V&A Waterfront

Image Title
V&A Waterfront
Add to Bucket List Added to bucket list
V&A Waterfront
Add to Bucket List Added to bucket list

Overview

This bustling shopping, dining and entertainment area at the Table Bay harbour is as much a sightseeing hotspot as Table Mountain. In fact, the views of the iconic mountain are stunning from the harbour here, which was developed from redundant docklands.

Shopping is the main attraction at the V&A with over 450 retail outlets to choose from. But locals know there’s more on offer including free, live entertainment, the aquarium and the top rated restaurants.

Shop till you drop

With over 450 retail outlets selling everything from fashion, homeware and curios, to jewellery and electronics, the V&A Waterfront is Cape Town’s most popular shopping destination.

Capetonians consider this a shopping mecca, with the most popular local and international brands. Pair shopping with sightseeing, and take in Table Mountain National Park from one of the harbour restaurants.

Two Oceans Aquarium

Showcasing the underwater life of South Africa’s Indian and Atlantic oceans, the Two Oceans Aquarium has more than 3,000 creatures on view.

Major draws are the local giant-sized crabs and Nemo lookalikes. There is also an underwater kelp forest, and eyeball popping tank with ragged-tooth sharks and stingrays. Visitors can catch shark-feeding on Sunday afternoons.

The aquarium is a fun day out for the family, and a great option if the weather is unfriendly.

Experience art and culture

Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (mocaa)

Having officially opened its doors to the public in September 2017, the Zeitz Mocaa has quickly become a popular attraction to both locals and visitors alike, bringing plenty of foot traffic to the up-and-coming Silo District. Boasting the largest collection of African art on the continent and rival the likes of the Tate Modern in London, MoMA in New York and Museo Nacional del Prado in Madrid, the museum itself is a work of art, having been constructed using the original grain silos.

The Watershed:

This beautiful Waterfront space next to the Two Oceans Aquarium is home to more than 150 local craft stands. Immensely popular with locals, visitors have caught on to the unique locally-made goods sold here, including ceramics, furniture, fashion and jewellery. The ‘Wellness at the Watershed’, located on the mezzanine level, offers a range of spa treatments. If you’re peckish, swing next door to the V&A Market on the Wharf for a bite.

Battery Park:

Cape Town's newest urban park, Battery Park connects the Waterfront to the city through a series of scenic pedestrian routes, recreation and retail activities. It’s a green space that forms part of the Canal District of the V&A Waterfront. Free to the public – and perfect for family outings – you can SUP in the canals, hit the skate park, or let the kids loose on the jungle gym. Yet another fantastic addition to the V&A space.