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


Top hotels in Victoria and Alfred Waterfront

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 ₹10,773 per night from 11 Jul to 12 Jul
₹10,773
₹12,513 total
11 Jul - 12 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (637 reviews)
"Good location and very friendly satff"

Reviewed on 29 Jun 2025

Radisson RED V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
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
The price is ₹11,729 per night from 1 Aug to 2 Aug
₹11,729
₹13,624 total
1 Aug - 2 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (591 reviews)
"Buffet breakfast was terrific."

Reviewed on 29 Jun 2025

AC Hotel by Marriott Cape Town Waterfront
One&Only Cape Town
One&Only Cape Town
5 out of 5
Dock Road, V & A Waterfront, Cape Town, Western Cape
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹71,146 per night from 14 Jul to 15 Jul
₹71,146
₹81,818 total
14 Jul - 15 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (358 reviews)
"Overall service was enthusiastic and friendly. Breakfast was excellent but had a disappointing meal at Nobu. Facilities showing its age and could do with an update. Neighborhood was safe and nice restaurants within walking distance. There are probably better options at this price point."

Reviewed on 1 Jul 2025

One&Only 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 ₹13,993 per night from 10 Jul to 11 Jul
₹13,993
₹16,092 total
10 Jul - 11 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free valet parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (873 reviews)
"Great hotel but a little bit expensive"

Reviewed on 18 Jun 2025

The Commodore Hotel
The Portswood Hotel
The Portswood Hotel
4 out of 5
Portswood Road, Cape Town, Western Cape
The price is ₹12,396 per night from 10 Jul to 11 Jul
₹12,396
₹14,255 total
10 Jul - 11 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (563 reviews)
Great stay
"Fantastic staff. Very helpful. Excellent breakfast. Five minutes to the heart of the V&A Harbor."

Reviewed on 22 Jun 2025

The Portswood Hotel
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 ₹29,438 per night from 6 Jul to 7 Jul
₹29,438
₹34,379 total
6 Jul - 7 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a marina. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (999 reviews)
"Beautiful room, great breakfast and wonderful staff!"

Reviewed on 6 Jun 2025

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.

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 Table Mountain National Park and Cape Quarter Lifestyle Village 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 South African Museum and Planetarium 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 Sea Point Swimming Pool or Sea Point Promenade might round out your trip.

Sea Point


Victoria and Alfred Waterfront Travel Guide