Victoria Harbour & Star Ferry

Ride the iconic Star Ferry across Victoria Harbour, linking Kowloon with Hong Kong Island.

Linking Kowloon Peninsula, where you will most likely stay during your time here, and Hong Kong Island is the world famous Victoria Harbour. It is the third largest of its kind in the world, behind only those in Rio de Janeiro and San Francisco, and is one of the busiest ports in the world. The harbour was named after the British monarch in the aftermath of the Opium Wars, when Britain were ceded first Hong Kong Island and then Kowloon as foreign concessions from China.

Ploughing a course across Victoria Harbour for over 100 years now is the iconic Star Ferry. The 10-15 minute ride costs pennies to take and remains the easiest and most enjoyable way to cross from Kowloon to Hong Kong.

Each night there is a short 'Symphony of Lights' show at 8pm, which is best seen from behind the Hong Kong Cultural Centre by Kowloon Public Pier. The show itself is perhaps a little overhyped and underwhelming, though frankly the view across the water to the illuminated towers is itself is enough of a wow factor.