The V&A Waterfront is the oldest working harbour in South Africa and its 123 hectares are used for far more than just commercial fishing. This harbour caters to a wide range of vessels and yachts. Famous people like Elton John, David Beckham and Madonna have bought a property in this beautiful area.
You may want to know more about this iconic stop and how it got its name. Prince Alfred, the son of Queen Victoria visited the Cape Colony Harbour in 1860 when he was only 16 years old. He was a Royal Navy Midshipman on the HMS Euryalus and he made quite a splash with the colonials and local chiefs. The first basin of the new Navy Yard was named after Prince Alfred and the second after his mother.
The V&A has two deepwater passenger vessel berths, a superyacht berth and a multitude of private floating marina berths. The local fishing industry occupies about 60% of this harbour. This gives the visitors to the V&A an ever-changing backdrop of tugboats, cruise liners and yachts while there are few local seals that like to sun themselves along the jetties.
So why should you visit the V&A Waterfront and what does it have to offer? We have a few reasons why this should be on your list.
1. Shopping is fun
Cape Town may be one of the most fashionable places in South Africa and the V&A has an array of shops for you to choose from. From well-known labels like Louis Vuitton and Guess to boutiques stocking young designers, you are bound to find something unique at the V&A.
If you aren’t after clothes on your trip then visit the Carrol Boyes shop in the V&A and browse through designers unique, high-end home and lifestyle pieces.
2. The food
With all this exploring you are bound to work up a good appetite and you are in luck when you visit the V&A Waterfront because it has over 80 restaurants for you to choose from. The V&A is home to some of the top restaurants in Cape Town so a good meal is just around every corner.
From fresh sushi from Sevruga Restaurant and beers and burgers at Ferryman’s Pub, you can find exactly what you are looking for.
3. Two Oceans Aquarium
The V&A Waterfront is home to the Two Oceans Aquarium where adults and children alike will be wowed by the beautiful, diverse sea life. Take a stroll through the penguin exhibit, view the stingrays or get up close and personal with the sharks. The touch pool is where things get interesting, this is where you can get up close and personal with all the creepy crawlies of the sea.
4. The markets
What would a Cape Town attraction be without a market or two? Well the V&A Food Market has over forty vendors selling you a wide selection of foods and drinks. This market is open 7 days a week.
The Oranjezicht City Farm Market is held every Saturday at the Granger Bay site of the V&A Waterfront. This market is a farmer’s style market for independent farmers and they stock some of the freshest fruit and vegetables around.
5. Just for the kids
The V&A is not just for adults because there are plenty of activities for the kiddies too. The Hamleys Train will take your little one (and possibly you) on a scenic and fun trip around the V&A. Pop into the famous toy store and browse through the wide collection of toys and games, don’t get lost!
The V&A also has a movie house that shows all the latest movies. If you want to watch your movie in style, then book your ticket at Cinema Nouveau and relax in your recliner.
6. Museums to know more about Springbok Rugby and Diamonds
The V&A Waterfront isn’t all food and shopping, there are a few museums where you can take a tour and learn more about the different aspects of our colourful South African history.
The Springbok Experience is a modern, interactive museum where you can be taken through the history of rugby and our home country. With over 60 audiovisual displays, you won’t be disappointed. There is also a collection of famous rugby memorabilia for you to look through.
The Cape Town Diamond Tour is a must for anyone that is visiting the V&A – learn about the history of the diamond trade, the history of diamonds in South Africa and how diamonds are formed.
7. Take to the seas Matey’s
Hop aboard the Jolly Roger, and channel your inner Captain Jack Sparrow, but make sure your sea legs are steady and ready. This is by no means a peaceful cruise so expect high drama and fun on the seas!
The Esperance Champagne Cruise is the ideal cruise to take while visiting Cape Town – experience all the beauty that Cape Town and the Atlantic Seaboard has to offer. This cruise is perfect for families and groups to take as you will be able to take in the beautiful views while the sun goes down over the water.
The V&A Waterfront has something for everyone, old and young and you’ll even find the locals out and about taking advantage of all this attraction has to offer. Be sure to check out our website for our deals and packages before visiting the V&A Waterfront.
Visit these attractions with your City Pass.
