Situated between Robben Island and Table Mountain in
the heart of Cape Town's working harbour, the V&A Waterfront has become
South Africa's most visited destination. Set against a backdrop of sea and
mountain
views, exciting shopping and entertainment venues are intermingled with imaginative
office locations, world-class hotels and luxury apartments
in the residential marina.
Always known simply as "The Waterfront", this working harbour, shopping
and entertainment development has become Cape Town's most visited tourist attraction,
where pockets of dockside life remain alongside attractions like the Two
Oceans Aquarium and quite a lot of nightlife.
Security note: Although it's tempting, don't walk between the city and the
Waterfront - muggings do
happen here.
The shopping is exceptional with about 200 outlets, from
simple shops to world-class boutiques. The Red Shed and the Waterfront Craft
Market are informal trading areas where many local craftspeople sell their
wares.
The Two Oceans Aquarium with its more than 300 species of marine life demonstrates
the rich biodiversity in the oceans that surround the Cape. The impressive
exhibits capture visitors for hours.
The IMAX cinema with 5-storey screen specializes in spectacular nature
documentaries.
The South Africa Maritime Museum, adjacent to Dry Dock,
features a history of local shipwrecks, fascinating maritime exhibits and
interactive displays to keep visitors amused.
The Telekom Exploratorium is situated opposite the V&A
Hotel. The place to make anyone's hair stand on end - literally. The static
electricity gadget is for real and the lightning machine creates a storm
with sound effects. Telephones old and new, sound and weight-mass experiments
- all interactive - offer an hour's entertainment.
Take a walk and enjoy the sights - seals in the harbour,
luxury yachts and street theatre. The Waterfront is also a site for exhibitions,
performances and a favourite venue for fireworks displays.
It is also the starting
point for most of boat or yacht excursions, in particular to Robben
Island. The Robben Island Tours leaves from the Clock
Tower precinct at the V&A Waterfront. A newly built ferry terminal, called
Neson Mandela
Gateway to Roben Island is the departure point. The Gateway hosts educational
exhibitions about history of Robben Island and the political struggle that
led to South Africa's first democratic election in 1994. Allow yourself at
least 30 minutes to view the material on display.
