The V&A Waterfront is one of Cape Town's most popular tourist attractions. Drawing locals and tourists from all over, the mall and working harbour is so much more than a destination it can be a base for your Cape Town holiday. Here you'll find over 400 shops and restaurants, and a great deal more besides.
In the harbour area, the Robben Island ferry leaves for the museum a few moments into the bay. Take this trip if you are interested in seeing a different sort of South African history.
Cape Town accommodation is unsurpassed at the V&A Waterfront. Here you can look over the waterways of the harbour, watch sea lions in Granger Bay, or listen to the yachts mooring of an evening. Whatever your Cape Town trip entails, the accommodation here has something for everyone.
Who goes there?
The Waterfront attracts all manner of people, from tourists to locals, students to business people. The mall and subsequent outdoor cafes are the perfect meeting spots for a weekend get-together or just a stroll with your family or friends. Beware, however, on weekends and school holidays this mall can get a little overcrowded due to its popularity.
When to visit V&A Waterfront?
The best time to visit the V&A Waterfront is undoubtedly in summer. The warm sun makes this the perfect time to sit outside at one of the cafes or restaurants and simply watch the people pass by. Summer temperatures rarely reach above 35°C and the average low is about 15°C, perfect weather for shopping and relaxing.
Close By Attractions
- Robben Island ferry: The ferry to this former island prison is an experience in itself. The shark-infested waters of Table Bay kept prisoners at bay for many a long year. Ride on this short ferry hop and experience what it must have been like for all of those prisoners long ago.
- Shark Cage Diving: Speaking of sharks, if you want to get a little more up, close, and personal with these apex predators and are sure you have the bottle for it, hop in a titanium cage and go diving with these magnificent creatures.
- Green Point Stadium: In June 2010 the FIFA soccer world cup will kick off, making for a perfect time to see the area. The V&A Waterfront will be crawling with tourists from all over the world and spending their hard-earned cash in this amazing mall. If you are interested in soccer / football, make sure you visit this nearly-complete stadium and marvel at the architecture.
Things to do near V&A Waterfront
The Two Oceans Aquarium houses excellent examples of the marine life which exists around the Cape Peninsula. This area is a perfect children's outing, and is ideal if you are stuck for something to do one afternoon. Watch the predators circle their enormous tank, or marvel at the living kelp forest the only one of its kind enclosed in a tank in Africa.
At only five minutes from the waterfront, Table Mountain looms over the whole city, enticing you to climb up it, or take the rotating cable car to the top. Whichever way you choose to explore the mountain, the views from the top are worth the trip.
Take a sunset boat trip, one of the most relaxing ways to see a slice of the coast with a glass of bubbly in one hand and a breathtaking African sunset turning the waves to fire.
Getting around
The Hop On Hop Off Cape Town bus leaves from outside the Two Oceans Aquarium regularly and is one of the best ways to see the city. Make sure you pack your camera as this bus goes all around the peninsula.
If you prefer a slightly more personalised method of getting around the city, why not hire a car from one of our many car rental options? See the city on two wheels or four, or even decide to see it in a side-car! Whatever tickles your fancy, the city is a beautiful place to sight-see.
Further a field
Further towards the mountains is the Cape Winelands area. Here you can find many wineries and historic towns, including Franschhoek, Paarl, and Stellenbosch. Make sure you hire a car or book a trip on a personalised tour of the area, as there is simply too much to see in one day.
