Do you live in Cape Town but feel that you don’t get to see enough of your own city? The constant schedule of work, school and home means this happens to many of us. You keep meaning to take the kids for an outing or schedule some romantic alone time for you and your partner, but it just doesn’t happen.
It’s time to remedy the situation. The V&A Waterfront is the perfect venue for a staycation: with dozens of shops and restaurants to explore, museums and markets to visit, and accommodation options for all budgets, a weekend getaway here will leave you feeling like you’ve been on a proper holiday.
What to Do: Fun for the Family
There’s no shortage of activities for the whole family at the V&A Waterfront. A favourite for older kids is the HintHunt escape rooms. (Children as young as 7 can play, but they should ideally be 13 and up to get the most out of it.) Choose from various thrilling scenarios – a prison break, a cursed treasure, a sinking ship – and answer a series of challenging riddles to make it out of the locked room before the time is up.
If your family members are more active types, you can’t go wrong with a visit to Battery Park. They can burn of energy with a game of basketball or test their skills at the specially designed skate park for free. There is also a play park for the less intrepid little ones.
And, of course, no trip to the Waterfont is complete without a visit to the Two Oceans Aquarium. Kids (and adults) will be wowed by the experience of viewing the various marine environments through huge windows and transparent tunnels. Be sure to time your visit to catch feeding time for the penguins or sharks. Tip: If you really love the aquarium, buy a membership to get unlimited visits for a year.
What do Do: Perfect for Romance
Start your staycation relaxed and ready to face the day with a visit to the spa. Enjoy a couple’s massage and some time in the steam room at K Beauty Spa or indulge in a traditional Thai massage at Na Bua. If you want to splash out on a really premium experience, book a treatment at the One&Only Spa.
Even if you don’t think you’re an art lover, the Zeitz Museum of The Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa will impress you. With an extensive collection of art from Africa and the African diaspora, covering everything from painting and photography to beadwork and textiles, there will be something to make you happy, make you sad or just make you think.
Once you’ve finished admiring the art, go to the rooftop bar on top of the adjoining Silo Hotel for lunch or a drink with a stunning view of the whole of the Waterfront, Table Bay and Table Mountain. Tip: Bookings are essential for this much-in-demand spot.
A perfect way to end the day is with a sunset cruise. You have your pick of various ships, such as Tigresse, Ameera Sailing Catamaran or Mirage. Find your spot on deck and enjoy a glass of sparkling wine as you sail out of the harbour and towards Sea Point and the beautiful Atlantic Seaboard. Tip: For the ultimate in luxury, some companies offer private charters.
Where to Stay: Accommodation in the V&A Waterfront
The Waterfront offers a world of accommodation options for every budget and preference. If you are celebrating a special anniversary, you can’t go wrong with the opulence of One&Only Cape Town, situated on its own island amid the quiet canals. If you’d like somewhere equally luxurious but with a more modern, art-filled Silo Hotel. With only 28 rooms and 1 penthouse, it's an award-winning boutique hotel.
For mid-priced accommodation that definitely doesn’t feel mediocre, reserve a room at the Radisson RED Hotel in the Silo District, which boasts its own rooftop restaurant with great views of the Waterfront. Another good option is the Protea Hotel by Marriott, located conveniently close to the gourmet offerings of the Oranjezicht City Farm Market.
The City Lodge is always a reliable choice. It’s conveniently located at the entrance to the V&A. This means your destination is only a minute’s drive from the freeway, but still within walking distance of the rest of the Waterfront.
Tip: For the ultimate in staycation convenience, make sure that your accommodation has parking (this shouldn’t be a problem at any of the big hotels). That way you can park, unpack and not have to get back in your car until it’s time to leave.
A Whole World on the Water’s Edge
The V&A Waterfront really does have all it takes for the ultimate staycation in the Western Cape without even leaving Cape Town. No matter your family size, budget or interests, it has activities and accommodation to offer you. Despite the hustle and bustle, it’s still within a quick drive of the beautiful Atlantic Ocean beaches and the nature and hiking trails of Table Mountain.
One last tip: What would a good weekend break be without good food? There are too many dining options to mention, but we’ve listed them all for you, so you can check the menus and plan ahead.
