Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town Central: Hours, Address, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront Reviews: 4.5/5
Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
4.5
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
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
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Learn moreTop ways to experience Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
1,021 within 3 miles

Mozambik V & A Waterfront
436
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • Portuguese • Dining bars • Vegetarian Friendly

Karibu Restaurant
3,682
477 ft$$ - $$$ • African • Grill • Beer restaurants

La Parada V&A Waterfront
765
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Bar • Mediterranean • European

Dash Restaurant & Bar
701
0.3 mi$$$$ • International • European • Contemporary

V&A Food Market
1,519
0.3 mi$ • Fast Food • Healthy • Street Food

Baia Seafood Restaurant
3,291
333 ft$$$$ • Seafood • International • Vegetarian Friendly

Willoughby & Co
4,123
458 ft$$ - $$$ • Japanese • Seafood • Sushi

Ginja
482
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Seafood • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options

Sevruga Restaurant
2,150
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • Seafood • Sushi • Healthy

Vovo Telo
833
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Cafe • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Attractions
196 within 6 miles

Victoria Wharf Shopping Centre
84
0.1 miShopping Malls
The African Experience
4
0.1 miFlea & Street Markets

Cape Town Diamond Museum
542
0.2 miSpeciality Museums

The Cape Wheel
1,085
0.2 miAmusement & Theme Parks • Points of Interest & Landmarks

Eyewitness - A Private Collection
17
0.2 miArt Museums

Chavonnes Battery Museum
114
0.2 miMilitary Museums • Points of Interest & Landmarks

Zeitz MOCAA
869
0.3 miArt Museums

Art At Africa
2
0.2 miArt Galleries

Two Oceans Aquarium
5,272
0.4 miAquariums

Ripley's Believe It Or Not! Cape Town
15
0.2 miSpeciality Museums
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
14,256 reviews
Excellent
8,600
Very good
4,396
Average
1,053
Poor
152
Terrible
55
grahamashton1952
Manchester, UK62 contributions
What a great place, you could go every night for a month and you still would not eat in every restaurant or bar. We felt very safe walking around and the price of food and drink was incredibly cheap. Highly recommended.
Written January 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you for posting a great review grahamashton1952.
Written January 27, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Raphael M
52 contributions
the V&A waterfront probably offers the best Cape Town has to offer, all in one place. From lovely walks by the see to tasty restaurants and plenty of shops. I would recommend dining in one of the many restaurants (personally I loved Baia's and City Grill) and have a table with a view of the waterfront. This is a must see in a visit to Cape Town
Written April 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you for sharing your experience with us. We look forward to welcoming you back to our neighborhood
Written April 21, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
steve w
Reading, UK61 contributions
We went here every night for a week and had a great time. We highly recommend City Grill for the steaks and The Fish Market for fish and sushi dishes.
Some helpful advice for taxis is as follows:
We stayed at the Best Western Fountains Hotel hotel was in the CBD area. It is a 10 minute taxi ride to the V&A which should cost no more than R70. We always asked the price before we got in the taxi and if the driver wanted to charge more that R70 we would haggle to get the price down. Coming back from the V&A the price that the drivers want to charge varied from R80 to to one idiot who wanted to charge R150. We never paid more than R80. The lesson here is not to be afraid to say that the price is too high if you think it is. For every single taxi that we took (12 in total) we never paid the asking price. The driver that wanted to charge R150 immediately dropped it to R100 when I refused to get in the car for his asking price. We refused to go with him on the basis that he was just trying to rip off a tourist and got in the next taxi that came to the rank for R80. The best taxi firm that we used was UniCab. Some of the taxis didn't even look like authorised taxis or drivers and these were the ones that tried to rip you off.
Some helpful advice for taxis is as follows:
We stayed at the Best Western Fountains Hotel hotel was in the CBD area. It is a 10 minute taxi ride to the V&A which should cost no more than R70. We always asked the price before we got in the taxi and if the driver wanted to charge more that R70 we would haggle to get the price down. Coming back from the V&A the price that the drivers want to charge varied from R80 to to one idiot who wanted to charge R150. We never paid more than R80. The lesson here is not to be afraid to say that the price is too high if you think it is. For every single taxi that we took (12 in total) we never paid the asking price. The driver that wanted to charge R150 immediately dropped it to R100 when I refused to get in the car for his asking price. We refused to go with him on the basis that he was just trying to rip off a tourist and got in the next taxi that came to the rank for R80. The best taxi firm that we used was UniCab. Some of the taxis didn't even look like authorised taxis or drivers and these were the ones that tried to rip you off.
Written February 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you for posting a great review G4747MMstevew
Written February 12, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
YazDav
Cape Town, South Africa2 contributions
Family
None of the parking pay points accepted card payments today, only cash. This caused a lot of unnecessary queuing at oh points and forcing people to go to an ATM. Surely in 2022 the V&A, our so called flagship mall, should have contactless payments like SnapScan and Zapper? Canal Walk implemented this more than 2 years ago. Very disappointed.
Written April 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hi YazDaz, we apologize for the bad experience you had regarding parking, we have recently collaborated with Zapper, SnapScan and the Eezi app to make paying for parking much easier, we look forward to seeing you again.
Written April 6, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Robert O
Rotterdam, The Netherlands3,220 contributions
The setting of the old harbour area is great with Table mountain in the background and the wild Atlantic ocean at the front. Some of the historic port buildings are still visible, though most have been renovated to serve as shopping malls and stores. Most recently one of the big Silo's has been converted into a modern arts museum (Zeitz) and luxury apartment buildings and offices have been added.
Though many ordinary South Africans visit the area as tourists the whole area seems to have been designed to gear to wealthy tourists, as prices are steep. For me it felt a bit artificial and commercial, not authentic.
Though many ordinary South Africans visit the area as tourists the whole area seems to have been designed to gear to wealthy tourists, as prices are steep. For me it felt a bit artificial and commercial, not authentic.
Written November 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you for sharing your experience with us. We look forward to welcoming you back to our neighborhood
Written November 30, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sherry Bhatti
Jinja, Uganda113 contributions
The V&A waterfront is the ideal place to spend time every evening during your visit to Cape Town. It has the best of shopping places, restaurants, fast food joints, food courts, play areas, etc. Cabs are easily available, but do plan on a cut off around 8 pm in these covid times
Written May 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you for posting a great review BhattiSherry
Written May 14, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
HansRaj
Cape Town, South Africa19 contributions
Family
Amazing! I first visited the Waterfront in April 2022 and since then, I keep on coming back whenever I visit Cape Town. I am currently on my second visit to Cape Town (CPT) at the time of writing this review and I chose an accommodation close to the Waterfront. It is the epicentre of CPT where most of the tourist attractions are found. Besides the wonderful views of the harbour with boats and ships, the Waterfront provides a host of different services: it has a well-equipped mall called Victoria Wharf which itself has a number of shops, restaurants, supermarkets and movie theatres. In addition, the Waterfront itself boasts of a multitude of restaurants (my favourite spots include Karibu and Cape Town Fish Market to name a few). Not to forget the V&A food Market which has a whole range of amazing foods and drinks (my preferred locations there include Tunisian Delights, the popcorn seller, Truth Coffee, Knysna Oyster Company and the Wicked Waffle). Also, the Waterfront is found in close proximity to other tourist attractions such as the Two Oceans Aquarium, the City Sightseeing Red bus ticket office and the Cape Town Wheel.
All in all, the V&A Waterfront is the best place to start your visit if you are visiting Cape Town for the first time. It is definitely my most favourite destination in Cape Town.
All in all, the V&A Waterfront is the best place to start your visit if you are visiting Cape Town for the first time. It is definitely my most favourite destination in Cape Town.
Written August 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hi 453hansrajr,
Thank you for this wonderful review, we are extremely pleased that you enjoyed your time at our neighbourhood, we look forward to seeing you again.
Written August 11, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Lou
Plymouth Meeting, PA1 contribution
Couples
It was a safe place to wander around and grab a bite to eat. It has a touristy vibe, but that’s okay. Local folks say it’s priced for visitors and costs about 30% more than the places they would go. Even so, it wasn’t outrageous.
Written July 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hi Sightsee67134295175,
Thank you for this wonderful review, we are extremely pleased that you enjoyed your time at our neighbourhood, we look forward to seeing you again.
Written August 11, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
R M
Cape Town Central, South Africa9 contributions
Friends
Back in the 80' s, a pub was opened in the dock area. It had an on site brewery and served simple pub food. From this unique meeting place a colourful and vibrant area has developed. It's mainly about shops and restaurants these days, but the docklands charm is there together with a history the whole world knows. The Robben Island ferry leaves from here and the island is well worth a visit. Explore the diverse craft market, which unfortunately is typically overpriced and say hello to the seals and penguins in the superb Aquarium. The number of visitors has outgrown the road network, so, whilst there is lots of parking, it took 2 hours to exit from the site after our our recent visit. Nevertheless, highly recommend, but like most public areas beware of pickpockets and scammers.
Written February 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you for posting a great review R M
Written February 12, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mark R
Brighton, UK101 contributions
We spent 4 hours at the V&A and will return. Access and parking are easy and the Waterfront is big enough to occupy half a day yet all in front of you so you can’t get lost. It starts with the wonderful surprise, crossing the foot bridge, seeing seals frolicking in the water. The outlets, bars and restaurants are all very stylish and the buskers are all real musicians (sat and listened to a couple for 10 minutes or so). There is a wonderful combination of old Dutch architecture, modern and seafront craft. Your eyes are all over the place. Lost count of food outlets and bars and we had a stupendous tapas. Strongly recommend half a day here.
Written February 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you for posting a great review MarkR700
Written February 19, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
BarcelonaTraveler
uk17 contributions
I visited a lovely shop in Alfred Mall (I think) near the Victoria and Albert Hotel that sold lovely art of animals but also pop artists amongst other things. They were really unusual and some were in 3D. Does anyone know the name of gallery, I'm looking to order some if they have a website.
Many thanks
327andrer
Cape Town, South Africa125 contributions
Hi there.
Sorry.
Haven't been to the V&A Waterfront since LockDown in March.
Perhaps you can try and contact the center's management office.
Surely they can assist.
Hope you come right.
Nigelissimo
Poole, UK42 contributions
What is the best parking to use when visiting the waterfront and what is the zip code for sat navs.
Thanks
Reneé D
10 contributions
There are parking lots under cover that you pay for however I would suggest that you take an uber there it’s much less of a hassle.
YK01616
Kinsale, Ireland11 contributions
Staying in Cape Town on New Years Eve at the Southern Sun Hotel on the Waterfront. I have been told that we should go to a restaurant with a view of table mountain to get best value from night's light / fireworks show. We have also been told that there are restaurants with great views on top of shopping centers on waterfront. As I have not visited before I am looking for some local advice on best options for a dinner reservation ( for adult family of 5). Thank you for your assistance.
willden-12
Glasgow, UK104 contributions
For a true African restaurant try Karibu but there are a few with view of table mountain on second level. Realistically table mountain is on view everywhere!
SkegnessBiggerry
Skegness111 contributions
Can anyone tell me what the weather is like in and around Cape town in September.
T shirt and shorts or coats and brolly.
Thanks
Kono tourism services
Cape Town Central, South Africa30 contributions
The beautiful thing about Cape Town is undecipherable if weatherman can't get it right. So prepare for 4 seasons in one day. No shorts yet.
Hi, we are staying in V&A waterfront for 10 nights in August. Where is the best place to watch sport in a bar?
Many Thanks in advance
michelin5star
michelin5star38 contributions
Mitchels which is next to the big wheel - great bar, with good food and atmosphere. Enjoy ;-)
Aadil T
Port Louis15 contributions
How is the weather out there? Will be visiting there in 2 weeks time with toddlers.
MargRichWil
Cape Town Central, South Africa78 contributions
Dress warm, warm scarves, fleece, windproof and rain proof jackets a must. Buffs with a scarf are great protection. Use fleece hoodies. Warm gloves. There are days we have sunshine with a cold freezing wind. Winter is here, stay warm. Have a super visit in our lovely Cape Town.
We will be in Capetown and Johannesburg between March 25th and April 4th. Given weather there what should we pack?
Howard M
45 contributions
Pack light jackets or sweaters plus warm/hot hot weather clothes (shorts, sandals etc.). Unless there is is an unusual cold snap you will probably only need something warmish in the evenings, the days should be sunny with a midday temperature of around 25 deg C. Late March early April is normally very nice weather in both Johannesburg and Cape Town.
SueLovesTheBeach
Altoona, PA114 contributions
Our last day in our upcoming trip to South Africa will be spent in CapeTown where we have a free day. I am very interested in the craft market that everyone mentions in their reviews. What kind of crafts do they sell there? Does anyone have photos of the market itself? Crafts purchased? What is this market called? Are they willing to mail items to the states? It the market right at the waterfront? What are the most typical a south African crafts to buy? We are looking forward to our trip and plan to spend a productive day at the waterfront so any suggestions of what to do there would be appreciated.
Annette S
Melbourne, Australia101 contributions
You’ve got to go for the vibe, experience Africa and its creativity. Fabulous!!
juliet83
Glasgow, UK226 contributions
Does anyone know if there's a left luggage service at the Waterfront complex?
jennifervancliff
London, UK31 contributions
I did not see anything like that.
Juhastudillo
Osasco, SP31 contributions
Qual horario e dias de funcionamento
viajandojunto
Porto Alegre, RS102 contributions
Todos os dias! Inicia às 9h e fecha às 23h. Aproveite!
Frequently Asked Questions about Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
- Victoria & Alfred Waterfront is open:
- Sun - Sat 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
- We recommend booking Victoria & Alfred Waterfront tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 63 Victoria & Alfred Waterfront tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Victoria & Alfred Waterfront:
- Hop-On Hop-Off Cape Town Canal Cruise (From $4.09)
- Kickstart Your Trip To Cape Town (From $61.50)
- Full-Day Cape Town Like a Local - Flexible Private Tour with Local Guide (From $169.79)
- Private Cape of Goodhope & penguin colony (From $94.33)
- Cape Town City tour (From $42.13)
- Hotels near Victoria & Alfred Waterfront:
- (0.06 mi) The Table Bay
- (0.26 mi) Dock House Boutique Hotel
- (0.24 mi) Victoria & Alfred Hotel
- (0.28 mi) Queen Victoria Hotel & Manor House
- (0.36 mi) Cape Grace managed by Accor
- Restaurants near Victoria & Alfred Waterfront:
- (0.01 mi) Cape Town Fish Market (V & A Waterfront)
- (0.02 mi) Bukhara
- (0.02 mi) Woolworths Cafe
- (0.03 mi) Camissa
- (0.09 mi) Karibu Restaurant
- Attractions near Victoria & Alfred Waterfront:
- (0.03 mi) Cape Town Helicopters
- (0.04 mi) Luxury Yacht Charters
- (0.10 mi) The Mirage
- (0.13 mi) Waterfront Charters
- (0.12 mi) Tigresse Catamaran