South Africa’s capital Cape Town is known for its rich history and thriving modern culture. These days the V&A Waterfront is gaining a lot of traction for its popularity where crowds gather to eat, drink, shop, socialize, and admire breathtaking views of Table Mountain.
V&A Waterfront Cape Town
Although there are various ways to spend your time at the V&A Waterfront Cape Town, here are the best 6 things to do at V&A Waterfront:
1. Shop for Arts and Crafts at the Watershed
Here you will find a vast, light-filled warehouse offering the articles of more than 150 individual vendors. You will find very best South African art and crafts with many of its high-quality products made locally in the Cape Town area. Here the prices are high and haggling is not expected. You can get pieces of art, jewelry, fashion, and home decor created by some of the most exciting designers in South Africa here. Do not forget to visit the Watershed’s Jubilee Exhibition Hall, too, which organizes regular live shows, workshops, and exhibitions.
2. Take a Historical Walking Tour
A guided walk along the V&A Waterfront can offer an amazing experience. You’ll come to know about the landmarks that make up the area’s history, including the Clock Tower, the New Port Captain’s Office, and the Pumphouse. This tour will take almost 1.5 hours and depart daily from Chavonnes Battery Museum at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
3. Visit Two Oceans Aquarium
At Cape Town, the tropical Indian Ocean meets the temperate Atlantic, forming a unique ecosystem defined by its astonishing diversity of marine life. Two Oceans Aquarium highlights this diversity with magnificent, thoroughly maintained displays of sea creatures from all over South Africa and beyond. You can see ragged-tooth sharks at the Predator Exhibit, or also see the Penguin Exhibit’s comical colony of African penguins.
4. Book a Sightseeing Cruise
If you’re not an underwater enthusiast you’d rather be on the water than under it, so check out the charter companies based at the V&A Waterfront. Waterfront Charters gets good reviews and provides everything from budget Half Hour Seal and Harbor Cruises to Speed Boat Eco Adventures and Sunset Champagne Cruises. Do not miss out to check for Cape Town landmarks (like Robben Island, the Clifton beaches, and beautiful Blouberg beach) and also the wildlife including the V&A Waterfront’s inquisitive resident Cape fur seals.
5. Enjoy Global Cuisine at the V&A Food Market
When it comes to food, there are countless restaurants to choose from at the V&A Waterfront. But I’d suggest visiting &A Food Market for an eclectic dining experience. This market is located in the Old Power Station, featuring more than 40 vendors selling gourmet street food from across the world. Whether you’re looking for Mexican, Knysna oysters, hand-crafted chocolates, Belgian waffles, and Thai noodles, here is everything. Regular live music and outdoor tables add to the festive atmosphere.
6. Visit the Waterfront’s Art and Diamond Museums
The V&A Waterfront transforms into a festive playground coupled with street entertainers, hundreds of sparkling light and live music. You can roam along the promenade, admiring the spectacle of the illuminated Cape Wheel and getting lost in the sounds and scents spilling from the waterfront restaurants. Stop by for a craft beer and good conversation at one of the many pubs. For a classic fine dining experience at celebrated seafood restaurants like Firefish or Baia. You must also visit the Cape Town Comedy Club which is known for the quality of its stand-up performances, while pop-up bars create a party atmosphere.
