About V&A Waterfront
The restaurants, shops, and accommodation at the V&A Waterfront is nothing less than world-class, making your travel to South Africa a glitzy experience. This is one of Cape Town's biggest tourist attractions, the Waterfront evokes images of the early activities of the harbour. Much of its charm lies in the fact that this busy commercial harbour is set in the midst of a huge entertainment venue with pubs, restaurants, specialty shops, craft markets, theatres and movies.
Did you know? The Dragon Tree (dracaeno draco) planted next to the Time Ball Tower is a species originally from the Canary Islands. Well over 100 years old, this is one of the largest of its type in Cape Town. Believed to have been planted by a sailor passing through Cape Town, the sap of these trees was once popular as a medicine to treat dysentery and diarrhea.
Situated between Robben Island and Table Mountain in the heart of Cape Town's working harbour, the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront has become South Africa's most visited destination. Set against a backdrop of magnificent sea and mountain views, exciting shopping and entertainment venues are intermingled with imaginative office locations, world-class hotels and luxury apartments in the residential marina. We invite you to discover the experience... live, work, shop and play at the V&A Waterfront.
Seal-watching is an amusing diversion. Visitors to the Two Oceans Aquarium will enjoy a fascinating underwater world. The Maritime Museum focuses on the history of shipping from prehistoric times to the present day. Boat trips around the harbour and along the coast are always popular. Helicopter flips provide a broader perspective. The Information Centre provides maps and information on special events planned for the day.
Waterfront Heritage Route
Calls for greater public access and a wider use of Cape Town's historic harbour started in the early 1970's. In 1988, the then landowner (State-owned transport corporation, Transnet Limited) established a wholly owned subsidiary company, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront (Pty) Limited, to redevelop the historic docklands. This was received with large-scale public acclaim.
Since its origins in 1860, the Port of Cape Town has been the scene of excavations, reclamations, harbour construction programmes and land based developments. By the time Prince Alfred* tipped the first load of stone into the sea to initiate construction of Cape Town's harbour, the trade routes to the East had transformed the city into a hive of seafront activity. The discovery of gold and diamonds in South Africa meant that the first section of harbour, the Alfred Basin, had to be added to and the Victoria Basin was built. (* Prince Alfred was Queen Victoria's second son)
The construction of the two harbour basins took place between 1860 and 1920, and the area is notable for its outstanding heritage buildings. It retains the charm of Victorian industrial architecture and the scale of a harbour built for sail and the early days of steam travel. In the 1970s, containerisation had developed worldwide as the major method of cargo handling and transportation. It was this, together with South Africa's economic isolation at the time and the reopening of the Suez Canal, that led to a sharp reduction in the utilisation of land and harbour facilities surrounding the Victoria & Alfred Basins. At the time, Transnet was in the process of rationalising harbour facilities and reviewing its harbour and other land holdings with particular emphasis on the returns being generated by these assets.
Over the past 140 years, the harbour has undergone numerous changes, which continue even today with the redevelopment of land and buildings surrounding the original Victoria & Alfred Basins. The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront project is the culmination of nearly three decades of planning and development proposals.
The Clock Tower
Situated near the site of the original Bertie's Landing Restaurant, the Victorian Gothic-style Clock Tower has always been an icon of the old docks and has become an important focal point in the Waterfront's recent urban design. This was the original Port Captain's Office completed in 1882. On the second floor is a decorative mirror room, which enabled the Port Captain to have a view of all activities in the harbour. On the bottom floor is a tide-gauge mechanism used to check the level of the tide. Restoration of the Clock Tower was completed towards the end of 1997.
Time Ball Tower
The Time Ball (invented by Captain Robert Wauchope) is a signaling device in which a ball is dropped at a given time in order for ships' masters to determine the error and rate of their chronometers whilst in harbour. The Time Ball Tower in the Waterfront was built in 1894 and is situated next the Harbour Engineer's former residence (Dock House). It remained in use for 40 years after which new technology led to it lying idle for 63 years before being restored and officially recommissioned in November 1997.
Robben Island Embarkation Building
At the end of Quay 5 on Jetty 1 is the embarkation building for prisoners sent to Robben Island. Although the purpose and use of the island changed a number of times over the last century or so, it more recently gained international notoriety as a prison for contemporary political figures including South Africa's first democratically elected President, Nelson Mandela. The Robben Island Exhibition and Information Centre situated next door to the Clock Tower building, is a unique museum depicting the history of Robben Island and the political struggle to overthrow apartheid. Bookings for guided tours are essential, and can be made at tel: +27 (0)21 419 1300.
Daily ferry trips to Robben Island depart from the jetty near the Robben Island Exhibition and Information Centre in the Clock Tower Precinct and from the Robben Island Embarkation Building on Jetty 1. Guided tours and bus tours on the island include a visit to the prison with viewing of the limestone quarry, Garrison Church (1841), lighthouse (1863), Leper's Church (1895) and a Kramat. Seabirds, African penguins, ostriches and bontebok are some of the wildlife on the island. Tickets may be purchased from the Embarkation Building.
Seal Landing
It is unusual to get a close view of seals, as offshore islands are their preferred breeding grounds. A colony of Cape fur seals are however a familiar sight resting on the seal landing in the Clock Tower Precinct next to the original Bertie's Landing Restaurant and on old tyres lining the quaysides around the Waterfront. They are an integral part of harbour life and Capetonians are fortunate enough to have these seals living in such close proximity.
Breakwater Prison
The original Breakwater Prison was constructed in 1860 to house the convicts working on the breakwater. A dramatic reminder of the punitive penal attitudes prevalent in the 1890's is the remains of a treadmill visible alongside the former prison building, now housing the University of Cape Town's Graduate School of Business and the Breakwater Lodge - a comfortable hotel.
South African Maritime Museum
The museum showcases the maritime history of Table Bay and houses the largest collection of model ships in South Africa. Floating exhibits in the Victoria and Alfred Basins include the SAS Somerset - a retired Naval Defence Boom Vessel and the Alwyn Vintcent - a coal-fired steam tug. Both may be boarded for a nominal fee. Tel: +27 (0)21 419 2505.
Chavonnes Battery Museum
Of particular significance to the new Clock Tower Precinct development, is its historical base - the Clock Tower, itself a national monument. Recently, preliminary excavation uncovered a portion of the Chavonnes Battery, which is one of the oldest European structures in South Africa, built in the early 1700's.
Investigations conducted by the Archaeology Contracts Office at the Department of Archaeology at the University of Cape Town have yielded a full report on the history of the battery. Built in 1714-1725 by the Dutch East India Company, the Chavonnes Battery was designed to further protect the Cape, together with Fort Knokke and the Amsterdam Battery. Eyewitness accounts described the Chavonnes Battery as being the most formidable of the Table Bay fortifications. By mid-19th century, the Chavonnes Battery had been put to a number of uses.
Besides serving a military role, it was used as an isolation and convalescent wing of the old Somerset Hospital. Crews and passengers of ships stricken with contagious illnesses such as smallpox were confined to the battery until they were considered fit. The Battery was decommissioned in 1861. As part of the new development, the Chavonnes Battery Museum has been retained and part of the ruins opened to the public for viewing - and acts as a real feature of the Clock Tower Precinct.
Popular V&A Waterfront
Visit Nobel Square
Stay? V&A Waterfront Accommodation
Nobel Square honours South Africa's four Nobel Peace laureates: the late Chief Albert Luthuli, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and former presidents Nelson Mandela and FW ...
Family Entertainment / Malls & Shopping
Victoria Wharf Shopping Centre
Stay? V&A Waterfront Accommodation
As the most popular shopping destination in South Africa, the Victoria Wharf Shopping Centre, at the V&A Waterfront, is a hub of excitement and activity. It is one ...
Family Entertainment / Sight Seeing
Cape Wheel
Stay? V&A Waterfront Accommodation
Reminiscent of the mammoth London Eye in the UK, the Cape Wheel is an observation wheel that continues to awe visitors that are exploring the Mother City of Cape ...
Robben Island Helicopter Tour
Stay? V&A Waterfront Accommodation
Part of the beauty of South Africa as a destination is its poignant and complex history, and a trip to Cape Town certainly demands a visit to the iconic heritage ...
Need to Know
WhereVictoria & Alfred Waterfront, Breakwater Boulevard, Foreshore, Cape Town, 8002, South Africa
WhenOpen Daily
TelephoneThe Information Centre on +27 (0)21 408-7600
OvernightStay in V&A Waterfront Accommodation, Cape Town
Disclaimer
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Hotels & other accommodation options in V&A Waterfront
Kylemore 202
Kylemore 202 is a lovely apartment in the V&A Waterfront accommodating two guests. The apartment is situated on the second floor with gorgeous vi...
Gulmarn 103
Gulmarn 103 is a spacious, modern two-bedroom holiday apartment that offers a relaxing retreat with stunning views of the marina waterways from b...
Penrith 103
Penrith 103 is a stylish two bedroom self catering apartment offering fabulous views over the marina in the V&A Waterfront. The apartment is beau...
The Commodore Hotel
A visitor to the Commodore Hotel will find himself enveloped inside this postcard picture. The hotel is located in the V & A Waterfront, one of t...
Waterfront Village
Waterfront Village is situated on the water's edge of the V&A Waterfront Marina and offers guests luxury serviced one, two and three bedroom, sel...
410 Harbour Bridge
410 Harbour Bridge is a luxurious one bedroom self-catering holiday apartment situated on the 4th floor with a sweeping view over the Roggebaai C...
Gulmarn 006
This one bedroom apartment overlooks the marina waterways at the V&A Waterfront. Sleeping two guests this lovely apartment has a stunning bedroom...
Waterfront Stays 109
These luxurious and modern apartments are located on the water's edge in the heart of the famous V&A Waterfront Marina, within walking distance o...
Waterfront Stays 102
Situated in the tourism and shopping Mecca of the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, Waterfront Stays 102 provides accommodation for two adults and two...
Parergon 203
Parergon 203 is a beautiful one bedroom apartment in the Waterfront Marina Residential area. This apartment is warm and homely and sleeps two gue...
Kylemore 205
Tasteful and trendy, Kylemore 205 is ideal for up to four guests during their time in Cape Town. This apartment is light and spacious, and is sit...
Juliette 102
Juliette 102 is a one bedroom apartment on the marina waterways in the V&A Waterfront, ideal for a single person or a couple looking for a romant...
Parergon 102
Parergon 102 is a two bedroom apartment within the V&A Marina Residential area boasting fabulous accommodation with phenomenal views. This apartm...
Parergon 205
Parergon 205 is a large three bedroom apartment found in the Marina Residential at the V&A Waterfront. This apartment has all the space you will ...
Carradale 401
Carradale 401 offers accommodation in an apartment situated in a residential estate in the V&A Waterfront, a renowned holiday destination in Cape...
The PortsWood Hotel
The PortsWood Hotel can be found in the V&A Waterfront and offers its guest luxury accommodation and excellent service. Accommodation is offered ...
Ellesmere 001
Ellesmere 001 is a three bedroom apartment located in the popular V&A Waterfront. This lovely apartment sleeps six guests in three bedrooms. The ...
Queen Victoria Hotel
Situated in the heart of Cape Town, the Queen Victoria Hotel welcomes guests to experience the very essence of distinguished luxury, where classi...
Kylemore 501
Kylemore 501 is a gorgeous three bedroom apartment on the fifth floor, giving you spectacular views across the waterfront and beautiful views of ...
Bannockburn 503
This exceptional seafront apartment offers an unparalleled Cape Town accommodation experience, with breathtaking views and an atmosphere that imm...
Faulconier 303
Situated in the V&A Waterfront, Faulconier 303 s a two bedroom apartment that sets itself apart, providing the ideal space to feel at home while ...
Kylemore 210
Kylemore 210 is a two bedroom apartment located in the popular V&A Waterfront Marina. This ultra modern and comfortable unit sleeps up to four gu...
Penrith 204
Penrith 204 is a three-bedroom apartment with an area of 180 square metres accommodating six guests. The main and second bedrooms both have King-...
Cape Grace
The gentle elegance of a luxurious small hotel, combined with the allure of one of the world's most beautiful cities, provides a unique experienc...
Harbour Bridge 417
Harbour Bridge 417 is situated on the Foreshore in the Cape Town City Bowl. The two-bedroom apartment is located a stone's throw from the CTICC a...
Carradale 304
Carradale 304 is a large, modern 3 bedroom apartment situated in the V&A Waterfront, offering the discerning tourist privacy and easy access to t...
Carradale 603
Carradale 603 is situated in the Waterfront Marina and offers guests a comfortable stay in Cape Town. The apartment boasts views of the harbour c...
Kylemore 405
Kylemore 405 offers accommodation in a luxurious, up-market one-bedroomed apartment situated on the fourth floor and boasts beautiful canal views...
Victoria & Alfred Hotel
The Victoria and Alfred Hotel is internationally renowned for the highest standards of service. The warm personality of the Hotel, the attention ...
Parergon 104
Parergon 104 offers accommodation in a luxuriously furnished apartment overlooking the yacht basin in the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town. From here ...
The Silo Hotel
The Silo is an extraordinary five-star hotel in Cape Town's V&A Waterfront which sets a new standard for luxury Cape Town accommodation. A magica...
214 Harbour Bridge
214 Harbour Bridge is a luxurious holiday apartment, situated on the 2nd floor with a sweeping view over the Roggebaai Canal, Signal Hill and the...
Kylemore 302
Kylemore 302 is a beautiful two bedroom apartment that offers a relaxed environment, whilst enjoying the high end luxury of the V&A Marina Reside...
Carradale 204
A true home from home. Carradale 204 is a gorgeous, sun filled, and airy apartment and is just the place to take time out the rat race. A system ...
Penrith 203
Penrith 203 is a classic and contemporary two bedroom apartment sleeps four guests. The main bedroom has a double bed and an en-suite bathroom wi...
Kylemore 303
Kylemore 303, perched on the marine waterways of the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, is elegant and chic, with muted tones that complement the pret...
Pembroke 108
Pembroke 108 is a great self catering apartment in the Marina Residential Area of the V&A Waterfront and has one bedroom, sleeping two guests. Th...
Kylemore 101
Kylemore 101 Holiday Apartment is a two-bedroom unit measuring 140 square metres. The kitchen, lounge and dining area are designed to be open-pla...
Lawhill Luxury Apartments
Regardless of your reason for visiting Cape Town, Lawhill Luxury Apartments is the perfect place to stay, located in the Marina at the V&A Waterf...
Kylemore 110
The trendy apartment block of Kylemore is irresistible for travellers to the Mother City. Kylemore 110 is a stylish apartment for up to four peop...
Juliette 209
Juliette 209 is a beautiful and cosy one bedroom apartment, with a massive outdoor space. This Cape Town self catering apartment is decorated wit...
Kylemore 109
Kylemore 109 is simply luxurious and oozes opulence. This two bedroom apartment can be found in the very popular marina residential area at the V...
Pembroke G09
Pembroke G09 is a fully furnished holiday apartment found in the Waterfront Marina. The apartment is modern and stylish and sleeps two guests. Th...
Kylemore 309
Kylemore 309 offers accommodation in a two bedroom apartment in the V&A Waterfront Marina with stunning views and access to four communal swimmin...
Juliette 402
Juliette 402 offers accommodation in a two bedroom apartment on the marina waterways in the V&A Waterfront, ideal for a single person or a couple...
Kylemore 206
Kylemore 206 is a stylish one bedroom apartment offering Cape Town self catering in the V&A Waterfront. Overlooking the marine waterways, there i...
The Table Bay Hotel
The Table Bay is a 5 star, 329-room hotel with magnificent surroundings. It has a maritime flavour that extends to each of the exclusively design...
Penrith 004
At a spacious 200 square metres, Penrith 004 Holiday Apartment has three bedrooms and three bathrooms; making it ideal for up to six guests. The ...
Kylemore 410
The V&A Marina Residential area is home to Kylemore 410, a three bedroom self catering apartment with outstanding views and home comforts. There ...
Things to do in the area
Helicopter Flights With Extreme Scene
Take a tour via Helicopter over Cape Town and the Peninsula. Get a birds eye view of the Cape on this fun and popular Helicopter Tour. Various tr...
Claypigeon Shooting Cruise
Depart from the V&A Waterfront for a scenic cruise on the Tigger 2. A cruise with all the equipment onboard to shoot under the supervision of a q...
Diving at the Two Oceans Aquarium
When you dive at the Two Oceans Aquarium at Cape town's V&A waterfront, you will dive with ragged-tooth sharks (sand tigers), shoals of large pre...
Harbour Seal Cruise
Look out for Alfie the Seal! This is a scenic guided Harbour cruise through the working Harbour of Cape Town, seals, ships and much much more. Id...
Huey Helicopter Flight
This transmission is for adrenalin junkies and warfare warriors. Your mission is to take to the Cape Town skies Vietnam style. Adventure brief, e...
Watch the Dragon Boats
The Cape Town Dragon Boat Racing Club have their practice sessions from Mondays to Thursdays - if you are at the V&A Waterfront at this time, hea...
Robben Island Cruise
Cruise to the coast of Robben Island where Mandela was imprisoned for most of 17 years. This trip offers breathtaking views of Robben Island and ...
Romantic Dinner Cruise for 2
This is a Private Charter for one couple only. Departing from the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, set off on a romantic sunset cruise and be served ...
See the Light on Robben Island
Robben Island is a small island whose activities have documented the changing of time, the course of history and the progress of mankind. First d...
Accommodation convenient to V&A Waterfront
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