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Shopping in the shadow of the mountain
The V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
The V&A Waterfront, Cape Town’s top attraction
© South African Tourism
Did you know?
The V&A Waterfront is a busy international port as well as a world-class mall?
The V&A Waterfront shopping mall in Cape Town can claim to attract more visitors than any other destination in South Africa. Many factors contribute to its extraordinary appeal. High on this list is the fact that is one of South Africa’s top shopping destinations.
Situated in the heart of Cape Town, where the mountain meets the sea, this Cape Town shopping mall has been a working harbour since about 1860, when trade routes to the East transformed the seafront into a lucrative trading post.
In 1988, the redevelopment of the historic docklands built on this legacy, transforming the harbour into an exciting 21st century ‘trading post’, complete with a comprehensive array of shops, entertainment venues, prime office locations, world-class hotels and luxury apartments in the residential marina.
The Victorian architecture of the waterfront pulses with African energy and there are more than 400 retail outlets offering both local and international brands, selling anything from high fashion, to African curios, exclusive jewellery, high-quality leather goods, audio-visual equipment, lifestyle stores, and art galleries.
For the ultimate in shopping indulgence, you can choose to stay at this waterfront Cape Town shopping mall with a difference. It offers an impressive array of accommodation, ranging from budget to 5-star luxury, placing you within close proximity to the full range of shops at the V&A Waterfront shopping mall, which remain open until 21h00, 7 days a week.
Shopping in the fresh maritime air means that you will also fully appreciate the many eateries located at the waterfront, from fast food to fine-dining establishments. And if the shopping becomes too much, you can enjoy some of the many other activities on offer. These include seal-watching, a visit to the Two Oceans Aquarium or the Maritime Museum, boat trips around the harbour and along the coast are or an exciting helicopter tour!
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
How to get here
The Waterfront is within walking distance of the city centre and offers easy access to the Western Cape's other major tourist attractions, as well as the main route to Cape Town International Airport.
From Cape Town Airport to V&A Waterfront, exit the airport and continue for approx 3 km. Merge onto the N2 highway, and follow N2 STAD / CITY signs. After about 18km move into lane with M6 / SEA POINT / WATERFRONT sign. Turn right at traffic light into Main Gate of the V&A Waterfront (Coen Steytler entrance). Should you get lost or need alternate directions, call the Waterfront on: +27 (0)21 408 7600
Around the area
The Waterfront is a gateway to many other attractions in and around Cape Town. The Gateway Visitor Centre allows you to conduct all your travel arrangements under one roof with the help of specialists from all over Southern Africa. The centre showcases a vast selection of tourist attractions, accommodation facilities, adventure sport, unique destinations, tours and services and is designed to anticipate and meet the diverse needs international travellers.
Tours to do
Boat and helicopter trips that depart from the Waterfront daily.
Get around
You can get a taxi or cab to the Atlantic Seaboard or City Centre from outside all entrances, or opposite the Blue Shed Craft Market.
There is ample parking.
Length of stay
You can spend anything from a few hours, to a full day, to several days exploring the Waterfront and the many attractions on offer.
What's happening
There are often events at the Waterfront. The best way to find out what is happening to to visit their website: htp://www.waterfront.co.za. Depending on the month there may be live entertainment at the Amphitheatre, theatre productions at the BMW Pavilion and live jazz.
