Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
4.5
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
About
The V&A Waterfront is a 123-hectare mixed-use destination, and one of Africa’s most visited cultural and historical hubs. Set on the edge of a natural, historic working harbour with the iconic Table Mountain as its backdrop, it offers local and international visitors a cosmopolitan mix of experiences ranging from leisure, shopping and exclusive entertainment. It also offers prime residential and commercial property. The prime positioning of the V&A Waterfront boasts sweeping views of the ocean, city bowl and mountain peaks. Up to 100 000 people visit every day during peak season. Contributing R259.1 billion in nominal terms to the South African economy over the last twelve years, the V&A Waterfront’s cumulative contribution to the provincial GGP since 2002 was over R227 billion. The property also reported a 19% increase in retail trade sales for 2014, marking four consecutive years of consistent growth since 2011. By end 2014, total visitor numbers to the property had grown to 24 million a year. Although the V&A Waterfront remains South Africa’s favourite attraction for international visitors, they account for only 23% of all visitors. Visits by locals increased to 63%, while 14% of visitors were from upcountry. With 22 official landmarks on-site, it is also part of South Africa’s historical legacy. Jointly owned by Growthpoint Properties Limited and the Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF), represented by the Public Investment Corporation Limited (PIC), the V&A Waterfront was developed in 1988 by the state-owned transport corporation, Transnet Limited, while official commercial trading commenced in November 1990.
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
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Top ways to experience Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
1,021 within 5 kms
Attractions
203 within 10 kms
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
14,350 reviews
Excellent
8,665
Very good
4,417
Average
1,058
Poor
154
Terrible
56
Alexia A
5 contributions
Jan. 2023
V&A Waterfront has some of the best restaurants in Cape Town, a dock to rent a yacht for breakfast and prosecco cruises, cute stores, and more. It is a must see!
Written January 27, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hi 84alexiaa, thank you for your wonderful review. We hope you visit was amazing and looking forward to welcoming you back to our neighborhood!!
Written January 28, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Daniel M
London, UK331 contributions
Jan. 2023 • Family
There is so much to do here. My personal favourite was the wellness section in the Watershed and the food market. There is something for everyone here and the parking is dirt cheap
Written January 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hi L4176FZdanielm, thank you for your great review. We hope it was worth it. We looking forward to welcoming you back to our neighborhood!!
Written January 27, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Anne S
Leeds, UK464 contributions
Dec. 2022
This is a lively place to visit for bars, restaurants and shopping. We went after our tour to Robben Island and there was lots of choice of places to eat.
Written January 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hi Anne S, thank you for your wonderful review. We hope your visit was unforgettable and memories were made. We look forward to welcoming you back to our neighborhood!!
Written January 27, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
TravelbugVietnam
Vietnam1,667 contributions
Dec. 2022
Unfortunately some of the places at the V & A were closed over the Christmas/New Year holidays so I couldn't see all the places I wanted to e.g. the MOCCA Museum. If you go early in the morning you can avoid some of the crowds that gather later in the day. Luckily the area is large enough to cater to all these visitors, but getting a seat in a cafe can be problematic. There are some great shops there, but the prices tend to be higher than elsewhere in town. The excellent Robben Island tour leaves from here. It is a great place for photos and people watching.
Written January 24, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hi TravelbugVietnam, thank you for your review. We hope you had an amazing time in our neighborhood and looking forward to welcoming you back soon.
Written January 26, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Roberto V
Braselton, GA19 contributions
Jan. 2023
This is an attractive, pleasant and safe area. In fact I found it to be the only relaxing and inviting area in the whole city. There is a lot to do and see there. And you can arrange other trips there such as boat trips and helicopter rides. The only down side I would say is the prices at the mall there. South Africa tends to be fairly cheap in general but at the waterfront the prices of many goods areas high as the Champs in Paris.
Written January 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hi 259robertov, thank you for your great review. We looking forward to welcoming you back to our neighborhood!!
Written January 23, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
QueenBee
Manchester, Greater Manchester, England185 contributions
Jan. 2023
A really well run Mall with everything your heart desires. Could do better with the parking ticket machines at the entrances that take forever and always lines of people.
Written January 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hi QueenBeeQueenBee, thank you for your review. We hope you enjoyed your visit and please enquire at our information about our parking app for an easy exit. We looking forward to welcoming you back to our neighborhood.
Written January 23, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
stevesol6718
New York City, NY533 contributions
Jan. 2023
This is a huge complex on the waterfront with activities, shopping, activities and food. Something is always happening, dancing or drums or other activities. Restaurants are everywhere, and because of the exchange rate of Rand to dollar, so cheap. We had a dozen delicious oysters for $17.
Written January 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hi stevesol67180, thank you for your wonderful review. We glad you enjoyed yourself with those delicious oysters and looking forward to welcoming you back to our neighborhood!!
Written January 23, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Wayne D
San Diego, CA231 contributions
Jan. 2023
A wonderful experience for everyone is Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens rated as one the best botanical gardens in the world… for good reasons. With 1,300 acres of stunning botanical gardens located at the eastern foot of Table Mountain, the garden covers five of South Africa's six different biomes (savanna, fynbos, karoo, and others). Founded in 1913, Kirstenbosch places a strong emphasis on the preservation of indigenous plants of southern Africa. Don’t miss the Tree Canopy Walkway (also known as ‘the Boomslang’ or tree snake) for bird-watching and wonderful views. There are benches throughout the garden to sit and enjoy and people bring picnics. Kirstenbosch also has a gift shop and nice restaurant. Purchase a map when entering and check Kirstenbosch’s events schedule if you want to catch a trail run, craft market, or the Summer Sunset concert series featuring top entertainment.
Written January 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Traveler827982
5 contributions
Jan. 2023
The V&A is just another boring shopping centre, unless you are there for the Aquarium, or to catch a ferry to Robben Island, or a boat trip activity.
Written January 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Akoth A
Nairobi, Kenya32 contributions
Jan. 2023 • Family
Great energy. There's always something happening at the amphitheatre - majic shows, concerts. Several shops and eateries.
Written January 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hi akoth2022, thank you for your great review. We hope you enjoyed every minute and looking forward to having you back in our neighborhood!!
Written January 19, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Is there a hairdressing salon nearby
Karen C
Sarasota, FL87 contributions
There is a spa in the hotel
BarcelonaTraveler
uk17 contributions
I visited a lovely shop in Alfred Mall (I think) near the Victoria and Albert Hotel that sold lovely art of animals but also pop artists amongst other things. They were really unusual and some were in 3D. Does anyone know the name of gallery, I'm looking to order some if they have a website.
Many thanks
327andrer
Cape Town, South Africa130 contributions
Hi there.
Sorry.
Haven't been to the V&A Waterfront since LockDown in March.
Perhaps you can try and contact the center's management office.
Surely they can assist.
Hope you come right.
Nigelissimo
Poole, UK43 contributions
What is the best parking to use when visiting the waterfront and what is the zip code for sat navs.
Thanks
Reneé D
10 contributions
There are parking lots under cover that you pay for however I would suggest that you take an uber there it’s much less of a hassle.
YK01616
Kinsale, Ireland11 contributions
Staying in Cape Town on New Years Eve at the Southern Sun Hotel on the Waterfront. I have been told that we should go to a restaurant with a view of table mountain to get best value from night's light / fireworks show. We have also been told that there are restaurants with great views on top of shopping centers on waterfront. As I have not visited before I am looking for some local advice on best options for a dinner reservation ( for adult family of 5). Thank you for your assistance.
willden-12
Glasgow, UK104 contributions
For a true African restaurant try Karibu but there are a few with view of table mountain on second level. Realistically table mountain is on view everywhere!
SkegnessBiggerry
Skegness115 contributions
Can anyone tell me what the weather is like in and around Cape town in September.
T shirt and shorts or coats and brolly.
Thanks
Kono tourism services
Cape Town Central, South Africa32 contributions
The beautiful thing about Cape Town is undecipherable if weatherman can't get it right. So prepare for 4 seasons in one day. No shorts yet.
Hi, we are staying in V&A waterfront for 10 nights in August. Where is the best place to watch sport in a bar?
Many Thanks in advance
michelin5star
michelin5star40 contributions
Mitchels which is next to the big wheel - great bar, with good food and atmosphere. Enjoy ;-)
Aadil T
Port Louis15 contributions
How is the weather out there? Will be visiting there in 2 weeks time with toddlers.
MargRichWil
Cape Town Central, South Africa79 contributions
Dress warm, warm scarves, fleece, windproof and rain proof jackets a must. Buffs with a scarf are great protection. Use fleece hoodies. Warm gloves. There are days we have sunshine with a cold freezing wind. Winter is here, stay warm. Have a super visit in our lovely Cape Town.
We will be in Capetown and Johannesburg between March 25th and April 4th. Given weather there what should we pack?
Howard M
45 contributions
Pack light jackets or sweaters plus warm/hot hot weather clothes (shorts, sandals etc.). Unless there is is an unusual cold snap you will probably only need something warmish in the evenings, the days should be sunny with a midday temperature of around 25 deg C. Late March early April is normally very nice weather in both Johannesburg and Cape Town.
SueLovesTheBeach
Altoona, PA114 contributions
Our last day in our upcoming trip to South Africa will be spent in CapeTown where we have a free day. I am very interested in the craft market that everyone mentions in their reviews. What kind of crafts do they sell there? Does anyone have photos of the market itself? Crafts purchased? What is this market called? Are they willing to mail items to the states? It the market right at the waterfront? What are the most typical a south African crafts to buy? We are looking forward to our trip and plan to spend a productive day at the waterfront so any suggestions of what to do there would be appreciated.
Annette S
Melbourne, Australia104 contributions
You’ve got to go for the vibe, experience Africa and its creativity. Fabulous!!
VICTORIA & ALFRED WATERFRONT (Cape Town Central) - 2023 What to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
- Victoria & Alfred Waterfront is open:
- Sun - Sat 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
- We recommend booking Victoria & Alfred Waterfront tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 68 Victoria & Alfred Waterfront tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Victoria & Alfred Waterfront:
- Hop-On Hop-Off Cape Town Canal Cruise (From C$5.55)
- Cape Wheel Admission Ticket (From C$13.48)
- Kickstart Your Trip To Cape Town (From C$84.21)
- Full-Day Explore Cape Town Like a Local - Private Tour with Local Guide (From C$214.04)
- Private Cape of Goodhope & penguin colony (From C$118.90)
- Hotels near Victoria & Alfred Waterfront:
- (0.09 km) The Table Bay
- (0.42 km) Dock House Boutique Hotel
- (0.38 km) Victoria & Alfred Hotel
- (0.45 km) Queen Victoria Hotel & Manor House
- (0.58 km) Cape Grace managed by Accor
- Restaurants near Victoria & Alfred Waterfront:
- (0.01 km) Cape Town Fish Market (V & A Waterfront)
- (0.03 km) Bukhara
- (0.04 km) Woolworths Cafe
- (0.05 km) Camissa
- (0.16 km) Mozambik V & A Waterfront
- Attractions near Victoria & Alfred Waterfront:
- (0.05 km) Cape Town Helicopters
- (0.06 km) Luxury Yacht Charters
- (0.16 km) The Mirage
- (0.22 km) Waterfront Charters
- (0.19 km) Tigresse Catamaran