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Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town

Africa's best authentic tailor-made safaris

The V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, or the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, sits where the ocean meets the city and is one of South Africa’s oldest working harbours. It’s no wonder it is the most visited attraction in South Africa, welcoming more than 24 million visitors each year.

Some parts of the Waterfront bustle with activity, while others exude calm luxury around the marina, hotels, and quiet quays. Here, calm meets convenience, with Table Mountain rising as a striking backdrop.

The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront is more than a destination; it’s the ideal base for your Cape Town stay. Whether arriving after a long flight, preparing to depart, or before a safari, the V&A offers sanctuary amid the city’s energy.

A Harbour That Feels Like Home

The V&A Waterfront in Cape Town
The V&A Waterfront is hard to beat | Photo: aha Harbour Bridge Hotel & Suites

At the heart of Cape Town’s coastline, the V&A Waterfront blends heritage charm with contemporary ease. You’ll wander past restored dock buildings, quiet canals, and elegant quays, where working boats glide beside superyachts.

Yet step inside one of the V&A’s top hotels, and you’ll find complete stillness: suites that open onto private terraces, select suites offering discreet butler service, and spas that promise deep restoration.

Many travellers see Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront hotels as their urban retreat. A place to recalibrate before exploring the Cape’s winelands or the wild beauty of the peninsula. From here, every part of the city is at your fingertips, yet it never feels rushed.

Where to Stay at the V&A

Exterior view of V&A Hotel with sunset
Timeless elegance and personalised luxury are found at the award-winning Victoria & Alfred Hotel | Photo credit: V&A Hotel

The V&A Waterfront is home to some of Cape Town’s most prestigious waterfront hotels. Each one blends exclusivity with ease, whether it’s the classic charm of the Victoria and Alfred Hotel, the contemporary elegance of The Silo, or the private-island serenity of One&Only Cape Town.

Expect flawless service and indulgent comfort: think marble bathrooms, fine linens, and private balconies overlooking the harbour. Some suites are tucked away on quiet quays, with views of the mountains mirrored in still water.

Select suites offer discreet butler service and in-room dining that rivals the city’s best restaurants. It’s the kind of place where every detail feels quietly perfect. Where you can simply exhale and let yourself be taken care of.

Adventure at Victoria & Alfred Waterfront

Robben Island
Explore the historic Robben Island | Photo: aprillynn77

Step outside your hotel, and the V&A Waterfront opens up like a world of its own. There’s the elegant shopping centre filled with international and local designer brands, from Louis Vuitton to Maxhosa Africa. At the Watershed Market, local artisans showcase hand-crafted pieces that make thoughtful mementos.

Dining here is just as remarkable. From ocean-facing terraces serving freshly shucked oysters to award-winning fine dining rooms pairing Cape wines with seasonal produce, the V&A Waterfront brings together the city’s culinary best in one walkable setting. The view alone, boats drifting across the marina at sunset, makes every meal feel like a celebration.

The Victoria and Alfred Waterfront is also a hub for creativity. The striking Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA), housed in a repurposed grain silo, showcases the continent’s leading artists. From here, ferries depart for Robben Island, where the museum tells stories of resilience and freedom, while the Iziko Maritime Museum reveals the harbour’s rich and layered history.

If you’re after a different perspective, scenic helicopter flights depart from the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, tracing the coastline around Table Mountain and the Cape Peninsula. It’s a breathtaking way to see how land, sea, and sky converge in this corner of South Africa.

Highlights

  • Daily tours depart from the V&A Waterfront, including trips to the historic Robben Island.
  • Top museums on site: Zeitz MOCAA, Robben Island Museum, and the Iziko Maritime Museum.
  • Home to many of Cape Town’s premier hotels and a vibrant social scene.
  • Two Oceans Aquarium has thousands of marine animals and regularly scheduled penguin feedings.
  • Scenic helicopter flights over Table Mountain and the Cape Peninsula.

The Perfect Base for a Cape Town Journey

View of V&A Waterfront | Dock House Boutique Hotel
The V&A offers the perfect blend of calm and connection | Photo: Dock House Boutique Hotel

Many visitors use the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront as their soft landing in Africa. A place to shake off jet lag, acclimatise gently, and slip into the rhythm of the Cape. Others end their journey here, savouring spa treatments, long lunches, and sunset sails before flying home.

The V&A offers the perfect blend of calm and connection. You can spend your days discovering Cape Town’s vibrant culture, then return each evening to the serenity of your private suite overlooking the harbour lights.

The Waterfront becomes more than a destination; it’s your sanctuary, your starting point, and your quiet conclusion all in one.

Ready to answer Cape Town’s call? The V&A Waterfront is waiting.

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