​Waterfront, Western Cape

​Waterfront at a glance

The Victoria and Alfred Waterfront

Located on the shores of Table Bay between Cape Town’s iconic Table Mountain and Robben Island, the Victoria & Alfred (V&A) Waterfront offers world-class facilities for residential, commercial, retail and leisure activities whilst retaining the unique character of a working harbour. 

Its premier location allows easy access to the central business district and two arterial freeway routes, which link to most parts of the Cape metropolitan area and it is within twenty minutes of Cape Town International Airport.   

The mixed-use development of commercial, residential and recreational facilities has reimagined shopping, gastronomy, hospitality and the maritime traditions of the historic harbour basins. Commercially this area is one of South Africa’s biggest real estate success stories and receives around 22 million locals and tourists annually.

History of the V&A

The V&A Waterfront is named after HRH Queen Victoria and her son HRH Prince Alfred, who symbolically started construction on the first harbour basin in 1860, while on duty with the Royal Navy. The current harbour design was completed in 1945 while the development of the waterfront complex began in 1989 and succeeded in connecting the City of Cape Town with its historic waterfront heritage. 

Attractions

• Two Oceans Aquarium
  The Two Oceans Aquarium provides a fascinating look at the living oceans that surround Cape Town and provides visitors with up close and personal encounters with the variety of sea creatures that inhabit the waters. Grab a membership for frequent visits and be sure to take in the shark exhibit.
   
• University of Cape Town Graduate School of Business
  UCT’s Graduate School of Business has forged the careers of many local and international business people. Located a stone’s throw from the heart of the waterfront, the campus is housed in what was once a prison. The School’s programmes include the Masters in Business Administration (MBA), the Executive MBA, the Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration (PDBA) and the Associate in Management (AIM) amongst other curricula.
   
• Nelson Mandela Gateway to Robben Island
  The island infamous for housing apartheid political prisoners and former president Nelson Mandela lies a mere 30 minutes via ferry from Nelson Mandela Gateway at the waterfront and is a popular tourist attraction. Robben Island is now a living museum and a UNESCO World Heritage site with tours often guided by previous inmates.
   
• Chavonnes Battery
  Built between 1714 and 1725 by the Dutch East India Company under Jan van Riebeeck, the Chavonnes Battery was one of a series of coastal forts linked to the Castle of Good Hope and used to defend the Cape Peninsula from naval attack. This historical fort is named after the man who developed it, Maurits Pasques de Chavonnes, who was also the governor of the Cape Colony at the time it was built.

• Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa
  The Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa is the latest development to enrich the cultural and architectural aesthetic of the area and was repurposed from forty-two grain silos on the harbours edge. This masterpiece of ingenuity and industrial design now houses a world class collection of contemporary art from Africa and its Diaspora and aspires to be the first major museum dedicated to contemporary African art on the African Continent.
   
• Boat Trips
  Daily leisure boat tours take revellers out into Table Bay to witness the beauty of the Cape from the sea and often include the legendary sunset cruise around Green Point to Clifton. Expect to see a new side of Cape Town and an abundance of sea life frolicking in the waves.
   
• Helicopter Tours
  The waterfront is a hub for helicopter tours across the peninsula and to as far afield as Hermanus, with the Cape Point tour a must-do adventure. Take to the air to experience the natural splendour of the Fairest Cape from an eagle’s eye vantage point.
   
• Cape Town Stadium
  Built for the 2010 Football World Cup in South Africa, Cape Town Stadium is home to Ajax Cape Town and Cape Town City football teams and hosts the South Africa Sevens rugby tournament every year. It is also a popular venue for concerts and has hosted international touring artists from U2 and Neil Diamond to Eminem and Justin Bieber.

Amenities

Shopping Centres

The waterfront boasts over 450 retail outlets in the following shopping centres:

Victoria Wharf

One of South Africa’s premier retail destinations, the Victoria Wharf shopping centre houses 266 boutique stores, major supermarket outlets, restaurants, curio markets, craft workshops and more under one roof. Since it is a one-stop shopping experience, this mall is favoured by locals and tourists alike and is serviced by several parking areas.

Alfred Mall

Visit the Alfred Mall, located on the old Pierhead, for an eclectic mix of high-end African and maritime themes, which can be found in its 21 boutique shops, including jewellers, designer garments, gallery arts and local crafts.

Clock Tower

The historical Clock Tower Precinct is a fusion of cosmopolitan culture where one can find hand-made clothing, exquisite jewellery, South African artwork and of course biltong.

Watershed

The Watershed is a retail innovation where 150 of South Africa’s top crafters provide a selection of high-quality, contemporary hand-made products.

V&A Food Market

Visit the V&A Food Market to sample artisanal food, drinks and local delicacies and indulge your inner gastronomist.

Hotels

• Cape Grace
• City Lodge
• Dock House
• One&Only Cape Town
• Protea Hotel by Marriott
• Queen Victoria
• Radisson Red Hotel
• Table Bay Hotel
• Commodore Hotel
• The Portswood Hotel
• The Silo Hotel
• Victoria & Alfred Hotel

Tertiary Education

• University of Cape Town Graduate Business School
• CPUT Granger Bay Campus

Hospitals

• Somerset Hospital
• Netcare Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital

The V&A Waterfront has developed from a modest fishing harbour to one of seaside luxury, defined by beautiful apartments, premium hotels and retail facilities that allow residents to thrive. For those considering commercial or residential property, Davies Group is your guide to the area and will help you uncover your dream property.