20 Best Things to do at the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town

Last Updated on June 29, 2026 by Hannah Stephenson

The Victoria and Alfred Waterfront is one of the best parts of Cape Town to hang out in. It’s home to beautiful views, excellent shopping, great restaurants, and resident seals!

There’s a ton to do around here and I always really enjoy the laid back but convivial atmosphere at the Waterfront. 

Since this area is both large and popular, I felt that it was only right to create a guide containing the 20 best things to do at the V&A Waterfront. You don’t want to miss out on this part of Cape Town! 

Jump to

• My top picks
• How to spend one day at the V&A Waterfront
• Best things to do at the Waterfront
• FAQs about the Waterfront

My top picks at the V&A Waterfront

Best overall: Oranjezicht Market
Best for families: Two Oceans Aquarium
Best for history: Visit Robben Island
Best free thing to do: Spot the seals
Best at sunset: Champagne cruise
Best rainy day activity: Zeitz MOCAA
Best for something active: SUPping

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How to Spend One Day at the V&A Waterfront

If you’re planning to spend a full day exploring the V&A Waterfront, here’s how I’d spend it.

I’d go for breakfast at the Oranjezicht Market on a weekend, or if not I’d just grab a coffee. Then, I’d head to Robben Island on this guided tour with a former political prisoner!

After thay, I would go for lunch at Den Anker because I love those Table Mountain views (and the beer tasting flight, I’ll be honest).

Later, I’d head to the Zeitz MOCAA, although the Two Oceans Aquarium is probably a better choice for families. I’d go for a quick ride on the Cape Wheel, and then head out on this awesome sunset champagne cruise, before dinner at the Life Grand Cafe or the Time Out Market.

20 Best Things to Do at the V&A Waterfront

1. Visit the Oranjezicht Market

Visiting the Oranjezicht Market is my favourite thing to do at the V&A Waterfront, and I’m definitely not alone in that. It’s super popular among locals and tourists alike!

The market is located in Granger Bay and it’s perched right on the water’s edge. It got so popular that it has actually recently moved to a new location, with more seating and even more vendors!

Don’t get me wrong, it still gets busy here, but it’s a lot easier to secure a table nowadays.

You’ll find a ton of tasty food stalls from local restaurants here, but the star of the show is Vadas Bakery and their pastéis de nata, which are famous around here. 

There are also lots of artisan goods on offer, from locally made gins and jams to fresh produce, leather goods, and cute clothing.

The market is open from:

• 8:15 am until 2 pm on Saturday
• 9 am until 2 pm on Sunday
• 4 – 10 pm on Wednesday nights (closed June and July)

I do try to get to the market early if I can during summer, as it’s super popular and gets crowded. But it’s also totally worth it, with great vibes and tons of amazing food and goodies.

2. Go Shopping at the Victoria Wharf Mall

The Victoria Wharf is a huge shopping mall where you can find a huge range of international stores. You can find pretty much anything here, from H&M to Chanel and everything in between.

There are also some nice restaurants in Victoria Wharf, most notably Willoughby & Co. It’s a seriously popular sushi spot. I’ve never been, but it’s always really busy. And I mean always. I’ve seen queues here at 3 pm on weekday afternoons!

Given that it doesn’t look like much and a lot of the seating is right in the middle of the mall corridor, I can only take this to mean that the sushi is really something special.

3. Enjoy a Marine Safari

Cape Town is home to some amazing marine life, but this Big 5 Marine Safari still WAY exceeded my expectations. I mean, we saw four whales, a pod of dolphins, African penguins, and tons of seals. Who wouldn’t want to do that?

I did this cruise during the summer so I wasn’t expecting to see whales, as winter is the prime time for that. So imagine my surprise when one surfaced so close to our boat that I could have reached out and touched it!

You can read my full review of the marine safari here, but the long and short of it is that I highly recommend it. Plus, it’s also just 1.5 hours long so it’s really easy to fit into your Cape Town itinerary. We left at 10:30 am and were back in time for lunch!

Book your marine safari here with FREE cancellation!

4. Go SUPping 

Stand up paddleboarding (aka SUPping) is a really fun way to explore the waterfront.

We booked our board rental online, which costs around R300 per person. It was so much fun to paddle the 3-kilometre loop through the canals, and I enjoyed admiring the luxury hotels and swanky apartments on the way around. There’s also a mischievous resident otter who may or may not try to climb on your board!

The loop takes about an hour to complete. The water here is super calm – way calmer than the ocean! – so it’s really an ideal spot to go SUPping.

You can book your board rental anytime between 9 am and 4 pm. However, I think that it’s best to go in the morning as the wind tends to pick up during the afternoon. 

Book your Waterfront SUP board experience here with FREE cancellation!

5. Ride the Cape Wheel 

Riding The Cape Wheel is a quick and fun thing to do at the V&A Waterfront. It offers unobstructed views of the area and it’s great place to catch the sunset in this area.

The wheel is really easy to find because it’s right outside of the Victoria Wharf Mall. The ride only lasts for around 15 minutes and you go around 4 or 5 times. You can book tickets advance online, which offers slightly cheaper prices for tourists, but we just turned up and grabbed ours on the day.

Tickets cost:

• R275 for internationals
• R180 for South Africans
• R95 for kids

The Cape Wheel runs from 10 am until 10 pm during the summer months. Between May and August, it usually ceases operation an hour earlier – you can double check the hours here.

6. Do a Sunset Cruise 

A sunset cruise is a beautiful way to end a day in Cape Town, and they depart right here at the V&A Waterfront!

I did one with my friends on my third summer in the city, and I couldn’t believe that I had waited so long. It was a blast! You can read my full review of the experience here, but I’ll share the most relevant info now.

On this cruise, we got a bottle of sparkling wine between two people, and there was a well-stocked bar on board for those who wanted to buy extra drinks. I’ll be real with you – it’s J.C. Le Roux that you get which isn’t the best bubbly going, but I didn’t really mind that.

Our cruise departed at 7 pm, although this does change with sunset times throughout the year. We sailed from the waterfront to the Mouille Point lighthouse and back, and enjoyed a really beautiful sunset along the way.

There was music on board and good vibes all around. The cruise lasts for about 90 minutes, and I think it’s a great way to spend an evening in Cape Town.

You can book this sunset champagne cruise here!

7. Visit Robben Island

Robben Island is one of the most important historical sites in Cape Town, and the ferry leaves right from the V&A Waterfront.

Over the years, the island has been used as a Dutch penal colony, a leper colony, and an Apartheid-era prison. Most famously, it’s where Nelson Mandela spent 18 of his 27 years in prison, so this is definitely one of the most meaningful things to do in Cape Town.

The only way to visit Robben Island is on an authorised tour, which includes the return ferry from the Waterfront, a bus tour of the island, and a guided visit of the prison itself.

Just make sure you arrive around 30 minutes early to check in, and bring your passport or ID, as you may need to show it before boarding the boat. I forgot mine and luckily got away with showing a copy on my phone, but I wouldn’t recommend testing your luck!

Once we arrived on Robben Island, we started with a bus tour, which gave us a better understanding of the island’s wider history. I was especially interested to see the house where revolutionary leader Robert Sobukwe was kept in solitary confinement for six years.

After that, we visited the prison itself with a former inmate as our guide. He had been sent to Robben Island when he was just 16 years old, and hearing his personal stories wasincredibly powerful. We also saw Nelson Mandela’s cell and learned more about how he secretly began writing Long Walk to Freedom while imprisoned there.

I’ll be honest, Robben Island isn’t exactly a “fun” activity, and the island itself feels pretty bleak. But it is such a crucial part of Cape Town’s history, and I really do think it’s worth visiting if you want to better understand the city and South Africa’s past.

Book this Robben Island tour here, with free cancellation!

8. Go Gin or Whiskey Tasting 

Gin tasting is always good fun! So if you want to sample some proudly local spirits, head to Pienaar & Son, inside the Cruise Terminal building.

We had to book our gin tasting, and it’s easy to do this via their website. They’ve currently got 3 tastings on offer:

• 3 gins for R80
• 3 whiskeys for R80
• 4 gins and 1 vodka for R110

We did the latter option and we had a great time. The staff were super welcoming and I really liked the industrial-chic vibe of the tasting room. I would definitely go back and do this again!

9. Go Kayaking

Kayaking in Cape Town is fun, sure, but more importantly it’s a fantastic opportunity to spot dolphins! In fact, when I went I got to see seals and penguins as well as a pod of dolphins playing in the waves. And if you’re really lucky, you might even get to spot whales.

This small group kayaking tour departs from the V&A Waterfront, and takes you on a 2-hour adventure to spot marine life with passionate local guides.

The kayaks have rudders which makes the navigation a LOT easier. I have basically no upper body strength and I was absolutely fine.

The staff will give you a thorough safety briefing before the tour and keep you going throughout with their humour and enthusiasm. There are hundreds of 5-star reviews that attest to how great they are, so you don’t just have to take my word for it.

You can book this exciting kayak tour here, before it sells out!

10. Go beer tasting at Den Anker

Den Anker is a lovely Belgian restaurant right by the water, and it’s only a few minutes’ walk from the Robben Island ferry terminal. I really like it here because if you sit out on the terrace, or even near one of the big windows, you get an amazing view of Table Mountain right across the harbour.

They serve Belgian beers, and I love ordering a tasting flight alongside lunch. You get six of their Belgian-inspired brews for R130, and it’s fun to try them all. The Anker Blonde is my personal favourite – it’s such a treat on a warm day.

I’ve never needed a reservation here. I normally just turn up and tuck in. Cheers!

11. Spot Seals

One of my favourite things about the V&A Waterfront is that you can see the resident seals swimming around the harbour!

On pretty much any given day, you can catch them sunning themselves on the pontoon right outside the Aquarium Bootleggers. 

But perhaps the best way to get up close to these cuties is on this short and sweet harbour cruise! It’s 30 minutes long and it takes you for a quick spin around the harbour to spot seals and learn a little bit of Capetonian history. I think it’s especially ideal for families!

12. Grab Cocktails at Cause & Effect

Cause & Effect is definitely one of the best bars in Cape Town and it’s known for its novelty concoctions. It’s really more about the production value than the drink itself here! 

Some of the best cocktails on the menu include the Table Mountain cocktail, which comes in a glass shaped like the famous peak, with a Cape Fynbos flower on top for that extra touch of authenticity.

I could keep going, but you get the point. Pretty much every cocktail on the menu at Cause & Effect is an elaborate affair. 

You’ll find Cause & Effect near the harbour, next to the big Scottish and Irish taverns. They also do bottomless mimosas from 10 am until 11:30 am daily.

13. Have Drinks at the Silo

The Silo is one of Cape Town’s most luxurious hotels, and while a stay here is a little out of my price range, I love coming to the rooftop for drinks!

I had lunch here recently for a friend’s birthday and it was wonderful. We enjoyed great views of the Waterfront, lovely cocktails, and the most delicious poke bowl I’ve ever had.

This place is probably best enjoyed at sunset, but Sophie’s birthday is on Valentine’s Day, so we weren’t able to get an evening reservation. Oh, on that note, you’ll need to make a reservation to come here, and pay a R150 per person deposit. It’s worth it!

14. Visit the Two Oceans Aquarium 

The Two Oceans Aquarium is home to over 8,000 different types of marine creatures, and there are lots of display galleries designed to educate visitors of all ages (although of course, kids particularly love aquariums). The Jelly Hall is especially amazing!

The aquarium is open every day of the year from 9:30 am until 6 pm, or from 9 am on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets cost:

• R265 for adults
• R195 for 14 – 17 year olds and students
• R120 for kids aged 3 – 13

15. Visit the Zeitz MOCAA 

The Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (aka the Zeitz Mocaa) is a true cultural gem. It’s housed inside an old grain silo complex, only now it stores masterpieces instead. 

It’s a truly huge museum – in fact, it’s the largest of its kind in the whole of Africa. You’ll find art here that spans a whole range of mediums, from painting and sculpture to insane video installations.

The art here is all about celebrating the diversity of contemporary African art because, spoiler alert, Africa is NOT a country. 

The Zeitz MOCAA has played a big role in putting African art and culture on the global map, so I definitely recommend going to check it out while you explore the Waterfront. 

It’s open from 10 am until 6 pm every day except Sunday, and if you’re an African citizen you can visit for free until 1 pm on Fridays. Otherwise, it costs R250 per adult.

Skip the queues book fast track tickets for the Zeitz MOCAA here!

16. Watershed Market 

The Watershed Market is a covered market where you’ll find crafts, fashion, and jewellery from talented local designers. It’s all about supporting small scale local businesses and independent artists, and there’s always a good atmosphere around here. Plus, it’s a fantastic place to pick up thoughtful gifts or simply discover your new favourite artist.

17. be.UP Pop Up Play Park

If you’re a parent and want to take your kids somewhere they’ll really love, head to be.UP play park – formerly Playdate Superpark. With a giant indoor maze, a massive multi-court, an aerial obstacle course, a zipline, AND toddler soft play, this place is basically every kid’s dream come true.

Honestly, I’m kind of bummed that they don’t have an adults area. I’d be there in a heartbeat.

This place is the ideal spot to help kids burn off some energy, and there are actually even “drop and go” options so adults can go and enjoy some quiet time while the kids have fun. You can even book a dedicated crew member to look after 4 kids at once, and then go off and enjoy some me-time knowing they’re in good hands.

There are lots of different packages available and opening hours vary slightly between school and term time. You can find all the info you need and book tickets here!

18. Visit Scratch Patch

Another one that families will love!

Scratch Patch is basically a partially covered cave where the floor is covered in colourful gemstones, and you can buy a bag to fill with your favourites. Kids love it, and all of my local friends say they loved coming here as kids!

The Scratch Patch is on Portswood Road at the Waterfront, right next to Cave Golf, so you can easily combine the two if you’re looking for a simple family activity. Cave Golf is an 18-hole indoor mini-golf course, so it’s also a handy option if the weather isn’t playing ball.

I’d say this is best for families with younger kids, but honestly, anyone who likes crystals, gemstones, or slightly nostalgic activities will probably enjoy it.

19. Eat at Time Out Market

Time Out Market is one of the best places to eat at the V&A Waterfront, especially if you’re visiting on a rainy day or you’re with a group who can’t agree on where to go for lunch.

Before I visited, I’d heard a few people say that it was overpriced and overhyped, but I was really impressed! It does a great job of bringing together some of Cape Town’s best-loved restaurants and food spots under one roof, and I found the prices pretty middle-of-the-road for the Waterfront.

I was especially excited to see De Vrije Burger there, as the original restaurant is out in Stellenbosch and it’s always packed. My friend and I once drove all the way out there just for the burger, and honestly, it was worth it.

If you want to try Cape Malay food, Bakarat is a great choice, while The Yard does amazing pizzas. And if you fancy a glass of wine, head over to Culture Wine. It’s one of Cape Town’s top wine bars, so I love that you can enjoy it here without having to make a separate trip.

20. Walk Through Battery Park

Battery Park is scenic and peaceful, with pretty canals and some space to wander. This is also where you can go stand up paddleboarding, which I talked about above.

To be honest, I wouldn’t say that Battery Park is a must-visit attraction in its own right but it’s a nice place to get away from the busier parts of the waterfront. There’s a skate park and play area here, so families should enjoy it.

And in summer, Galileo Open Air Cinema sometimes hosts outdoor movie screenings here, which is such a fun way to spend an evening at the Waterfront.

FAQs about the Waterfront

Is the V&A Waterfront worth visiting?

Yes! This is one of Cape Town’s major tourist hubs. It’s a beautiful area with a lovely “holiday” vibe and lots of shops and restaurants. Many tours and boat trips depart from the V&A Waterfront, and it’s also a base for activities like SUPping and kayaking.

Is there parking at the V&A Waterfront?

Yes, there are over a dozen different paid parking lots in the area.

Parking starts from R10 an hour although the hourly rate can vary slightly depending on how long you’re there for. You can check out the different car parks’ rates here.

I usually park in Victoria Wharf or the Granger Bay lot if I’m heading to the market, but they’re all within walking distance of one another. 

Can you walk to the V&A Waterfront?

Yes, you can easily walk to the Waterfront from Green Point, Sea Point, or De Waterkant. It’s perfectly safe to do this during the day, but I recommend taking an Uber after dark. 

How long do you need at the V&A Waterfront?

It’s worth spending at least a few hours exploring, but you could easily spend an entire day here! If you follow my 7-day itinerary you’ll probably find yourself coming back quite a few times, as there’s a lot here.

What are the best free things to do at the V&A Waterfront?

There are actually quite a few free things to do at the V&A Waterfront, even though it’s known for shopping, restaurants, and paid attractions. My favourite free thing to do is wander around the harbour, look for seals, and enjoy the views of Table Mountain.

The Oranjezicht Market is free to enter, although obviously you’ll probably end up buying something because there are so many amazing goodies here!

Battery Park is another good free spot, especially if you’re visiting with kids or just want to stroll somewhere a bit quieter. There’s also often live music by local groups around the Amphitheatre, so it’s worth swinging by to see what’s going on.

What are the best things to do at the V&A Waterfront with kids?

The V&A Waterfront is one of the best places to visit in Cape Town with kids! It’s safe and walkable, with a good mix of indoor and outdoor activities. The Two Oceans Aquarium would be my top pick, but Scratch Patch and Cave Golf are also family favourites. be.UP play park is awesome too, and a ride on the Cape Wheel should go down a treat.

For something outdoorsy, Battery Park is a good option, especially if your kids need space to run around. And you can also go seal spotting on this short and sweet harbour cruise!

What can you do at the V&A Waterfront at night?

The V&A Waterfront is one of the better places to go in Cape Town at night because there are lots of restaurants, bars, shops, and activities all in one safe and walkable area. It feels lively in the evening, especially around the harbour.

One of the best things to do is book a sunset cruise, which is a really pretty way to see the city. And for something a bit more unusual, you could always give night kayaking a go!

Is the V&A Waterfront safe?

Yes, the V&A Waterfront is one of the safest areas of Cape Town. A lot of the area is pedestrian, and the bustling harbour area is well-lit at night, with plenty of security around. Just don’t wander off anywhere dark and quiet, and you’ll be fine!

Can you visit the V&A Waterfront without a car?

Yes, you can visit the Waterfront without a car. You can walk here from Sea Point or Green Point. In fact, I do this on a regular basis! It’s also easy to get dropped off here in an Uber, and there’s a MyCiti bus stop right outside the mall.

What is the difference between the V&A Waterfront and Cape Town city centre?

The V&A Waterfront is Cape Town’s polished tourist hub and it’s all built around the harbour area. Meanwhile, the city centre (or CBD) is the downtown area. It’s definitely grittier and not purpose designed for tourism, although many of Cape Town’s best nightlife spots can be found here.

Where is the best place to park for Oranjezicht Market?

The best place to park for the Oranjezicht Market is in the Granger Bay parking garage, which is right across from the market.

Thanks so much for reading this blog post! I hope it helps you make the most of Cape Town’s fun and vibrant Waterfront. I have tons of other insider guides, so be sure to check out the following:

• Where to Stay in Cape Town – A Local’s Guide!
• Cape Town Packing List – Everything You’ll Need!
• Wine Tasting in Cape Town: A Local’s Guide
• Where to Find the Best Views in Cape Town
• The 25 BEST Things to Do in Cape Town at Night