of the temple, filled with lanterns, incense spirals, and bamboo beams
Experience

Man Mo Temple

Hong Kong, China[1.9 miles]

Hong Kong’s oldest temple is also its most atmospheric, with lavish interiors hung strung about with gigantic coils of beehive incense. A unique glimpse of the traditional side of the city.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

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Overview >
Row of souvenir shops with red lanterns
Experience

Antique and souvenir shopping on Cat Street

Hong Kong, China[2 miles]

Formally known as Upper Lascar Road, Cat Street is the place to buy genuine antiques, as well as pretty souvenirs and artsy trinkets.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

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