Victoria and Alfred Waterfront Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Victoria and Alfred Waterfront featuring a lake or waterhole
Indulge in some retail therapy, learn about South Africa’s history or just kick back and enjoy the spectacular views from Cape Town’s historic waterfront.

Sitting pretty in the harbour at the foot of iconic Table Mountain, the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront is a premier retail destination with a historic twist. Constructed by Queen Victoria’s son, Prince Alfred in 1860, this popular tourist destination is simply bursting with attractions and entertainment options to suit every kind of visitor. With a fantastic variety of shops, restaurants, museums and aquariums, it’s easy to see why the waterfront is a popular destination for families, culture vultures and honeymooners alike.There are many ways to explore the sights and sounds of this vibrant part of the city but, for most, the best is to stroll around and absorb the bustling and fun atmosphere.With over 450 retail outlets offering a diverse range of local and international brands, this is a mecca for shoppers of all persuasions. Splash the cash in the sophisticated designer shops, hunt for bargains in one of the markets or collect some unique souvenirs in the artisan craft shops.If you fancy a break from the shopping, make your way to the interpretive Chavonnes Battery Museum for a guided tour of an 18th-century fortification. Step back in time as you wander around and absorb the rich history of this unique excavation site. Follow this with a walking history tour of the waterfront area where the salty tang of the sea permeates the air.Take a guided tour of the prison on Robben Island. A one-time leper colony and now a World Heritage Site, this is one day trip that will leave a lasting impression.If the kids are starting to protest against all this culture, head for the Two Oceans Aquarium for some marine-based fun. The aquarium is home to over 88 species of marine life including green sea turtles, moray eels and needle urchins. Scuba dive with ragged-tooth sharks, learn about the conservation of giant sunfish or catch a wriggling starfish in the touch pool.Feeling peckish? Take your pick from any one of the sophisticated al fresco eateries and indulge in some African, Japanese, Spanish or local cuisine. With over eighty excellent cafés and restaurants, you are sure to find something to suit your tastes. Afterwards, settle back with a cool drink and let the peaceful ocean and mountain views wash over you as you plan your next move.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best Victoria and Alfred Waterfront Hotel Deals

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 NZ$282 per night from 21 Jul to 22 Jul
NZ$282
per night
21 Jul - 22 Jul
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (436 reviews)
"absolutely gorgeous view from my room; decor was funky and functional; was only here on an overnight layover; wish i had longer! definitely hope to be back! was right in the heart of V&A waterfront - steps from the hotel"

Reviewed on 23 May 2024

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 NZ$305 per night from 21 Jun to 22 Jun
NZ$305
per night
21 Jun - 22 Jun
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (418 reviews)
"Wonderful hotel"

Reviewed on 14 Jun. 2024

AC Hotel by Marriott Cape Town Waterfront
The Table Bay Hotel
The Table Bay Hotel
5 out of 5
Quay 6 Victoria & Alfred, Cape Town, Western Cape
The price is NZ$482 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
NZ$482
per night
20 Jul - 21 Jul
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (735 reviews)
"I liked its convenient location with all the nearby walkable attractions. I especially liked the professional and gracious staff who were always present, if needed. Given its large size, the hospitality was very intimate and appreciated."

Reviewed on 19 Jun. 2024

The Table Bay Hotel
One&Only Cape Town
One&Only Cape Town
5 out of 5
Dock Road, V & A Waterfront, Cape Town, Western Cape
The price is NZ$1,608 per night from 4 Jul to 5 Jul
NZ$1,608
per night
4 Jul - 5 Jul
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Two Oceans Aquarium and Cape Town Stadium ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (336 reviews)
"The hotel itself is great but the room service staff was comically bad. Orders would take longer than one hour to arrive, items were ALWAYS missing. One time they called us at 1:30am to confirm our breakfast order (waking us up!) and then still got the order wrong 😂 really odd in a 5 star ..."

Reviewed on 5 Jun. 2024

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 NZ$327 per night from 4 Jul to 5 Jul
NZ$327
per night
4 Jul - 5 Jul
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free WiFi, free valet parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (749 reviews)
"."

Reviewed on 20 Jun. 2024

The Commodore 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 NZ$470 per night from 4 Jul to 5 Jul
NZ$470
per night
4 Jul - 5 Jul
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a marina. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (998 reviews)
"It's a lovely upper level hotel with very helpful, friendly staff and a nice restaurant offering food choices all day. Have on site staff to assist with booking tours. Great location at the V&A waterfront, walking to many outstanding restaurants, shops etc."

Reviewed on 9 Jun. 2024

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(15 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(48 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 Museum and Planetarium or Kloof Street while you're exploring the area.

City Bowl
Sea Point

Sea Point Promenade

Sea Point Promenade is known for its beautiful seaside views, and you can make a stop by Sea Point Pavillion and Sea Point Swimming Pool while in the area.

Sea Point Promenade
Sea Point

Sea Point

4/5(8 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 Table Mountain National Park might round out your trip.

Sea Point


Victoria and Alfred Waterfront Travel Guide

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