The Victoria and Alfred Waterfront or V&A Waterfront as it is fondly referred to is set in one of the oldest working harbours in the southern hemisphere and is simply spectacular with Table Mountain as its backdrop on the one side and extensive views of the ocean and city bowl on the other. The V&A Waterfront is one of Africa's most visited destinations, attracting 24 million people every year.
The simple answer is - loads and loads, which is why it’s one of the most popular places in Cape Town! With a direct view up to the majestic Table Mountain, it’s a regular attraction even for locals who get to enjoy the view all year round. We have enjoyed many a glass of crisp white wine and a full-bodied red with that magnificent sight and would love you to experience it, too. The restaurants on offer here are all primed to welcome you with delicious local tastes of the country and the sea. Once you’re full up to the brim, you can empty your wallet by popping into one of the quaint little trinket shops or indeed browse the larger chains which are all located in the main mall. If you’re up for a bit of adventure, we would highly recommend jumping on board a sundowner cruise to look back at Table Mountain from the ocean, or indeed capture it by air in a helicopter which goes directly from the promenade. Just a hop skip and a jump away you have the Zeitz MOCAA Museum of Contemporary African Art, the largest of its kind in Africa and one that opened its doors to the public in 2017. You could also visit the Two Oceans Aquarium if the weather isn’t in your favour, and the ferry over to Robben Island also goes from here.
The first Royal visit to the Cape Colony was in 1860 by Prince Alfred, the second son of Queen Victoria. His visit sparked a huge sense of pride with the colonials and therefore they honoured him by naming the new Navy Yard after him and the second after his mother.
The restaurant scene at the V&A is so competitive that you’re in for a treat no matter where you decide to dine. There is a huge variety so there will most certainly be something for everyone – from some of the tastiest sushi and fresh seafood in the country to dishes from Portugal or India and world quality fine dining all made with the best local ingredients. Our team are regularly in Cape Town and therefore best placed to keep on top of the best there is, so let us know what kind of dishes you’re into and we can with pleasure help to book you a table to make sure you don’t miss out! (It’s a hard life trying all those dishes but someone has to do it).
We support a number of gorgeous hotels at the V&A Waterfront, all just a hope skip and a jump away from the main boulevard and therefore an easy stroll back to your bed after enjoying the wonderful shops, bars and restaurants the harbour has to offer. The most recent addition to this area is The Silo which has stunning 360-degree views of the city from its private rooftop and floor to ceiling windows in all of the bedrooms which give you an exclusive feeling of being on top of the world! The hotel also sits above the famous Zeitz Mocca art museum which has been celebrated worldwide. The iconic-looking Cape Grace is another one of our favourites, with a classical interior design, serving exquisite high-tea in their drawing room every day and exclusive whiskeys in their whiskey bar, Bascule. If you want to be guaranteed a view of Table Mountain from your room, we would with pleasure book you into the One&Only, which also boasts a gorgeous lazy-river pool in the heart of the property and the Nobu restaurant which gets booked up months in advance. You also have the option of staying in the gorgeous V&A Hotel or the Table Bay Hotel with direct access to the main shopping mall and over 450 retail outlets on the doorstep.
Restaurants, shops, bars, boats and even an aquarium – there is plenty to do and see here at the V&A. In terms of top attractions, it depends on what you’re into! Everyone loves the photo opportunity in the photo square with Table Mountain in the background, and who can resist afternoon-tea at the iconic Cape Grace hotel? The exhibitions at the Zeitz MOCAA are always a remarkable way to explore contemporary African art, and at the top of the building is The Silo Rooftop Bar which can delivery one heck of a cocktail and the most unbeatable view.
This is a pretty long list, it must be said! There are over 450 retail outlets at the mall selling everything from fashion, homeware and curios, to jewellery, leather goods and audio-visual equipment. It’s very easy to get lost here and end up with a fairly light purse but the good news is that if you end your trip in Cape Town you won’t have to worry about those pesky baggage allowances for the flight home!
With the majestic Twelve Apostle mountain range as a backdrop and the Atlantic Ocean less than a minutes walk away, The Bay Hotel boasts an unrivaled location in the heart of glitzy Camps Bay. After a busy day seeing Cape Town’s world-class sights, exhale and relax with a sunset cocktail, a treatment in the on-site spa or some time lounging around one of four sea-facing pools... Learn more
Situated on a private quay between Cape Town’s bustling V&A Waterfront and the tranquil yacht marina, there is no better position from where to soak in the natural beauty of our Mother City and the very essence of Cape Town living at its best. The Cape Grace is one of our favourite spots in Cape Town. The hotel is truly iconic and has such amazing charm, we know you’ll love a stay here!.. Learn more
A stone’s throw from the alluring V&A Waterfront, located alongside the Time Ball Tower – Dock House Boutique Hotel offers the ideal balance between convenience and complete privacy. The hotel’s charming exterior gives way to an opulent world beyond its front door... Learn more
Set in the vibrant heart of Cape Town’s waterfront, surrounded by restaurants, shopping, art and entertainment; on the doorstep of Table Mountain; and within easy reach of spectacular beaches, national parks, and winelands. One&Only Cape Town is the ultimate curator of discovery, from active adventures, to mindful moments and exclusive, tailored experiences... Learn more
Situated in the heart of Cape Town, the Queen Victoria Hotel welcomes guests to experience the very essence of distinguished luxury, where classic elegance meets contemporary design. Its prime location in a quiet, historic precinct near to the V&A Waterfront allows for a serene city escape as well as convenient access to a range of outstanding amenities... Learn more
Experience love at first sight in our city hotel that sits on the beautiful waterfront of Cape Town. There's something to fill all the senses, with fantastic art adorning all rooms and suites, while Cape Town's craft food and drink scene are celebrated in our OUIbar + KTCHN. Radisson RED Hotel Cape Town is ideally placed between the sea and the main tourist sites and within easy reach of the airport... Learn more
The Silo Hotel sets a new standard for luxury Cape Town accommodation. A magical hotel towering above the V&A Waterfront surrounded by the natural wonder of South Africa’s Mother City. The Silo Hotel has been built in the grain elevator portion of the historic grain silo complex occupying six floors above Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA) which houses Africa’s largest collection of contemporary African art... Learn more
Situated on the historic Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, The Table Bay hotel is perfectly positioned against the stunning backdrop of Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean and provides easy access to the top places to visit in Cape Town. The Table Bay offers the ultimate in 5-star luxury hotel accommodation in Cape Town... Learn more
History and modern luxury merge to create ageless beauty at the Victoria & Alfred Hotel, which was built in 1904 as the North Quay Warehouse. This iconic establishment was named after Queen Victoria and her son, Prince Alfred who played an intrinsic role in the establishment of the Breakwater Basin – now the V&A Waterfront... Learn more
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