Located in the heart of Cape Town, the V&A Waterfront is a vibrant hub of hustle and bustle. Filled with so much to do and see it’s no surprise that it has become one of Cape Town’s top attractions. With beautiful harbour front views of Table Mountain and beyond, the V&A Waterfront is also home to a variety of exciting experiences, incredible attractions, a vibrant restaurant, a thriving culinary and shopping scene. If you are planning an exciting visit to this vibrant Cape Town attraction, here are the best things to see and do in the V&A Waterfront.
The Best Things to See and Do in V & A Waterfront, Cape Town
Take a ride on the Cape Wheel
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Taking a ride on the iconic Cape Wheel is by far one of the best things to see and do in the V&A Waterfront. It’s something for everyone, that means both young and young at heart can get in on the action. The V&A Waterfront’s giant observation wheel gives you the opportunity to see the Mother City from a whole new perspective, and a spectacular one at that. You can therefore enjoy 360-degree panoramic views of Cape Town, it’s beautiful harbour-front and Table Mountain from the safety of an enclosed air-conditioned cabin.
Visit the Two Oceans Aquarium
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A visit to the Two Oceans Aquarium has fast become one of the V&A Waterfront’s most sought-after experiences. This world-class facility gives you the opportunity to explore the incredible marine life diversity of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans in an exciting way. Boasting a wide variety of exhibits featuring many species of fish and other marine life, including turtles and penguins, this top V&A Waterfront attraction truly offers an incredible marine life display.
In addition, it also gives you the opportunity to enjoy up-close encounters with some of Cape Town’s favourite ocean locals by means of the touch pool, microscope exhibit and penguin encounter. It’s definitely something fun and adventurous for everyone, especially families!
Visit the V&A Food Market
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Visiting the vibrant V&A Food Market is definitely one of the best things to do in the V&A Waterfront. There is certainly no shortage of incredible markets in Cape Town. But the V&A Food Market undoubtedly reflects the same vibrant energy as the V&A Waterfront itself. This vibrant and lively artisan street food market showcases 42 of the finest local products. It also offers a platform for small business to launch trend concept food stores and bars alike.
With so many incredible, indulgent and delicious options to choose from, the only thing you’ll have trouble with is deciding what to try first. Thus, be prepared for a whole lot of feasting if you decide to go there on an empty stomach. The V&A Food Market also offers its visitors both indoor seating when shelter from the wind and rain is required as well as outdoor quayside hangout spots perfect for sundowners and sunset watching.
Enjoy a boat tour
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The V&A Waterfront is home to a variety of must-see attractions, and it’s also the site of departure for many boat tours around the city. From sunset cruises, city sight-seeing tours, Cape Fur Seal adventures, speed boat experiences and so much more, there is a boat charter service and experience for everyone to enjoy.
The fact that Cape Town is home to a thriving marine life also means that besides enjoying incredible views of some of the Mother City’s top landmarks like Table Mountain, you will also be able to experience incredible marine life sightings on your boat tour. So be sure to keep an eye out for the charismatic Cape Fur Seals, African Penguins, Whales and Dolphins.
Visit the renowned Zeitz MOCAA
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The Zeitz MOCAA Museum of Contemporary Art Africa is both an architectural and artistic gem as well as one of the most sought-after things to see and do at the V&A Waterfront. Known as one of the world’s largest museum dedicated specifically to African contemporary art, it’s no surprise that the Zeitz MOCAA has established itself as one of the most widely visited and talked about places in Cape Town. Thereby making it an absolute must-see attraction on your trip to the Mother City. The best thing is, you don’t need to be an avid art enthusiast to enjoy and admire everything it has to offer. It welcomes everyone with open arms!
Enjoy some incredible Cape Fur Seal encounters
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Known as Cape Town’s charismatic and cool ocean locals, the Cape Fur Seals sure know how to put a smile on your face. And while you can certainly enjoy some incredible sightings on a V&A Waterfront boat ride or drive along the coastline, you can also witness them up close and personal while simply strolling along the V&A Waterfront harbour. You can also find them at the Clock Tower Precinct and on old tires lining the quayside loving life and basking in the sun.
Explore the Silo District
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Home to two of the best hotels in the city as well as the renowned Zeitz MOCAA, the Silo District is the ultimate mecca for exploring and experiencing. Offering traveller’s great foodie hotspots in Lindt Chocolate Studio, The Yard, Si! Cantina Sociale, Sushibox and Woolworths’ Now Now Cafe to mention just a few, it is both a culinary and an architectural gem. In addition to renowned attractions and great foodie spots, the Silo District also boasts a variety of top-class designer stores and galleries, including Guild and Opus. And enjoying a sunset cocktail on the Silo Hotel rooftop is every bit as magical as it is memorable.
Visit the Springbok Experience Rugby Museum
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A visit to the Springbok Experience Rugby Museum is another top V&A Waterfront attraction that can be enjoyed by every member of the family. This interactive and engaging museum, found across the road from the V&A Waterfront, therefore ensures a great experience for both rugby fans and non-rugby followers alike. Covering the history of rugby, with a big focus on South African rugby, the Apartheid Era and the famous South African 1995 World Cup victory, visitors can enjoy listening to insightful audio, marvelling at lifelike rugby statues of famous players or even trying some fun rugby trials.
Have some fun at the Scratch Patch
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Southern Africa is often considered the gemstone capital of the world as almost half of the world’s gemstones are found here. And by far one of the most popular places to see and buy gemstones in Cape Town is at The Scratch Patch and Mineral World outlets at Simon’s Town and the V&A Waterfront. But besides the fact that the Scratch Patch boasts an extensive variety of gemstones, it also offers visitors a super fun experience.
You can invite every member of your family to scratch around for their favourite tumble-polished gemstones from thousands of polished stones that quite literally cover the floor. It promises a super fun adventure you won’t soon forget. Thereby undoubtedly making a visit to the Scratch Patch one of the best things to see and do in the V&A Waterfront.
Visit the Clock Tower
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The Clock Tower is one of the V&A Waterfront’s most iconic historic landmarks. Characterized by a Victorian-gothic style architecture, it is both an architectural gem and a renowned V&A Waterfront attraction. Boasting three levels with each one having something unique to offer. An old tidal gauge mechanism can be found on the bottom level with a decorative mirror room that allows the Port Captain to have a full view of the harbour can be found on the second level. And lastly an original clock mechanism is located on the top level of the Clock Tower. It truly is one incredible sight.
Enjoy a game of Cave Golf
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Playing a fun game of Cave Golf has undoubtedly become one of the V&A Waterfronts top experiences. Because let’s be honest, who doesn’t enjoy an exciting game of mini golf? This 18-hole mini-golf course boasts a super fun layout that is both challenging enough to be enjoyed by the more avid mini golfers, while still being exciting and easy enough to be enjoyed by everyone. The fact that it is located indoors also makes a game of Cave Golf a fun activity that can be enjoyed by the whole family regardless of Cape Town’s unpredictable weather.
Embark on the ultimate shopping spree
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Boasting more than 450 South African and international stores selling everything from fashion, jewellery and homeware to leather goods and groceries, The Victoria Wharf Shopping Centre offers guests the ultimate Cape Town shopping experience. It truly has something of everything, thereby making it the ultimate retail hub for anyone visiting Cape Town.
Enjoy a harbour side breakfast, lunch or dinner
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Besides iconic attractions and incredible experiences, the V&A Waterfront is home to an exciting culinary scene that’s been known to attract foodies from all around the world. Boasting a great selection of fine dining restaurants, delis, cafes and casual dining eateries for all budgets and palates, there is something for everyone to savour and enjoy. Not to mention the fact that every meal, craft beer, coffee or cocktail can be enjoyed while marvelling at the spectacular view of Table Mountain, the vibrant harbour and beyond.
Enjoy a live performance
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Cape Town is known for its vibrant artistic scene and captivating musical pursuits. All of which can be enjoyed at the lively V&A Waterfront both on weekends and during the week. With live performances, street side buskers, performing art groups and passionate musicians taking to the stage all for your enjoyment. Boasting both up and coming rising stars and established musical performers, it truly is an incredible experience to be enjoyed by all!
The V&A Waterfront is the ultimate mecca of food, art, retail, adventure and everything in between. Home to so many incredible things to do and see, it’s no surprise that it has established itself as one of Cape Town’s top attractions and must-visit destinations. A visit to this vibrant Mother City attraction and experiencing some of the best things to see and do in the V&A Waterfront should therefore be on everyone’s bucket list.
Wondering where to stay when visiting the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town? You can find the very best Waterfront accommodation – villas, apartments, and self-catering holiday rentals for your holiday. Browse our selection of accommodation by area and tours, or get in touch today for help with finding the perfect places to stay in Cape Town.
