A long-established and proud staple of the city of Cape Town, the V&A Waterfront not only boasts incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean and Table Mountain but also offers visitors an abundance of attractions and activities to enjoy when you take a journey through the V&A Waterfront.
Take a Journey Through the V&A Waterfront. South Africa
Whether you are a native Cape Townian looking for some local fun, or a first-time visitor, here are some exciting activities the V&A Waterfront has for you.
Indulge in the finest local foods at Makers Landing – Take a Journey Through the V&A Waterfront
Makers Landing is still the new kid on the block of the V&A food community. It is a space for experimentation, a place where everyone is welcome to share, learn and connect positively through food. For Makers Landing, the concept of community and a neighbourhood is an important one. Their door is open to any person who is keen to celebrate not just food, but proudly South African food.
The Makers are local talents and SMEs who understand and support the farm-to-table style of food production. They champion the very best of South Africa’s diverse foods and flavours with everything from aromatic curries, to locally produced cheese, freshly ground coffee and so much more.
The Makers Landing kitchen studio is a space specifically designated for food-related events, demos and experiences. Keep your eyes peeled for some masterclasses being held during the upcoming months.
In between events and scheduled programmes, this destination is open Thursday to Sunday for visitors to shop, browse, eat and learn more about the makers, their food and their journey within the food industry.
Find Makers Landing in the Silo District of the V&A Waterfront.
The Cape Wheel
It’s highly recommended that you take a ride on the Cape Wheel and experience the Mother City from up high.
This giant observation wheel located in the V&A Waterfront Market Square offers a breathtaking 360-degree, panoramic perspective of Cape Town. Enjoy views that stretch across from Table Mountain to Robben Island, Paarl Mountains and DHL Stadium.
To make sure this wonderful experience is available to everyone, the wheel also offers two wheelchair-friendly and accessible cabins. Also don’t forget to grab a photobook to commemorate your special moment. The photobook, which is available for purchase after your ride, includes a lovely snap of you and company at the beginning of your journey on the Wheel. You can also visit your magic memories online to share with all your family and friends.
Bonus: enjoy a free ride on the Cape Wheel for your birthday by simply signing up to the Birthday Club.
The Cape Wheel is open Monday to Sunday, from 9am to 7pm.
Take a trip through history at the Robben Island Gateway
Encounter the rich history of our country at the Nelson Mandela Gateway to Robben Island.
This triple storey glass museum located at the clock tower precinct links the V&A Waterfront to the Robben Island Museum. Here visitors can find the ferry terminal that will transport them to the World Heritage Site. There are also a number of exhibition areas that can be found here as well as an auditorium and a museum shop.
Daily tours depart from the Gateway and take an estimated 30 minutes to reach the harbour at the island. From there, a bus ride takes you on a journey through the island where you can take the time to see several historically significant places like the kramat, the leper graveyard and the lime quarry where prisoners were forced to work long and torturous hours.
You also get to see the diverse ecosystems that exist on the Island. A nature conservation area that is home to a variety of birdlife, natural vegetation, marine, wildlife and geology.
Your last stop on the bus ride is the former maximum security prison where political prisoners like Nelson Mandela, Walter Sisulu, Robert Sobukwe and so many more were held for their fight against Apartheid. Your tour experience will be amplified by the stories told by a former inmate who will be your guide throughout your time on the island.
Nelson Mandela Gateway is open from 9am to 9pm.
Take a Journey Through the V&A Waterfront
With so much to experience at the V&A Waterfront every single day of the week, make it your mission to pop by as often as you can to make the absolute best memories!
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ONE DESTINATION, SIX UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES
There is no one way to explore all of the Cape Town Big 6, and much of what makes each of them so special is the variety of things to see and do at each. So if possible, take your time to explore each of the city’s most visited tourist attractions in as much depth as possible – as any local will tell you, you can spend a lifetime at each of the Big 6 and still not tire of them. Find the 3 and 4 day itineraries and tips here.