Discover the latest news updates, experiences and more at the V&A Waterfront
There are a wide variety of attractions and activities to enjoy on the property. From heritage landmarks to more leisurely pursuits. Fun for all ages.
Take your experience to new heights with the Wheel’s elevated views across Granger Bay, Robben Island, Table Mountain, Signal Hill, and the Cape Town Stadium.
A number of apartments are available for rent at the V&A Waterfront, ranging from smaller studios to 1 and 2 bedroom apartments. Living at the V&A Waterfront offers residents security, convenience, a vibrant nightlife and all the amenities you may possibly need.
Apartment living at its most convenient.
The V&A Waterfront is an iconic 123-hectare neighbourhood which welcomes millions of people from all over the continent and world. We celebrate heritage & diversity, champion art & design, support entrepreneurship & innovation & drive positive social, economic & environmental change.
We’re the first attraction in South Africa to adopt the WTTC Safe Travels stamp.
Welcome to the V&A Waterfront where history meets modernity. Located in the heart of beautiful Cape Town, our neighbourhood offers a unique variety of dinning, shopping and entrainment options. Come experience the best that Cape Town has to offer
+27 21 408 7600
info@waterfront.co.za
Makers Landing: 10AM – 9PM (Fri-Sat), 10AM – 6PM (Sun), Optional Trade (Mon-Thu)
OZCF Market: 4PM – 9pm (Wed), 8AM – 2PM (Sat), 8:30AM – 2PM (Sun)
Watershed: 10AM – 7PM (Mon-Sun)
Battery Park: 9AM – 6PM (Mon-Sun),
Victoria Wharf: 9AM – 9PM (Mon-Sun)
Alfred Mall: 10AM – 7PM (Mon-Sun)
The V&A Waterfront, now a jewel in Africa’s tourism crown, welcomes over 24 million visitors annually. Yet, not long ago, our historic harbour – South Africa’s oldest working port – stood as an uninviting industrial zone. The bustling hub once nicknamed the “Tavern of the Seas” had become estranged from Cape Town and its residents.
What led to the severing of ties between the city and its maritime heart? And how did our neighbourhood mend these connections, forging new pathways for Capetonians and visitors alike to rediscover the city’s deep-rooted relationship with the ocean?
This audio walking tour unravels these questions through unexpected landmarks – from repurposed shipping containers to unfinished highway pillars. You’ll trace the V&A Waterfront’s humble origins, starting with the opening of Ferrymans Tavern in 1989, and encounter the visionaries who’ve steered its transformation.
Join us on a journey that navigates the currents of history and culture, flowing into the present day. Whether you’re a first-time visitor to our neighbourhood or a seasoned local, this tour will unveil hidden historical traces, showcase the intricate ballet of daily operations, and offer glimpses into an exciting future. Prepare to experience the magic of the V&A Waterfront and see our waterfront world through a new lens – as a living, breathing part of Cape Town’s evolving story, waiting to be rediscovered with each step.
Tour details
What you need
How it works
1. First, download and install the VoiceMap app. Click here for Android. Click here for iStore. (Or scan the QR code to download the app)
2. Sign up using Facebook or email.
3. Select Cape Town.
4. Select and download the free tour Reinventing the Tavern of the Seas.
5. Once the tour has finished downloading, plug in your headphones and tap Start.
VoiceMap works offline and uses GPS to play audio automatically, at the right time and place. So, you can put your device away and focus on your surroundings. If you do wander off course, we’ll let you know. And you can always take a quick look at the map on your screen.
academy lead
Emily is a Youth Empowerment Expert with over 20 years’ experience in the space. Emily co-founded Amathuba Collective, offering extensive programmes to strengthen young people’s emotional and mental wellbeing.
Their passion to help youth to love themselves and grow into positive and confident humans has informed the V&A Academy approach. At the Academy she guides and oversees activities from an impact perspective to ensure we achieve measurable, lasting change in the young people and their hosting businesses.
Thabile in a seasoned HR Practitioner with a special focus on youth employment. She leads young teams and develops talent in administrative and compliance roles.
At the Academy she liaises with hosts, managers and supervisors to support the development of the young people and their ability to add significant value to their employers. She guides the administrative processes to ensure smooth and impactful implementation the Academy’s projects.
Brett leads the V&A Academy team and is responsible for strategic partnerships to create job opportunities for young people across the V&A Waterfront.
He focuses on enabling career paths for under-resourced youth in Cape Town’s tourism, retail, and hospitality sectors. Brett is passionate about supporting young people’s transition into the workplace and ensuring host businesses nurture their growth. He works to help businesses improve customer service excellence by developing young talent. Brett oversees the design and delivery of training programs, collaborating with employers, funders, and partners to create lasting, positive change across the V&A Waterfront ecosystem.
