Photo by Nico Smit
The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront in the historic heart of Cape Town's working harbour is South Africa's most-visited destination, having the highest rate of foreign tourists of any attraction in the country.
The V&A is not only a premiere shopping destination but also a social hotspot boasting wonderful restaurants, cinemas and much more.Geographically it is situated between Robben Island and Table Mountain and set against a backdrop of sea and mountain views.The Waterfront houses the Nelson Mandela Gateway which offers tours to Robben Island. The Two Oceans Aquarium and Chavonnes Battery museum is right on the V&A's doorstep and now there is even a fresh food market where one can find anything from samoosas to ice cream.
Historically Prince Alfred, second son of Queen Victoria, began the construction of the harbour in 1860. The first basin was named after himself, the second after his mother, hence the name.The V&A Waterfront experience is primarily a maritime one. The working harbour caters for a wide range of vessels. The local fishing industry occupies some 60% of the harbour and provides visitors with a vibrant and ever-changing backdrop of tug boats, ferries, fishing vessels, charter boats and marine life.The are over 450 retail outlets selling everything from fashion, homeware and curios, to jewellery, leather goods and audiovisual equipment.
V&A Waterfront information: info@waterfront.co.za or call: +27 21 408 7600 during office hours (09h00 - 21h00).