1. Outdoor attractions
a. Cape Wheel
Installed almost 5 years ago, Cape Wheel is one of the most representative symbols of V & A Waterfront. From it you can have incredible views of the city.
- Operating hours: Monday to Sunday from 10:00 a.m. at 10:30 p.m.
- Cost: Adults $130 ZAR = $11 USD, Children (4-15): $60 ZAR = $5 USD.
Read more about Cape Wheel here.
b. Artistic stage
Near the Cape wheel there is a stage where local artists perform, you can also see marimba bands playing near and there are other musicians playing next to Alfred Mall and Nobel Square.
c. Yellow frames
V & A Waterfront has two of the seven yellow frames that capture Table Mountain, one of the New Seven Natural Wonders.
The oldest Yellow Frame is near the bridges, the new one is in Silo District.
Read more about the Yellow Frames here.
d. Nobel Square
This is a very interesting historical place. This square has this name because it has the statues of the four South Africans who received the Nobel Peace Prize.
The late chief Albert Luthuli, archbishop Desmond Tutu and former presidents Nelson Mandela and FW de Klerk.
Read more about Nobel Square here.
e. Running Routes
V & A Waterfront has two circuits for runners with 2.5 and 5 km routes. I recommend you to use them very early in the morning when they are free because later they are also used by people who are just walking and visiting the place.
See the running routes map here.
2. Touristic Activities
a. Helicopters and boats
For tourists visiting V & A Waterfront, it is easy to find stands mounted by tour operators. There are several modalities of helicopter tours and boat rides – as sunset cruises with champagne.
Read more about touristic activities here.
b. Sharks and Scuba diving
There are many customized tours such as shark diving and sea diving that can also be booked at V&A Waterfront.
Read more about sharks and scuba diving here.
c. Up Cycles
If you want to explore Cape Town, renting a bicycle is a great option. UpCycles has a base in the newly created Silo District.
Read more about Up Cycles in the official website.
d. City Sightseeing
Another option to get to know all the important sites in Cape Town in a short time is to take the City Sightseeing red bus. It has a base next to Two Oceans Aquarium.
More information in the City Sightseeing official page.
3. Shopping
In addition to Victoria Wharf which is the main shopping center, there are 3 other smaller shopping centers: Alfred Mall, Water Shed and Clock Tower.
a. Victoria Wharf
Victoria Wharf ir the mall with more shops and restaurants. You even have a Pick n Pay supermarket in the basement.
Read more about Victoria Wharf in the official website.
b. Alfred Mall
Although it is much smaller, Alfred Mall has classy stores and with main focus on jewelry and art.
Read more about Alfred Mall here.
c. Water Shed
Located next to the Two Oceans Aquarium, here you will find a wide selection of products, including: design and crafts, home and decoration, fashion and accessories and jewelry.
Read more about Watershed here.
d. Clock Tower
Besides housing the Cape Town Diamond Museum, this place has several stores. Also you can find art exhibitions. When I went I pop into one and I was able to see African paintings and sculptures.
Read more about Clock Tower here.
4. Restaurants
a. More than 80 restaurants
There are more than 80 restaurants on V&A Waterfront. Almost all major chains such as Primi Piatti, Ocean Basket, Steers, McDonalds, Debonairs and KFC have a subsidiary there. And also you can find other restaurants like Willoughby & Co and Quay Four.
b. V&A Foodmarket
Just in front of the Nobel Square is the V&A Foodmarket. Its kiosks offer gourmet meals at affordable prices.
Read more about V&A Foodmarket aquí.
5. Museums
a. Aquarium
Two Oceans Aquarium focuses on the marine life present on the South African coast, bathed by the Atlantic and Indian Ocean. It is a great option for days with bad weather in the city.
- Prices (buying online is cheaper): Adult: $149 ZAR = $13 USD, children (14 to 17 years): $108 ZAR = $9 USD and children (up to 13 years): $72 ZAR = $6 USD.
- Opening times: 9:30 am to 6 pm.
Read more about Two Oceans Aquarium on its official website.
b. Robben Island
There are ferries departing to Robben Island, the island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned and that today works as a museum.
These busy tours depart four times a day from the station next to Clock Tower. It is good to buy online in advance because if you buy at the ticket office it is difficult to find availability on the same day.
- Prices: Adults $340 ZAR = $28 USD and children $190 ZAR = $ 16 USD.
- Opening times: ferris depart at 9:00, 11:00, 13:00, and 15:00 hrs.
Read more about Robben Island on its official website.
c. Diamond Museum in Clock Tower
Diamonds are a big part of the history of South Africa. The Cape Town Diamond Museum pays homage to this extraordinary journey of 3 billion years, from the formation of these stones to their final product.
- Prices: General $50 ZAR = $ 4 USD, free entrance for children under 14 years.
- Opening times: from 9:00 to 21:00 hrs., the seven days of the week.
Read more about the Dimond Museum on its official website.
d. Springbok Experience Rugby Museum
The two floors of the Springbok Experience tell the story of South Africa through the country’s most important sport: rugby.
- Prices: Adults $70 ZAR = $ 6 USD, Students $50 ZAR = $ 4 USD.
- Opening times: from 9:00 to 17:00 hrs. (closed on Mondays).
Read more about Springbok Experience Rugby Museum on its official website.
e. Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA)
The Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA) is located in the Silo District (the newest area of the V&A Waterfront). Opened on September 22, 2017 it will be the largest museum in the world dedicated to contemporary art in Africa.
- Prices: Adults $180 ZAR = $15 USD.
- Opening Times: from 10:00 to 18:00 hrs.
Read more about MOCAA on its official website.
f. Galileo Open Air Cinema
A great option to go out with friends or on a romantic date is to watch a movie at the Galileo Open Air Cinema (open during the summer).
- Prices: prices vary if purchased online or at the door and depending on the type of seat but in general they are $100 ZAR = $ 8 USD for the entrance, $10 ZAR = $ 1 USD for a blanket and $20 ZAR = $ 2 USD for a back support.
- Opening times: doors open at 6 p.m. from Tuesday to Friday, at 5:00 pm on Saturdays and at 4:00 pm. on Sundays.
Read more about the Galileo Open Air Cinema on its official website.
EXTRA – New Year
During New Year you can celebrate at V&A Waterfront. It has attractions during the night and also parties in different restaurants and nightclubs.
a. Outdoor
There are several stages scattered around V&A Waterfront, with presentations of various artists during New Year.
The place is full, huge rows for everything, in the bathrooms, cafeterias and kiosks. At midnight, there are fireworks and also laser projections in a building. Remember that alcoholic beverages are not allowed in public places in South Africa.
b. Shimmy Beach Club
Another option to do during New Year is Shimmy Beach Club, a nightclub / bar / restaurant that is also located in the V&A Waterfront complex. The night of the closing of the year has the party Fuck me, I’m Famous.
Read more about Shimmy Beach Club on its official website.
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Wow this place looks amazing. I wish id travelled more before having my 3 kids as im stuck now theyre small. Maybe one day i can go here. My husband loves to travel to run in different countries so ive saved this for him too. X
Great Post! Looks like such a neat place to visit! Awesome pics!
Great post Pilar! I never realized there was so much to do in Cape Town!
I have always wanted to go to South Africa and this makes me want to go now!
Great Information. LOVE the yellow frame shots. Beautiful pictures!