The V & A Waterfront echoes the harbour activities of the past. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Cape Town (and around the globe) and sees thousands of visitors every year. The Waterfront’s charm stems from the combination of the busy commercial harbour with a colossal entertainment area.
There are pubs restaurants, specialty shops, a cinema, craft markets and designer wear stores all within walking distance of one another. This aspect coupled with its location between Table Mountain and Robben Island has catapulted the waterfront as South Africa’s most-visited destination.
You can enjoy a meal and ice cold beer right on the water’s edge at Quay Four (021 419 2008 )or enjoy some live musical or performance act at the public arena. The backdrop of magnificent mountains and shimmering sea creates a real holiday feel as you can literally shop ‘til you drop.
For those of you wanting to experience the Waterfront in its entirety you can check into the Victoria & Alfred Hotel ( 021 419 6677 ) where you’ll be treated to 4 star luxuries with a colonial Cape Town style that eludes style and class.
While exploring the shops inside and outside you’ll be able to spot playful seals frolicking in the harbour, and if you enjoy watching the ocean wildlife then the Two Oceans Aquarium ( 021 418 3823 ) is definitely for you. Experience an underwater world that captures the mystique and magic of sea-creatures. You can also visit the Maritime Museum and acquaint yourself with the history of shipping from prehistoric times to present day.
If you want to experience the fresh sea-air blowing through your hair, book yourself on a boat trip along the coast, around the harbour and out to sea. Otherwise take a helicopter ride for a broad extensive view of the area. You can visit the Information Centre (021 408 7600 ) where they’ll provide you with maps and inform you about any special events happening on a particular day.
As you walk around be sure to stop by some of the landmarks around the harbour. Take a snapshot of the Clock Tower, an old icon of the docks. The Time Ball Tower was built in 1894 and is located near the Harbour Engineer’s former residence (Dock House), and right next to it is the Dragon Tree. The tree is a species originally from the Canary Islands, and is over 100 years old.
There are so many things to see and do while ambling around the V&A Waterfront. For the ladies the clothing stores are almost endless, for the men there are numerous pubs where you can get a cold one. When you start to get hungry you can choose from a medley of more than 80 restaurants that offer worldly cuisine from seafood to Greek to Italian-inspired dishes. There are so many to choose from you’ll be spoilt for choice.
The V&A Waterfront is a colourful, vibrant and energetic place with a cosmopolitan atmosphere, be sure to spend a couple of hours (or even days) checking out their shops, restaurants and activities. Their trading hours are 9am to 9pm everyday including Sundays and Public Holidays.
Photo by Vivek Chugh from here.
Jade Scully is a copywriter excited about writing copy and stories, blogging about the world and editing. She currently and regularly publishes her stories on a number of blogs. Jade loves animals and hopes to begin writing copy for the animal rescue charity TEARS as her contribution to the cause.
