Victoria and Alfred Waterfront Travel Guide

Cape Town
Victoria and Alfred Waterfront showing a lake or waterhole
Blending modern buildings with colourful period structures, the architecture at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront reflects its vibrant, cosmopolitan atmosphere.

With so much to see and do around the city, it’s important to take some time and allow yourself to soak up the atmosphere. A bustling hub at the very centre of Cape Town, the Victoria & Albert Waterfront is the ideal place to sit back and watch the world go by.

There is a full range of shops to browse, from bespoke local craft shops to high-end designer outlets. Why not indulge in a spot of retail therapy or treat yourself to a meal in one of the city’s finest restaurants, with stunning views and world-class menus.

The waterfront was redeveloped in the 1990s to create a buzzing, modern retail district, but it hasn’t forgotten its roots as a Victorian marina. Centred around two 19th-century basins named after Queen Victoria and her second son Alfred, the area is still a working dock used by small tugs and fishing boats.

It is a real treasure trove for history buffs, who can take advantage of daily walking tours from the Chavonne Battery Museum to find out more about the evolution of the dock over the last two centuries. If you’d prefer to take a look around for yourself, you can download maps and brochures from the V&A Waterfront website.

The Two Oceans Aquarium on Dock Road is perfect for entertaining young and old alike. Housing more than 88 different species, including ragged-tooth sharks, it will give them the chance to observe and learn about life under the waves in a safe and controlled environment.

Once you have had a chance to recharge, why not take one of four daily boat trips to Robben Island to explore more recent South African history. Notorious as the place where high profile prisoners such as Nelson Mandela were incarcerated during the apartheid regime, Robben Island Museum now stands as a testament to South Africa’s hard-won freedom.

Open daily and serviced by a MyCiti loop bus which will take you to and from the city centre, the V&A Waterfront is a great place to hang out for a few hours and catch your breath.


Popular places to visit


Top hotels in Victoria and Alfred Waterfront

AC Hotel by Marriott Cape Town Waterfront
AC Hotel by Marriott Cape Town Waterfront
4 out of 5
Dockrail Road, Foreshore, Cape Town, Western Cape
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹11,496 per night from 6 Oct to 7 Oct
₹11,496
per night
6 Oct - 7 Oct
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast and a fitness centre. Popular attractions Cape Town Cruise Terminal and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (295 reviews)
"The hotel was difficult to find. The staff was great!"

Reviewed on 25 Sep 2023

AC Hotel by Marriott Cape Town Waterfront
The Table Bay Hotel
The Table Bay Hotel
5 out of 5
Quay 6 Victoria & Alfred, Cape Town, Western Cape
The price is ₹21,886 per night from 7 Oct to 8 Oct
₹21,886
per night
7 Oct - 8 Oct
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi and free parking. Popular attractions Nelson Mandela Gateway and The Watershed ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (642 reviews)
Cape Town
"Everything was fantastic, service, location, beautiful hotel."

Reviewed on 16 Sep 2023

The Table Bay Hotel
Radisson RED V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Radisson RED V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
3.5 out of 5
Silo 6, South Arm Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, Western Cape
The price is ₹12,268 per night from 7 Oct to 8 Oct
₹12,268
per night
7 Oct - 8 Oct
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants and 2 bars/lounges. Popular attractions Zeitz Museum of Contemporary ...
9/10 Wonderful! (369 reviews)
Great location but too noisy
"Great location. The renovation was too noisy and the lobby area echoed a lot. The room was clean but it had a chilly feeling to it. Didn’t receive our gold membership perk of a bottle of wine"

Reviewed on 24 Sep 2023

Radisson RED V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
The Commodore Hotel
The Commodore Hotel
4 out of 5
Portswood Road, Portswood Square, V and A Waterfront, Cape Town, Western Cape
The price is ₹14,820 per night from 20 Oct to 21 Oct
₹14,820
per night
20 Oct - 21 Oct
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free WiFi, free valet parking and a full-service spa. Popular attractions The Watershed and Two Oceans Aquarium ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (672 reviews)
"Room is small but comfortable, breakfast buffet was very good everyday of our stay. Staff, especially the tour desk Ms Gadija was extremely helpful. Would definitely recommend staying here."

Reviewed on 15 Sep 2023

The Commodore Hotel
One&Only Cape Town
One&Only Cape Town
5 out of 5
Dock Road, V & A Waterfront, Cape Town, Western Cape
The price is ₹74,126 per night from 2 Oct to 3 Oct
₹74,126
per night
2 Oct - 3 Oct
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi and free parking. Popular attractions Two Oceans Aquarium and The Watershed are ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (322 reviews)
"We had an excellent stay."

Reviewed on 27 Aug 2023

One&Only Cape Town
Victoria and Alfred Hotel by NEWMARK
Victoria and Alfred Hotel by NEWMARK
4 out of 5
On the Waterfront Pierhead, V & A Waterfront, Cape Town, Western Cape
The price is ₹26,367 per night from 11 Oct to 12 Oct
₹26,367
per night
11 Oct - 12 Oct
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and a marina. Popular attractions The Watershed and Nelson Mandela Gateway are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (998 reviews)
Excellent
"Great location and excellent staff. Would stay again"

Reviewed on 3 Sep 2023

Victoria and Alfred Hotel by NEWMARK
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Victoria and Alfred Waterfront Travel Guide