Victoria and Alfred Waterfront Travel Guide

Cape Town

Victoria and Alfred Waterfront featuring a marina
Victoria and Alfred Waterfront showing a lake or waterhole
Victoria and Alfred Waterfront showing a marina
Victoria and Alfred Waterfront which includes a marina
Victoria and Alfred Waterfront featuring a sunset

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



Other neighbourhoods around Victoria and Alfred Waterfront

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De Waterkant

De Waterkant is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Cape Quarter Lifestyle Village and Table Mountain National Park while you're in town.

De Waterkant
Cape Town Stadium featuring a sunset and a city

Green Point

4.5/5(29 area reviews)

Travellers like the cocktail bars in Green Point, and Greenpoint Market is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Green Point
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Cape Town City Centre

4/5(237 area reviews)

Known for its majestic mountain landscape and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Cape Town City Centre. Check out top attractions like District Six Museum and Cape Town City Hall, and jump on the metro at Woodstock Station or Esplanade Station to see more of the city.

Cape Town City Centre
Cape Town which includes a city and night scenes

City Bowl

The majestic mountain landscape and popular shops are just a few highlights of City Bowl. Make a stop by South African National Gallery or Kloof Street while you're exploring the area.

City Bowl
Lions Head

Tamboerskloof

Mountain views, gardens and bars highlight some of the noteworthy features of Tamboerskloof. Make a stop by Lions Head or Table Mountain National Park while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Tamboerskloof
Sea Point

Sea Point

4/5(39 area reviews)

The beaches and seaside views are top of the list for many visitors to Sea Point. A stop by Milton Beach or Sea Point Promenade might round out your trip.

Sea Point


Victoria and Alfred Waterfront Travel Guide