Visiting Cape Town Waterfront is a must on any trip to this magnificent city in South Africa. In this post, you’ll find all the information you need to make the best of your visit to Cape Town Waterfront.
The Victoria and Alfred Waterfront is known locally as the V&A Waterfront, and as it’s at the forefront of Cape Town tourism, there’s a wealth of activities to fill your day.
It’s home to some of the best restaurants in the city, and the shopping malls are fantastic. There are breathtaking views of Table Mountain to enjoy as well as boat trips, helicopter rides and so much more.
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Where is the Waterfront Cape Town?
The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront sits on the Atlantic shore at Table Bay Harbour. Adrian Van Der Vvyer designed it, and 23 million visitors frequent it each year. It’s in the south of the city centre and is well signposted. It’s a safe area to visit and its pedestrianised.
V&A Waterfront Map
There are several maps throughout the waterfront which tell you where you are and attractions are well signposted.
V&A Waterfront Shops
Shopping is a popular activity at the waterfront, and the area includes five shopping zones.
Victoria Wharf Shopping Centre
The Victoria Wharf Shopping Centre is the central V&A Waterfront Mall, and it’s home to hundreds of shops. You’ll find designer and high street brands as well as restaurants.
For crafts and local artisan products, the watershed is the best place to head.
You’ll also find regional delicacies, artisan beers, local cheese, and other food delights at the V&A Food Market.
Alfred Mall Cape Town
The Alfred Waterfront Mall is home to some delightful boutique shops and a gallery which displays some of the best contemporary South African art. You can purchase original and limited edition paintings, and you’ll receive a certificate of authenticity if you make a purchase.
Clock Tower Waterfront Shopping Mall, Cape Town
The Clock Tower Mall is home to even more art galleries and local pieces. It’s worth a browse even if you can’t afford to buy anything. If something does take your fancy, worldwide shipping is available at all stores.
African Trading Port
You can’t miss this shop as it has some magnificent sculptures and African Art displayed outside. It’s in Pier Square near the giant chessboard and is worth a browse around.
There is a wide variety of objects onsale including ceramics, glassware, sculptures and artwork. The African Trading Port has some of the best examples of african art on display, and they support local artists from different areas of the continent.
Shipping is available, and the shop supports fair trade so you can have peace of mind if you choose to invest in some souveniers.
Things to do at the VA Waterfront Cape Town
If you’re spending several days in Cape Town, make sure you invest in a City Pass.
The pass includes free admission to more than 70 of Cape Town’s top attractions and is available for 2, 3 or 5 days.
It comes with a pocket guide book, and you can download a digital app which gives you all the maps and information you need.
The City Pass also includes transportation on the city sightseeing hop on hop hoff bus, which is the easiest way to get around town.
Clock Tower Waterfront Cape Town 9 am-9 pm.
The clock tower at Cape Town Waterfront is one of the historical buildings at the harbour. Originally it was the Port Captains office, and the iconic red walls remain the same colour today as they did in the 1800s.
The victorian architecture with its gothic influences are unique, and its no wonder this has become such a point of interest.
The central clock imported from Edinburgh, is the main feature of the building.
Inside on the ground floor, you can see the old tidal gauge mechanism which used to measure the level of the tide for vessels entering or leaving the docks.
On the second floor, the mirror room is worth a look and was initially where the captain would survey the activities of the harbour.
Cape Wheel
For spectacular panoramic views across Victoria Wharf, the harbour, Table Mountain, Robben Island and the V&A waterfront restaurants and attractions take a ride on the Cape Wheel.
The journey lasts for 20 minutes and provides magnificent 360-degree views from the enclosed cabins that circle on the 50-metre high Ferris wheel. Tickets cost 150 Rand for adults and 75 ZAR for children. Pensioners can get a discount on Tuesdays.
If you want to avoid the queue for tickets you can purchase Cape Wheel tickets online.
The Chavonnes Battery Museum Victoria Waterfront
The museum explains the extraordinary existence of the heavily armed battery that once guarded Cape Town. The battery was originally built in 1726 to protect the city from the attacks of the English and French. However, in 1860 the cannon disappeared and was not seen again until 1999 when excavation work uncovered the great weapon.
You can also discover the 140-year-old Archaeology Ruins of the fort at the museum and exciting artefacts such as pottery are on display. There are some models reconstructing the shoreline and the battery, including informative exhibits on how to fire cannonballs.
Entrance costs 100 Rand for Adults or 70 ZAR for Redbus and Wild cardholders. Kids under the age of 16 are free and there is a discount for students and seniors.
Seal Landing
Both adults and children love this section of the Victoria Waterfront. Seal Landing is behind the Two Oceans Aquarium and the old tyres which line the quaysides and its home to a colony of Cape Fur seals. You can also spot them on the other side of the waterfront close to the Robben Island visitors centre.
The seabird and seal protection Act protect the South African fur seals, so it’s essential to keep a safe distance and never throw food to feed them. They are a spectacular sight and its unusual to be able to get so close as they usually breed on small islands out at sea. The male seals are enormous and can weigh up to 300kg while the female ones are much smaller.
You can often see them swimming around the harbour so keep your eyes peeled and they love to bathe in the sun at seal landing.
Robben Island Information Centre
Robben Island was the prison where many political prisoners were kept, including the former president Nelson Mandela. Conditions were horrendous in prison, and most of those who fought against apartheid served time here.
Mandela spent 18 years on the island, much of it in isolation. As part of the tour, you can visit Mandela’s cell and see the grim conditions that he endured.
The Information Centre has some high-quality displays about the prison, and the building serves as the gateway to Robben Island. You can purchase tickets for the tour which includes the boat ride across for 340 ZAR and trips depart at 9 am, 11 am and 1 pm
Two Oceans Cape Town Aquarium Waterfront
Cape Town Waterfront Aquarium has over 8000 fish including sharks, turtles and penguins, to delight you and your family. As well as the beautiful marine life to see, the aquarium is committed to raising environmental awareness of the oceans. There’s plenty of exciting and fun exhibits to learn about conservation.
Kids will love the touch pool, which allows them to get up close to kelp, starfish, hermit crabs and anemones. The 10-metre long underwater tunnel will also bring excitement as sea turtles and stingrays swim around you.
There’s also the world of jellyfish exhibition and regular feeding sessions. The daily talk about penguins is well worth attending and for the more adventurous the Aquarium Cape Town Waterfront offers shark dives for an additional fee.
Aquarium Cape Town Waterfront Prices
The entrance fee for adults is 185 Rand.
Children aged 14-17 – 140 ZAR
Children 4-13 – 90 ZAR
Kids under 4 are free
South African Pensioners and students 140 ZAR
Boat Cruise Waterfront Cape Town
There are plenty of boat cruises at cape town waterfront to choose from and its one of the most relaxing ways to enjoy the spectacular views of the harbour.
For a romantic experience, take a sunset cruise and watch the sun go down while enjoying the complimentary champagne. Cruises usually pass Robben Island and beautiful beaches such as Clifton.
Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife along the way as its not uncommon to see the Cape fur seals, dolphins and even whales during the season.
Take a historical walking tour.
The history of the Victoria Harbour Cape Town dates back to 1654 which was when Jan Van Riebeeck built the first jetty. You will learn more about Riebeeck a renouned Dutch Colonist and the other significant landmarks such as Breakwater Price that is steeped in history on the walking tour.
Tours depart at 11.00 am and 2 pm daily from the Chavonnes Battery Museum. They last for around an hour and a half and cost 150 Rand for adults and 20 ZAR for children under 16.
Cape Town Waterfront Helicopter Rides
For the most incredible views of the harbour, table mountain and the city treat yourself to a helicopter Cape Town Waterfront flight.
Scenic flights start from 2200 ZAR for a 15-minute tour of the town to nearer 6000 ZAR for a 50 minute trip of a lifetime over the length of the Cape Peninsula.
Bicycle hire
For the more active, you can hire various types of bicycles at the waterfront to explore the surrounding area.
Electric mountain bikes and hybrid bikes are available for half day or full day rental.
Cycle helmets, locks, pumps, spare inner tubes and puncture kits are included in the rental and cycling maps are also available to buy.
Relax at Nobel Square
Nobel Square takes its name from four famous South African’s. All four of them received Nobel Prize rewards for their peacemaking efforts.
The bronze statues of Nelson Mandela, Albert Luthuli, Desmond Tutu and F.W. de Klerk are life-size representations and well worth visiting. They stand majestically in front of the water with Table mountain in the background, which makes for great photo opportunities.
Surrounding the Square are tables where you can eat, and some of the best V and A Waterfront restaurants are there. You’ll often find live entertainment going on near the statues, and its a great place to people watch and relax.
Visit the Shimansky Diamond Museum
The diamond industry in South Africa has been around since 1867, and the museum has mining equipment and artefacts that date back to these origins.
There’s also a section of the museum dedicated to the modern diamond industry. It includes information about how to grade the stones and how to transform diamonds into beautiful pieces of jewellery.
It’s free to enter, and you’ll find the Diamond Museum on the first floor of the Clock Tower Mall.
Iziko Maritime Centre
The exhibitions at the Maritime Museum are both informative and well displayed. You can learn all about Table Bay from its completion by prisoners in 1885 to its activity in the current day.
The museum also has a collection of model ships and artefacts relating to shipping in Cape Town. In the research centre theres an impressive array of photographs which feature boats in the early 1900s.
The museum is open between 9 am and 4 pm each day.
The entrance fee for adults is 20 ZAR
Children age 6-17 10 ZAR
Children under 5 cost 5 ZAR
South African pensioners and students -10 ZAR
Zeitz MOCAA (Contemporary Art Museum Cape Town Waterfront)
The old Grain Silo Complex now houses the Zeitz Museum. The building has undergone a dramatic architectural overall, and the contemporary facade is unique. It’s worth visiting even if you don’t go inside.
Its the worlds largest museum of Contemporary African Art and with nine floors to explore you could easily spend a whole day reading and experiencing the exhibitions.
You can take a self-guided audio tour around the building which is narrated by the artists and curators themselves. As well as sculptures and paintings, there’s photography on display and films to watch.
Zeitz MOCCA is open from 10 am till 6 pm daily, and entrance costs 200 Rand for adults. Under 18’s are free and if you’re an African resident, you should check their website as there are times during the week that you can visit for free.
Cape Town Waterfront Attractions for kids
There’s plenty of activities for children to enjoy at the waterfront and its an excellent destination for a family day out.
Playgrounds
There are two playgrounds, one near the Victoria Wharf Shopping Centre and the other near the Robben Island Centre.
Street Entertainers
You’ll find people entertaining the public all around the waterfront, and they usually attract large crowds. You’ll also find statues that stand impressively still for hours.
Children and adults always have great fun trying to get them to move. These actors are incredibly skilled; it’s so impressive how they stand almost frozen, it’s worth putting a few rands in their hat to get a picture.
Hamleys Express
The Hamleys express is a miniture train thats great fun to ride around the waterfront on with children. The UK giant toy store Hamleys owns and runs the train, which you can catch from the main station next to the children’s playground.
If you visit the Hamleys store after your ride and complete the information on the back of the ticket, kids get a free badge
Mini Golf
The Cave Golf has 18 holes and is popular with visitors of all ages. Its indoors near the Aquarium so its a great place to head to if the weather isn’t great.
There’s a refundable deposit of 20 ZAR for the equipment and a 25 ZAR fee per player. The course is well thought out and challenging enough for everyone to enjoy. The course is open between 9 am and 5 pm every day.
Scratch Patch
Scratch Patch is something a little different and great fun for little ones. Children can hunt through thousands of gemstones and collect their favourites along the way.
Small bags to fill cost 22 rands, and there are bigger bags and cups for older children. Kids are delighted by the colours, and there’s loads of fun to be had scratching away to find gems such as Rose Quartz and Amethyst.
Chessboard at Pier Head Square
The Pier Head Chess Board near the African Trade port building is an impressive sized outdoor chessboard.
The V&A placed the game there as a way of energising the space between buildings.
It’s fun for all the family, and you can test your strategic skills in a game.
Restaurants Cape Town Waterfront
There are over 80 restaurants in Cape Town Waterfront, and whether you’re after a light bite or a three-course romantic dinner, there’s something for everyone.
Below is a list of some of the best V&A Waterfront restaurants for dining.
Quay Four
It’s easy to miss the entrance to Quay Four; it’s on the left-hand side as you walk from the Ferris wheel towards the Clocktower. It has a magnificent terrace and splendid views over the harbour.
Its one of the oldest restaurants on the waterfront and seafood is the speciality. Opt for the seafood platter if you can’t decide what to have. The à la carte menu has meat and poultry dishes, and there’s a wide selection of local beers and wines to enjoy.
Ginja
For a chic dining experience, visit Ginja on the waterfront pierhead. The views over the harbour and table mountain are spectacular. The menu has something for everyone and includes salads, risottos, pasta, seafood and vegetarian options.
The outdoor tables are always buzzing, and children are welcome. During the day it’s also a good option for a coffee with native coffee roasters created by Capetonian Murray Lloyd a speciality.
La Parada
The food at La Parada is influenced by Spain, and the restaurant specialises in tapas-style dishes. The food is delicious, and the service is excellent. The small sharing platters are great for family meals out, and the environment is stylish but friendly.
Hotels Cape Town Waterfront
Cape Town Waterfront Hotels are popular with tourists as the area is one of the safest. The whole waterfront is pedestrianised, and it’s safe to walk to restaurants after dark, unlike in other parts of the city.
Luxury Hotels Cape Town Waterfront
If you’re seeking 5-star luxury with spectacular views, the Silo Hotel is the place to stay.
The stunningly beautiful complex has a sun terrace with swimming pool and a bar, a fitness centre and a restaurant. All rooms are air-conditioned, and a have a private bathroom with a bath and shower.
Other in-room facilities include a flat-screen tv with satellite channels, a kettle and a hairdryer. The front desk is open 24 hours, and room service is available. The panoramic views through the unique shaped windows are spectacular.
The Silo hotel offers a free shuttle service to the airport, and the customer service is exceptional.
Mid-Range Cape Town Hotels Waterfront
If Silo Hotel is out of your price range, the Radisson Red V&A Waterfront Hotel next door is an excellent alternative and a fraction of the price.
The Radisson Red Waterfront Hotel is unique and focuses on connecting people through art, fashion and music. The rooftop sun terrace with its pool offers magnificent views of the sea and table mountain, especially at sunset.
Rooms have modern decor with wall art; smart LED tv’s, a fridge and ambient lighting. The bathrooms are tiled with contemporary artwork and have a walk-in rain shower. Rooms also have a hairdryer and free toiletries.
The social spaces of the hotel host temporary art exhibitions and guests are encouraged to share music and photos. There is a virtual concierge desk which is available through the RED App, and high-speed Wifi is available for free throughout the hotel.
AC Hotel by Marriott Cape Town Waterfront
Rooms are available with views of either the harbour or Table Mountain.
They all have air conditioning and wifi. Flat-screen tv’s with satellite channels are provided in all rooms and there’s a kettle and desk. Hairdryers and free toiletries are provided in the bathrooms. The Marriott has a fitness centre and an outdoor pool for you to enjoy.
Secure parking is available for an additional fee, and the front desk is open 24 hours. Breakfast is buffet style, and the food is excellent.
Cape Town Waterfront Apartments
Staying in an apartment gives you the flexibility to make your own meals if you don’t fancy dining out. Apartments generally have more space and can be a fantastic option for families.
Waterfront Stays
Waterfront Stays offers free WiFi and free private parking for guests.
The units have a living room with a flat-screen television, DVD player and satellite channels. There’s a fully equipped kitchen that has a dishwasher, microwave, fridge, kettle and coffee machine. The apartment has a private bathroom and there’s a dining area next to the kitchen.
Waterfront stays offer an airport shuttle service and there’s an outdoor pool for all guests to enjoy.
It’s ideally situated to the Waterfront area and excellent value for money.
How to get to the V and A waterfront
If you are not staying at one of the hotels at cape town waterfront, the easiest way to get there is in the City Sightseeing Bus. Travelling around Cape Town as a tourist can feel challenging, and as a tourist, you want to feel safe.
The City Sightseeing bus stops at all the major tourist attractions, and there’s a bus every 15 minutes, so you don’t have to wait long at the bus stop. One day and 2-day passes are available online, and you can start your journey at any of the major stops.
Car Hire
Travelling by car is an excellent way to get around Cape Town as there is a superb road system around the city. There are, however, some things to be aware of when driving around the city, and its best not to drive after dark. Keep all belongings out of sight and it’s advisable to keep the windows closed, especially at traffic lights.
Parking at the waterfront is well signposted, and the main Car Parks operate on a barrier system. You will receive a ticket when you enter, and you pay at the machine before you leave. Charges are reasonable, and one hour costs approximately 10 rands. For more information on carpark charges at the waterfront click here.
Taxi
Uber is the safest and cheapest way to travel by taxi. You can download the app onto your phone and pay in cash when the journey is completed.
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Hi, I’m Fiona Berry- I live in Lancashire in the North of England, but my job as an instrumental music examiner takes me all over the world. Travel has enriched my life in so many ways and allowed me to experience different cultures, make new friends and see extraordinary sights. Through this blog, I share my knowledge and expertise so that my readers have all the resources they require to ensure their travels provide unique and unforgettable memories to destinations that are beyond the ordinary.
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