Africa
South Africa
Western Cape
Cape Town
Cape Town Central
Things to do in Cape Town Central
Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
See all things to do

Victoria & Alfred Waterfront

See all things to do
See all things to do
Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
4.5
#2 of 196 things to do in Cape Town Central
MarinasPiers & Boardwalks
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
Write a review
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
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
What is Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best?
This award is our highest recognition and is presented annually to those businesses that are the Best of the Best on Tripadvisor, those that earn excellent reviews from travellers and are ranked in the top 1% of properties worldwide.
Top ways to experience Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
See all
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
1 023 within 5 kms
Mozambik V & A Waterfront
1,090
0.2 kmRR - RRR • Bar • Portuguese • Dining bars
Karibu Restaurant
4,332
0.1 kmRR - RRR • African • Grill • Beer restaurants
Gibson's Gourmet Burgers & Ribs
1,320
0.2 kmRR - RRR • American • Steakhouse • Bar
Belthazar Restaurant & Wine Bar
4,083
0.2 kmRR - RRR • Steakhouse • Seafood • Fusion
Sevruga Restaurant
2,349
0.2 kmRR - RRR • Seafood • Sushi • Healthy
Dash Restaurant & Bar
705
0.4 kmRRRR • International • European • Contemporary
Willoughby & Co
4,184
0.1 kmRR - RRR • Japanese • Seafood • Sushi
Ginja
564
0.4 kmRR - RRR • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options • Gluten Free Options
Baia Seafood Restaurant
3,400
0.1 kmRRRR • Seafood • International • Vegetarian Friendly
La Parada V&A Waterfront
902
0.4 kmRR - RRR • Bar • Mediterranean • European
See all
Attractions
212 within 10 kms
Victoria Wharf Shopping Centre
95
0.2 kmShopping Malls
Cape Town Diamond Museum
834
0.4 kmSpeciality Museums
The African Experience
4
0.2 kmFlea & Street Markets
Eyewitness - A Private Collection
22
0.3 kmArt Museums
Chavonnes Battery Museum
114
0.4 kmMilitary Museums • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Zeitz MOCAA
910
0.5 kmArt Museums
Art At Africa
4
0.3 kmArt Galleries
Two Oceans Aquarium
5,328
0.7 kmAquariums
Ripley's Believe It Or Not! Cape Town
15
0.3 kmSpeciality Museums
Waterfront Swing Bridge
7
0.4 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Bridges
See all
See what travellers are saying
  • fiamma11
    Vienna, Virginia4,906 contributions
    Shops, restaurants and more in view of Table Mountain
    This waterfront is a must visit when in Cape Town. It is brimming with shops, restaurants and scenic landscapes. Shopping or dining in view of Table Mountain is sublime. Many of the shops are truly unique and terrific. Also there are a smattering of statues and tours to take. Highly recommended; something for all ages can be found here.
    VAWaterfront
    Hi Debra R, thank you for your wonderful recommendation. We looking forward to welcoming you back in our neighborhood!!
    Written 19 January 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited August 2022
    Written 31 December 2022
  • forshaw52
    Worthing, United Kingdom10 contributions
    Food market closed for 6 months
    Disappointingly for us we found out that the day after we arrived the food market closed for 6 months (for a refit). There was nothing to warn us of this. There are many other food outlets still open but the food market allowed you to choose from a large variety of cuisines located in a single building. The V&A waterfront is however still well worth a visit. We liked the harbour cruise, the seal bathing area & the shopping market. If you are staying in the city centre you can get to the V&A by boat via the canal.
    VAWaterfront
    Hi forshaw52, thank you for your review. We hope you got to try some of our other food establishments while we making our market better.
    Written 6 February 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited February 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 4 February 2023
  • Ray W
    188 contributions
    Ok for one or two visits
    Pleny to see at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront with the emphasis mainly on shopping and eating and drinking. Some street performers. Shopping malls are pretty standard and not very exciting. The Warehose Market is great fro local handicrafts. Nightlife is centred upon eating and drinking. For kids there are the fur seals near the aquarium and the Aquarium itself, plus boat trips from the harbour. After a couple of days you will bored and want to see elsewhere.
    VAWaterfront
    Hi Ray W, thank you for review. We hope you had an amazing time and looking forward to seeing you here with your next visit.
    Written 6 February 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited January 2023
    Written 5 February 2023
  • SusanneMunich
    506 contributions
    Don't Miss V&A Waterfront
    It is almost a must to go to V&A Waterfront when in Cape Town as it is a mix of old and new buildings. The shopping mall is quite big, and there are restaurants and a food court. The harbor cruise is worth your while, too.
    VAWaterfront
    Hi SusanneMunich, thank you for sharing this awesome review. Thank you for always coming back to our neighborhood.
    Written 26 February 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited February 2023
    Written 23 February 2023
  • AdiaKH
    Miami, Florida15 contributions
    A Little Bit of Everything
    This place has everything! Restaurants, shopping, hotels, museums, live music, the ferry to Robben Island…you can stay here and just, stay here! You really don’t have to go outside of the waterfront for much. I gave it a four and not a five because it can get crowed, and when it does it’s not as comfortable.
    VAWaterfront
    Hi AdiaKH, thank you so much for your wonderful review. We hope you enjoyed your visit in our neighborhood and the days you were here was not to crowded. We looking forward to welcoming you back!!
    Written 18 March 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited March 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 16 March 2023
  • wing6rider
    Canberra, Australia1,156 contributions
    Some odd people around?
    It was busy today being Good Friday however, we had a good look around the shops. We had a nice lunch in a Greek Restaurant which we enjoyed. The only problem was when walking just outside I was confronted by a rather crazy young man looking for trouble. Lots of securing around but not when you need it! He soon lost interest but this was unnerving? YMMV
    VAWaterfront
    Hi wing6rider-Australia, thank you for your review and visiting our neighborhood. So sorry to hear what happened. Please if anything of the sort happen again please go to the closest security or the information desk and they will gladly help you with any problem.
    Written 8 April 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited April 2023
    Written 7 April 2023
  • ramreist
    Zurich, Switzerland120 contributions
    Nice, clean, safe
    Pro tip: you can do some luxury item purchases and get the VAT refund upon departure from South Africa. It's a clean and safe place. They have spots for Uber pick up and drop off. Lots of places to eat with different price ranges.
    VAWaterfront
    Hi Ramreist ,thank you for your wonderful review. We will discuss your tip with the rest of the team. We are looking forward on having you back again.
    Written 27 June 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited June 2023
    Written 24 June 2023
  • mollyQuel
    West Yorkshire, United Kingdom55 contributions
    Lovely area
    Really nice area to spend time. Busy place with many shop’s & restaurants. Very safe area. Good place to spend the evenings. Lots of well priced souvenir shops too.
    VAWaterfront
    Hey there, thank you for a great review we glad you had an amazing time at our neighbourhood and looking forward to have you again.
    Written 13 August 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited August 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 9 August 2023
  • QW Teo
    Singapore, Singapore82 contributions
    Nice touristy place
    The place feels pretty tranquil where you can see plenty of yacht and upscale housing. Private security can be seen thus the area feels pretty safe. Upscale restaurants are lined up over the waterfront for tourists to enjoy the food and beverages.
    VAWaterfront
    Hi there, thank you for the wonderful review .We appreciate your presence in our neighbourhood we looking forward on your next visit.
    Written 4 September 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited August 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 25 August 2023
  • Karen W
    Palo Alto, California175 contributions
    Typical shopping center in a nice location
    Your typical shopping center with a few stores selling South African goods. The majority of stores are found in America. We ate at Willoughby and Co., a disappointment though highly reviewed. The shopping center is located on the waterfront, which is nice, and there are musicians outside.
    VAWaterfront
    Hi there, thank you for the wonderful review. We sincerely apologize that our was shopping center was not up to your expectation. We also happy to hear you created great memories on our neighbouhood.
    Written 28 September 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 14 September 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
14 442 reviews
Excellent
8 724
Very good
4 443
Average
1 061
Poor
155
Terrible
59
Tania K
London, UK10 contributions
A great area to stay in
Nov 2023 • Couples
A buzzing area full of great bars and restaurants as well as a large shopping area for souvenirs and clothing
Written 30 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
belinda kambua
Mtito Andei, Kenya8 contributions
Wonderful Location
Oct 2023 • Couples
Worth a visit.Its a must to see.very peaceful area to walk.Great location.so many shops and restaurants.
Written 19 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
VAWaterfront
Hi there. thank you for your wonderful review. We excited to read about your visit to our neighbourhood. we looking forward to your next visit.
Written 21 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Katherine
Manchester, UK275 contributions
You have to visit!
Oct 2023 • Couples
It’s well the visit there are plenty of restaurants, views of the harbour, table mountain.
Also can’t forget the mall which is massive.

We visited plenty of restaurants during our stay but Ferrymans Irish bar was our go to for evening drinks.

Overall I thought there would be a little more going on in the evenings as it is a little flat on atmosphere.
Written 8 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
VAWaterfront
Hi Katherine, thank you for a wonderful review. We are happy to read about exciting experiences you had on our neighbouhood and we are looking forward on welcoming you back. 💖✨
Written 15 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Grace H
Monroe, OR20 contributions
Riverfront Cape Town
Sep 2023 • Friends
Dancers, performances of music & acá pella, lovely atmosphere with restaurants and coffee shops near by. The only place in Cape Town where you’ll be able to buy postcards !!! 😂
Written 2 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
VAWaterfront
Hi Grace, thank you for a wonderful review. We happy you had a magical experience in our neighbourhood. We look forward on welcoming you again.
Written 7 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ju7707
Leicester, UK14 contributions
Worth a visit!
Oct 2023 • Family
Great venue for shopping, good restaurants and live music. Safe, clean, lively and we really enjoyed it. Mythos was our fave restaurant and the overall atmosphere was excellent.
Written 29 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
VAWaterfront
Hi there, thank you for a wonderful review. We happy to find out you had an amazing experience at our neighbourhood. Looking forward on Welcoming you.
Written 1 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Zoe E
1 contribution
Amazing
Oct 2023 • Solo
Rachel was the best and the service was amazing!! the loveliest and kindest people, can’t wait to go back!
Written 15 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
VAWaterfront
Hi Zoe, thank you so much for the lovely review. May we ask that you please advise which establishment Rachel works in?
Written 26 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Philip_Bolster
Groningen, The Netherlands884 contributions
Not very authentic
Sep 2023 • Family
A mall, many restaurants and a lot of tourists. Not really a must see, but a nice spot to start your visit and get a first impression.
Written 15 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
VAWaterfront
Hi Philip. We're sorry to hear that you were not fully satisfied with your experience. We value your opinion and would love to learn more about what went wrong. Could you please share specific details about your visit?
Written 26 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Wombling_Free_7548
Bristol, UK2 079 contributions
Relaxed place
Oct 2023 • Couples
Good area to stay because it is safe to stroll around day and night thanks to the security personnel. Lots of shops and restaurants, plus plenty of modern art and good views. Official busker spots were filled with choirs when we were there, creating a good atmosphere.
Written 7 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
VAWaterfront
Thank you so much for the lovely feedback.
Written 26 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mudeford 123
112 contributions
Wonderful hotel
Oct 2023 • Couples
What a lovely hotel. Reception staff very friendly and helpful. Room with mountain view fantastic. Great location. Room spacious and clean. Breakfast selection very good. Staff.in restaurant were wonderful. Would definitely recommend.
Written 6 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
VAWaterfront
Thank you for the love and support.
Written 26 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
africanman_840
Nairobi, Kenya4 370 contributions
Shopping Here Is A Great Experience
Sep 2023 • Solo
This is a phenomenal mall. There is such a wide variety of shops, supermarkets, and restaurants. The prices are so reasonable. I can't wait to return to Cape Town and go shopping here again.
Written 1 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
VAWaterfront
Thank you so much! We cannot wait to have you visit us again.
Written 26 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
2
…
Showing results 1-10 of 10,623
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing

VICTORIA & ALFRED WATERFRONT: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Frequently Asked Questions about Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Victoria & Alfred Waterfront:
Attractions near Victoria & Alfred Waterfront: View all attractions near Victoria & Alfred Waterfront on Tripadvisor