Our Guide to the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town

The V&A Waterfront is one of Cape Town’s most visited destinations, offering a blend of retail, dining, entertainment, culture, and history. Situated in a working harbour with Table Mountain as its backdrop, the Waterfront is more than just a shopping mall; it’s a thriving precinct with something for every kind of traveller. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning to explore more, this is our guide to making the most of your time at the V&A Waterfront.
 

In this blog, we cover:

  • Two Oceans Aquarium – An interactive marine experience perfect for all ages.

  • The Watershed – A curated collection of local makers and designers.

  • Time Out Market Cape Town – A food hall featuring top local chefs and culinary experiences.

  • Scratch Patch & Cave Golf – A playful stop for gemstone collecting and mini-golf.

  • Boat Cruises – Explore Cape Town from the water with a variety of cruise options.

  • Victoria Wharf Shopping Centre – A diverse mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment.

  • Alfred Mall & Pierhead – A hub for African crafts, local curios, and casual fun.

  • Clock Tower District – Art, history, and practical services in a quieter corner.

  • Running at the Waterfront – A scenic, active way to experience the precinct.

  • Where to Stay – Our handpicked apartments in the Waterfront Marina and Mouillie Point.

 
 

Two Oceans Aquarium

The Two Oceans Aquarium is a must-visit for families, marine life enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a quieter indoor activity. It showcases marine species from both the Indian and Atlantic oceans, and features interactive exhibits such as a touch pool, daily feeding times, and a play area for children. A highlight is the opportunity to learn about local marine conservation efforts in an engaging and accessible way.

 

The Watershed

The Watershed is a vibrant market space that highlights some of South Africa’s most talented designers and artisans. Here, you’ll find everything from locally made jewellery and fashion to homeware, art, and African curios. It’s the ideal spot for picking up unique gifts or keepsakes from your Cape Town visit.

 

Time Out Market

Located in the old Power Station building, the Time Out Market brings together some of the city’s top chefs, mixologists, and culinary talents under one roof. Curated by the editors of Time Out, the market offers a taste of Cape Town’s diverse food scene,  from traditional South African dishes to contemporary international cuisine. With communal seating, a vibrant atmosphere, and a mix of local food legends and rising stars, it’s an ideal spot for sampling a variety of flavours in one sitting. Whether you’re after a leisurely lunch or evening drinks with friends, this market is a must-visit.

 

Scratch Patch & Cave Golf

This is a fun, low-key experience for both kids and adults. The Scratch Patch lets you dig through thousands of colourful gemstones and pick your favourites to take home. Next door, Cave Golf offers a quirky indoor mini-golf course set in a cave-like setting,  perfect for some lighthearted competition.

 

Boat Cruises from the Harbour

There are plenty of boat tours departing from the Waterfront, and we always recommend making time for one. Options range from relaxing sunset cruises and harbour tours to high-speed boat rides and seal-watching trips. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy Cape Town from a different perspective, and snap some great photos.

capetown-3891441_1280Photo by: Torpong Tankamhaeng

 

Victoria Wharf Shopping Centre

The main shopping destination at the Waterfront, Victoria Wharf offers everything from high-end designer boutiques to popular local and international retail brands. Whether you’re window-shopping or looking to pick up essentials, there’s something for every budget. You’ll also find a wide range of restaurants and cafés, plus two cinemas showing mainstream and independent films. Just outside the mall is the Cape Wheel, where you can enjoy 360-degree views of the city and coastline.

nico-smit-L5CY08WNZ28-unsplashPhoto by Nico Smit

 

Alfred Mall & Pierhead

This section of the Waterfront is filled with smaller boutiques and art shops, offering local crafts, curios, and souvenirs. It's a great spot to explore South African creativity, and you might even meet the makers themselves. Don’t miss the oversized outdoor chess board, which is a fun photo stop (or challenge your travel companions to a match!).

 

Clock Tower District

Home to the striking red Clock Tower, this area combines retail with practical services like foreign exchange offices and courier shops. You’ll also find independent galleries, jewellery stores, and small cafés. It’s a quieter area that often gets overlooked,  but well worth a stroll.

harbor-7012948_1280Photo by: JeanvdMeulen

 

Running at the Waterfront

Fitness lovers can enjoy a scenic and safe running route through the Waterfront precinct. The area’s pedestrian-friendly paths allow for a route with harbour views, glimpses of resident fur seals, and the chance to pause for a coffee or juice at one of the many cafés along the way.

 

Stay at the Waterfront

We offer premium apartments in the Waterfront Marina, a private residential complex with easy access to all the precinct’s offerings. For those looking to stay just outside the bustle, our apartments in Mouillie Point are just a +/- 20-minute walk away and offer a more serene setting with beautiful ocean views.

To enquire about availability at the Waterfront Marina, click here
For more on our Mouillie Point apartments, click here

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