The V&A Waterfront is Cape Town’s most visited destination. Situated in the heart of Cape Town’s vibrant working harbour, and just a 2-min walk away from Cape Grace, the range of activities, dining experiences, and shopping mean that there are truly a myriad of attractions for any visitor. Now, with the festive season in full swing, there is even more to enjoy at this bustling hub of history, culture, food and fun.
Outdoor Exploring
Battery Park
The newly opened Battery Park is a fantastic addition to the Waterfront scene, connecting the CBD to coast. The Urban Park offers visitors the chance to Stand Up Paddle in the canal, let off some steam in the skate park, take a load off in the gardens while picnicking on the amazing offerings from Balmoral, Shift Espresso Bar and various food trucks.
Helicopter Rides
Behold the majesty of Table Mountain and our sweeping Atlantic Seaboard coastline from the air when you take a helicopter ride around the peninsula. This exhilarating experience allows you to catch a bird’s eye view of Robben Island, the turquoise of our most stunning beaches, Twelve Apostles, Lion’s Head, the Greenpoint Stadium and other snap-worthy landmarks. Read all about our experience here.
Sunset Cruises
Sail into the sunset, while sipping on champagne. A cruise around the coast is bound to put you in a celebratory mood. Tunes, a jovial crew, dolphin-spotting, and simply being out on the water at sunset is a magical experience. The views of the waterfront and Cape Town, lit up at night are a sight to behold.
The Cape Wheel
Take in the city skyline on the first giant ferris wheel in South Africa. Sit in an enclosed cabin on the The Cape Wheel and enjoy a 15 minute ride (4 revolutions) that’ll give you a spectacular view of Table Mountain, Robben Island, Cape Town City skyline, Paarl Mountains, and the Cape Town Stadium.
Cultural and Historical Experiences
The Zeitz MOCAA
The Zeitz MOCAA is the largest art museum in Africa! Housed in the unmissable landmark that is the Old Grain Silos, the building alone is a sight to behold. If you’re an art fan, don’t miss out on experiencing the beauty of Africa’s diverse heritage in this truly unique setting.
Galileo Open air Cinema
Enjoy a glittering line-up of romantic comedies, cult classics, musicals, adventure sports and documentaries under the stars at the Galileo Open Air Cinema. The doors swing open every second Friday at the V&A Waterfront Battery Park at 6pm onto a festive market of mouth-watering artisanal food and drinks on sale, interactive games, lively music. Reserve your seat among the stars.
Museums and Tours
If you’re an avid history buff, peel back the layers of the glamourous waterfront to reveal what it once was: a working harbour and fort. The Chavonnes Battery Museum situated on the Clocktower side of the waterfront, showcases the Archaeological Ruins of a Dutch East India Company Fort, buried for 140 years. Visitors are invited to time travel to experience the early history of Cape Town through fascinating artifacts, detailed displays, exhibits, models and large graphic information boards. You could even join a guided tour of the museum with a guide from local communities or experience the official V&A Waterfront Historical Walking Tour and discover the history of this landmark destination.
2018-2019 Festive Season Highlights
Magic Of Christmas Show
Add a dash of Christmas magic to your holiday season, with a family-friendly Christmas Vignette at the V&A Waterfront Victoria Wharf Shopping Centre, every day from Friday, 14 to Monday, 17 December 2018. The free 20-minute show will start at 8.20 pm and will give visitors a wonderful, nostalgic, ‘feel good’ Christmas performance to entertain the whole family!
Meet Santa and his elves
Santa’s helpers have set up their Village at the V&A Waterfront’s Victoria Wharf and will be stationed there until Monday 24 December to meet with children and to find out what they would like from Santa this Christmas. The Village will be open all day and is free to enter. Santa will fly in from the North Pole on Thursday, 13 December, especially to meet his young fans from 10am every day, personally receive children’s letters and hear whether they believe they have been naughty or nice this year.
The Silos Concert: 4 January
Find your Latin American rhythm at the Puesta Del Sol concert in the V&A Waterfront’s Silo District on Friday, 4 January. The audience can expect an opening act of traditional Argentinian folk music followed by pure flamenco, a six-piece tango ensemble, and ending with a nine-piece hot high energy Salsa band. Professional dancers will encourage the audience to join them. The free two-hour outdoor concert begins at 7pm.
Blog post by Tarah Darge