V&A Waterfront Cape Town

The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront is a busy working harbour that has become Cape Town’s favourite place to shop, eat and stroll. Historic warehouses, a red clock tower and modern malls line the quays, with seals basking by the water and Table Mountain filling the skyline.

There is plenty for families: the Two Oceans Aquarium, the Cape Wheel, harbour cruises and street performers, as well as Zeitz MOCAA, a museum of contemporary African art in a converted grain silo. Ferries to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years, leave from the Nelson Mandela Gateway.

Robben Island tours often sell out, so we reserve them early. The Waterfront has restaurants to suit every taste, including Indian and vegetarian options, and is pleasant in the evening.