Hong Kong Peak & Harbour: Views, Skyline and the Symphony of Lights
No city rewards a head for heights and a love of the water like Hong Kong. This themed day pairs the classic Peak Tram climb to Victoria Peak with a Star Ferry crossing and an evening cruise into the Symphony of Lights. Here is how to string the three together — with the best-rated tickets and cruises to book for each.
At a glance
- 1Victoria Peak by Peak Tram
- 2Star Ferry across the harbour
- 3Symphony of Lights evening cruise
- 4Skyline sunset from the promenade
Morning: Victoria Peak and the Peak Tram
Start on Victoria Peak, the 552-metre hill behind the skyline. The historic Peak Tram hauls you up a slope that reaches a 27-degree angle in about seven minutes, and a combined Peak Tram and Sky Terrace 428 ticket — from around HK$108 — lets you step onto the highest public viewing platform in the city. Go in the morning for the clearest air, and reserve a timed slot in advance, as queues at the Garden Road terminus can top an hour on bright afternoons.
Afternoon: across Victoria Harbour by Star Ferry
Come back down and cross the water the local way, on the Star Ferry between Central and Tsim Sha Tsui. The green-and-white boats have run since 1888 and cost only a few Hong Kong dollars, making this the best-value view in town. On the Kowloon side, walk the Tsim Sha Tsui promenade and the Avenue of Stars, where the skyline lines up for photos and you can scout your spot for the evening light show.
Evening: the Symphony of Lights by cruise
After dark the harbour hosts the Symphony of Lights, a nightly 8pm show that sets more than 40 buildings to music and lasers. The most memorable way to catch it is from the water — an Aqua Luna junk or a Victoria Harbour night cruise sails you into the middle of the display, often with a welcome drink, from about HK$220. Sailings fill up fast on weekends and holidays, so book a day or two ahead to be sure of a place.
Book the experiences in this itinerary
Top-rated tours for exactly what this plan recommends in Hong Kong — prices per person.
