Bright, breezy, and always buzzing - Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront blends its maritime past with modern energy. Street performers, sea breezes, and the sound of gulls mingle with the clink of wine glasses and harbour hum.
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The V&A Waterfront in Cape Town is a popular area for shopping, restaurants, craft markets and the starting point for many boat cruises out into the bay. It was created from rehabilitated wharf-side sheds, and Victorian maritime buildings. Naturally it is the base for many popular hotels as well.
It’s become less quirkily South African and more ‘global’ in recent years. But the fact that it is still a working harbour sets the Cape Town V&A Waterfront apart from other urban restoration projects.
The V&A Waterfront is home to hundreds of shops, bars, and restaurants, ranging from global fashion brands to South African design studios, all within walking distance of your hotel. The Watershed Indoor Craft Studio is a treasure trove of handmade art, jewellery, and textiles — the perfect spot for something uniquely local. Elsewhere there is an eclectic mix of eateries and open-air bistros.
It’s also the departure point for cruises into Table Bay including a 90-minute catamaran sundowner trip. Plus the unforgettable Robben Island ferry to this sombre island (allow about 3–4 hours). And for scenic helicopter flips over Cape Town’s dramatic coastline.
Weekends bring open-air music and the joyful buzz of street performers, while the ever-present scent of salt air keeps it all distinctly maritime.
And don’t be surprised to find a few whiskered locals lazing on the jetties. The Cape fur seals who’ve made the Waterfront their home now even have their own sunbathing platform between the piers!
Fun fact: the name “V&A” stands for Queen Victoria and her son Prince Alfred, who laid the first stone of the harbour in 1860. (So not her beloved husband Albert)
The V&A Waterfront hotels range from well-priced 4-star hotels up to the most luxurious five-star names in Cape Town. Think The Silo, Cape Grace, One&Only Cape Town and the newly refurbished Table Bay. All are within easy walking distance of the restaurants, shops, and marina — and many have direct views of the harbour or Table Mountain.
A small note of caution: some hotels outside the precinct like to borrow the Waterfront name. If you want the real thing, we’ll point you to those genuinely set within the V&A’s harbour basin.
Most visitors spend at least half a day here — it’s easy to combine shopping, a leisurely lunch, and a boat cruise or museum visit.
Is it family-friendly?
Yes, the V&A Waterfront is ideal for families. Children love the Cape Wheel, the Two Oceans Aquarium, and watching seals in the harbour.
Can I walk from the Waterfront to other parts of Cape Town?
Yes but… It’s about 20–25 minutes to the city centre on foot, but it’s not a particularly attractive walk. We recommend taking a short taxi ride instead.
Stay where the city meets the sea — explore the V&A Waterfront with Cedarberg Africa’s insider recommendations.
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