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V&A Waterfront

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ATTRACTION GUIDE · CAPE TOWN

V&A Waterfront

A working harbour turned into Cape Town's favourite hub of shops, restaurants and Table Mountain views.

Tickets & tours Open in Google Maps
Time needed
Half a day
Entry
Free
Best time
Evening
Area
Waterfront

Harbour with shops, restaurants and the aquarium.

Where it is & how to get there

Address: 19 Dock Rd, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town

  • Getting there: MyCiTi buses or a short taxi ride from the city centre.
  • Robben Island: Ferries to Robben Island leave from the Nelson Mandela Gateway here.
  • Halal: Many restaurants in Cape Town are halal-certified; look for the MJC or SANHA logo.

The story of the V&A Waterfront

The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront is named after Queen Victoria and her son Alfred, who began building the harbour in 1860. It was redeveloped from the 1990s while keeping a working port.

It holds the Two Oceans Aquarium, the Zeitz MOCAA museum in a converted grain silo, and the ferry terminal for Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned.

Best time to visit

Best season

All year.

Best time of day

Evening, for sunset and harbour lights.

Robben Island

Book ferries well ahead.

Tips before you go

  • Great for families and evening walks.
  • Book the Robben Island tour in advance.
  • Look for MJC or SANHA halal certificates in restaurants.

Best hotels near the V&A Waterfront

Well-known hotels within easy reach. Check prices and availability for your dates.

One&Only Cape Town

Luxury hotel at the V&A Waterfront.

See prices

Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel

Historic pink hotel below Table Mountain.

See prices

The Silo Hotel

Design hotel above the Zeitz MOCAA museum.

See prices
All hotels near the V&A Waterfront

What's around the V&A Waterfront

  • Robben Island ferryMandela's prison island.
  • Two Oceans AquariumMarine life.
  • Zeitz MOCAAArt museum.
  • Cape WheelObservation wheel.

Questions travellers ask

Where do Robben Island ferries leave?

From the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the Waterfront.

Is halal food easy to find?

Yes, look for MJC or SANHA certification.

Is it free to enter?

Yes.

More in Cape Town

Table Mountain

Table Mountain

Read the guide
Bo-Kaap

Bo-Kaap

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Lion’s Head hike

Lion’s Head hike

Read the guide
Back to the Cape Town guide
Travel Plan · V&A Waterfront Travel times, prices and opening hours change. Check official sites before you go. Photos: Unsplash. Privacy & disclosure