V&A Waterfront Audio Tour

Cost
Free
Closest Parking
Victoria Wharf Shopping Centre Garage

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

  • Duration: The tour takes approximately 45 minutes – 1 hour.
  • Location: Start outside Cape Town Sign (V&A Hotel) and finish at the Zeitz MOCAA in the Silo District.
  • Cost: This tour is free.

What you need

  • You’ll need a smartphone or tablet, an internet connection (for download only), and a pair of earphones.
  • Free WIFI is also available at the V&A Waterfront.

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.

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