V&A Waterfront - Cape Town

V&A Waterfront - Cape Town

The V&A Waterfront is officially classified as a mixed-use suburb and vibrant neighbourhood in Cape Town.  See more here.

The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, usually known simply as the V&A Waterfront, is one of Cape Town’s best-known visitor attractions, set around the historic harbour at the foot of Table Mountain. It combines shopping, restaurants, entertainment, accommodation, cultural attractions and harbour activities, making it an easy place to spend anything from a few hours to a full day.

The waterfront has a strong connection with Cape Town’s maritime history. Development began in the 19th century when Prince Alfred, Queen Victoria’s second son, visited Cape Town and helped initiate the construction of the harbour’s first breakwater in 1860. The historic harbour continued to develop as an important trading and shipping centre, and many of the old buildings and structures have been incorporated into the modern waterfront.

Today, visitors can wander along the harbour, watch working boats and yachts, and enjoy views across the water towards Table Mountain. The area is home to hundreds of shops, ranging from international brands to local designers and specialist stores. There is also a wide choice of restaurants, cafés, food markets and bars, with everything from casual meals to more upmarket dining.

The V&A Waterfront is also a cultural destination. The Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa occupies a dramatically converted historic grain silo and houses an important collection of contemporary African art. The Cape Wheel provides elevated views over the city, harbour and mountain, while the Two Oceans Aquarium offers an opportunity to see marine life from the Atlantic and Indian Ocean environments.

Boat trips are another popular activity, ranging from harbour cruises to excursions further into Table Bay. Visitors can also take ferries from the waterfront to Robben Island, making the area an important starting point for exploring one of Cape Town’s most significant historical sites.

With its mixture of heritage buildings, modern attractions, shopping, dining and harbour activities, the V&A Waterfront offers something for a wide range of visitors. Its particularly attractive setting, where the historic working harbour meets Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean, is a major part of its appeal.

Useful Numbers:
V&A Waterfront information centre: (+27) 021 408 7600
Operating hours: 09:00 to 21:00

EMERGENCY ONLY:
Lost child or missing person at the V&A Waterfront: (+27) 021 408 77708

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