This study explores the impact of waterfront interface lighting on visual behavior using eye-tracking data and virtual reality, focusing on the Xuanwu Lake waterfront in Nanjing, China. We examine how various brightness combinations of focal building, core buildings, secondary buildings, city walls, and vegetation affect fixation counts and durations. Thirty-one participants viewed 130 panoramic images, and eye-tracking data were collected using Varjo XR-3 mixed reality devices. The results show that the brightness of focal and core buildings significantly affects fixation counts, while the city wall’s brightness and its interaction with other lighting parameters influence fixation duration. Secondary buildings had little impact due to their lower brightness. Lighting configurations with higher contrast and multi-layered brightness schemes increased fixation time, suggesting that well-designed lighting can attract more attention and enhance visual experience. This study provides data-driven insights for optimizing urban waterfront lighting design, helping create more engaging and visually appealing nighttime environments to support the nighttime economy.