The V&A Waterfront is one of the most popular destinations for locals and tourists in Cape Town. The bustling harbour is host to a number of shopping, dining and entertainment experiences, ranging from designer boutique stores, a plethora of incredible restaurants, historical museums, adventure activities and much more.
Set against the backdrop of Cape Town’s famous Table Mountain, the atmosphere at the V&A Waterfront is always abuzz with exciting things to do
While you’re visiting the beautiful city of Cape Town, be sure to visit the ever-popular V&A Waterfront. To help you plan your time, we’ve shared a list of the top 10 things to do at the V&A Waterfront.
Top 10 Things to Do in the V&A Waterfront
Shopping
The Victoria Wharf Shopping Centre on the harbour is renowned for its world-class shopping experience in Cape Town. With more than 450 South African and international stores selling everything from designer clothing, handbags, jewellery, curios and souvenirs, the V&A Waterfront is a shopper’s paradise!
The mall’s daily operating hours run from 9 AM to 9 PM, offering all-day shopping opportunities. The Watershed, just outside the main shopping centre, is a creative hub for local South African designers and artists selling handmade, artisanal clothing, furniture, curios and more.
If you’re a big fan of shopping, be sure to check out our post on the best places to go shopping in Cape Town.
Ride the Cape Wheel
Take a ride on a giant ferris wheel with the safety of an enclosed air-conditioned cabin. The Cape Wheel provides riders with a 360-degree bird’s eye view of the majestic Mother City.
The skyline experience is truly memorable, with sights of Table Mountain, Robben Island, The Twelve Apostles and Paarl. The ride costs R80 (for adults) and R40 (for kids between 4-12 years old).
Robben Island Tour
Discover the rich history of Robben Island and honour the essential aspects of South Africa’s political history with a tour of the island. The tour lasts roughly three and a half hours and departs from the V&A Waterfront by ferry.
During the tour, you will visit historical sites all around the island and be guided through the prison where thousands of South African freedom fighters were incarcerated for years. Contact us to book your Robben Island Tour.
Food and Drinks
If you’re looking for a fresh and delicious dining experience, the V&A Waterfront is the place to be. With a selection of over 100 fine dining restaurants, delis, cafes, casual dining experiences and farmer’s markets offering traditional cuisine from all around the world, foodies have plenty of options!
Whether you’re looking to grab a bite or delight in a three-course meal, you will be spoilt for choice at the V&A Waterfront. For more information on dining options read our article which details the 10 best restaurants in the V&A Waterfront.
Visit the Scratch Patch
The Scratch Patch is a favourite activity for children and it can keep them occupied for hours. Explore the 100 different semi-precious gemstones that are collected from all parts of the world and enjoying scratching about for your favourite brightly coloured stones.
This is an inexpensive activity that will keep the kids entertained. After searching for gemstones, children can bring home a bag of treasures (roughly between R15 – R90).
Comedy Shows
Discover Cape Town’s local and celebrity comedians at the Cape Town Comedy Club in the V&A Waterfront’s Pumphouse.
Immerse yourself in this awesome atmosphere, where the food is good, the drinks are flowing and where laughter is the best medicine. The restaurant- comedy club plays host to South African comedians and regular appearances by international celebrity artists.
Visit the Zeitz MOCAA
Visit the world’s largest museum that is specifically dedicated to contemporary African art. Opening in 2017, in the Silo district, the Zeitz MOCAA museum has become one of Cape Town’s most visited and talked about places.
The fascinating museum features over 100 galleries across nine different levels from various African artists from all over the continent.
Boat Cruises and Kayaking
You will find a number of boat charters on the harbour offering a variety of different experiences. Particularly beautiful is the Sunset Cruise, where you can catch magnificent views of the Mother City while sipping on a champagne sundowner. A boat trip costs about R120 for adults.
For those seeking a bit more of an adventure, the V&A Waterfront also offers kayaking experiences which will allow you to view Cape Town from a whole new perspective. With luck, you might spot a school of dolphins on your trip!
Explore to the Two Oceans Aquarium
Situated just a stone’s throw away from the V&A Waterfront centre, the Two Oceans Aquarium is loved by locals and guests travelling Cape Town.
Home to over 8000 marine animals, the Two Oceans Aquarium is an educational centre that gives adults and children the opportunity to learn about the marine ecosystems found in the Atlantic and the Indian Ocean. The Aquarium is jam-packed with activities for the whole family, visit the penguin sanctuary, dive with sharks and meet the manta-rays.
High Tea at The One&Only
High Tea is one of Cape Town local’s favourite activities, and the One and Only Hotel offers one of the most decadent afternoon tea in the city.
Served at the Vista Bar and Lounge in the hotel, high tea is an indulgent affair, featuring a selection of scones, cookies, banana loaf, macaroons, cheesecake, savouries and of course a variety of flavoured teas. High Tea at the One&Only happens every day between 14h30 and 17h00, accompanied by live music and magnificent views of Table Mountain.
If you’re a foodie and a fan of afternoon teas, check out our list of the best high teas in Cape Town.
Be sure to check out these hot spots when you visit the world-famous V&A Waterfront. Book your vacation in Cape Town, contact African Travel Canvas for planning assistance!