Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, also known as the V&A Waterfront, is where locals and tourists alike come to enjoy Cape Town at its finest, and you can easily spend a day or more taking in its many attractions. Sit back with a cold drink at a waterside restaurant, enjoy the cool breeze coming in from the ocean and let your eyes drift towards the unmistakable shape of Table Mountain in the distance. Take a stroll along the waterfront and stop in at one of the many unique craft stores, or spend an afternoon trying on some designer clothing.

The waterfront development was the project of Queen Victoria’s second son, Prince Alfred, and began in 1860. Situated between two of Cape Town’s most iconic landmarks, Robben Island and Table Mountain, it has evolved into the city’s most attractive and vibrant retail destination.

It’s almost inevitable your visit to Cape Town will bring you to the V&A Waterfront at least once, as many of the city’s major tourist attractions are based in this area. Take one of the four daily boats to Robben Island, where the evocative museum reveals the price South Africans have paid for democracy. If you’re traveling with children, visit the Two Oceans Aquarium. The kids will love seeing more than 80 species of animals, including ragged-tooth sharks and the ever popular penguins.

Learn about the area’s past on the walking history tour that departs daily from the Chavonnes Battery Museum. The tours last up to an hour and and take in features from the last two centuries on the waterfront. Book and pay for your tour at the V&A Waterfront Information Centre. If you’d prefer to do a self-guided tour, download a map and brochure from the V&A Waterfront website.

The V&A Waterfront is open daily, with some stores closed on Sundays and public holidays.

The MyCiti bus has a loop service that will take you from Cape Town city center to the V&A Waterfront. There are also several user-pay car parks in the waterfront area.