Cape Town, South Africa
The 15 best spots in Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront neighbourhood
Where to stay, eat, shop and play in Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront
Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront is an experience that’s not to be missed. This area offers a mix of history, ocean views, world-class food, local culture and some of the most unique luxury stays in the mother city – all set against the backdrop of Table Mountain. We’ve rounded up the best spots that make the V&A Waterfront one of Cape Town’s most exciting places to explore. Here’s your ultimate guide to the best places to stay, dine, shop and experience the best of the V&A Waterfront.
Table of Contents
Stay
One & Only
One & Only has long been synonymous with luxury and this waterfront gem shines with its luxurious offerings and stunning setting. This five-star sanctuary boasts oversized rooms – some of the most spacious in the city – all with private balconies overlooking Table Mountain or the marina. The hotel is home to Africa’s only Nobu restaurant, where you can enjoy their signature black cod miso or delicate sushi creations. For a more relaxed vibe, Isola serves poolside tapas and fresh seafood. Speaking of the pool, One & Only’s infinity-edge pool is one of the largest in Cape Town – ideal for cooling off after a day of exploring. If relaxation is the goal, the spa, set on its own private island within the resort, is where you need to be!
The One & Only
Dock Rd
Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
Cape Town
South Africa
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Photography courtesy of The One & Only
The Silo Hotel
Designed by Heatherwick Studio, The Silo Hotel sits atop the Zeitz MOCAA at V&A Waterfront. Opened in 2017, it combines industrial heritage with modern luxury. The 28 rooms feature vaulted, pillowed glazing panels and eclectic decor with bespoke furnishings. The standout Royal Suite offers expansive views and luxurious amenities. Guests can relax at the rooftop pool and bar, dine at the Granary Café or enjoy the sophisticated atmosphere of the Willaston Bar. The hotel also features a full-service spa, fitness centre and access to Zeitz MOCAA. Its prime location provides easy access to waterfront attractions, shops and restaurants.
Read the full article on The Silo Hotel.
The Silo Hotel
Silo Square
Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
Cape Town
South Africa
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Photography courtesy of The Silo Hotel
Victoria & Alfred Hotel
The Victoria & Alfred Hotel is housed in a 1904 warehouse, retaining its original architectural features – exposed brick walls and wooden beams – but with added contemporary comforts. The lobby sets the tone with its understated luxury, with polished wooden floors, elegant chandeliers and a mix of vintage and modern furniture. The hotel’s rooms and suites continue this theme with crisp white linens, deep blue accents and carefully curated artwork that nods to Cape Town’s maritime history. Each room is designed to maximise its views: some overlook the Alfred Basin, with boats bobbing in the water, while others offer a direct line of sight to Table Mountain. The location is unbeatable – step outside and you’re moments away from the best restaurants, shopping and attractions the Waterfront has to offer.
Victoria & Alfred Hotel
Dock Rd
Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
Cape Town
South Africa
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Photography courtesy of Victoria & Alfred Hotel
Eat & drink
Coy
Chef Ryan Cole, renowned for his work at Salsify, unveiled the much-anticipated Coy at the V&A Waterfront in 2024, offering breathtaking views of the harbour and Table Mountain. Designed by KT Interiors, the space exudes sophistication with dark wood panelling, amber accents and a central high-gloss fireplace. Coy’s menu focuses on sustainable, locally sourced seafood and African ingredients, using ancient techniques and forgotten flavours. Highlights include Simon’s Town squid with smoked sunflower and amaranth and fermented amadumbi bread with kefir butter and quince. The African-inspired bar adds to the intimate vibe, making Coy a highly awaited destination for bold, ocean-inspired cuisine in a refined yet relaxed setting.
Coy
Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
Cape Town
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Coy
Harbour House
Harbour House is a V&A Waterfront institution known for its unbeatable combination of fresh seafood, prime location and airy, nautical-inspired interiors. The open-plan dining area features large glass windows, providing panoramic views of the marina and the iconic Table Mountain in the distance, but we think the best spot to dine is on the sunny terrace that overlooks the water – a unique vantage point thanks to the upper-level location. Some signature dishes to try here include a variety of seafood delicacies such as oysters and seafood risotto, but we also feel like their sushi deserves more hype – it’s as innovative as it is delicious!
Harbour House
Dock Rd
Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
Cape Town
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Harbour House
Heirloom Restaurant
Heirloom Restaurant at the Cape Grace Hotel offers a refined fine-dining experience that combines minimalist elegance with indulgent flavours, all set against the stunning backdrop of Cape Town’s marina. The restaurant’s airy, plush interior is thoughtfully designed, allowing diners to enjoy sweeping views of bobbing yachts and the iconic Table Mountain. Chef Gregory Czarnecki’s daringly minimalist approach to his four- and seven-course tasting menus strips away the theatrics, focusing instead on the pure essence of each dish. Expect surprising touches, like confit tomato adding a bright acidity to the luxurious rock lobster Dugléré or the earthy richness of morel and port jus elevating the poached chicken.
Heirloom Restaurant
Cape Grace Hotel
Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
Cape Town
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Heirloom Restaurant
Marble
With its reputation cemented in Johannesburg, Marble has now also made its mark at Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront. Located in the historic Union Castle House, the restaurant brings Chef David Higgs’ signature live-fire cooking to the Mother City. Dishes like snoek pâté with magwenya and line fish with burnt leeks celebrate Cape-inspired flavours, while the Grillworks adds a smoky depth to favourites like Chalmar ribeye and roasted pumpkin with burnt honey dressing. Designed by Irene Kyriacou, the space features floor-to-ceiling glass facades, bespoke local art and 360° views of Table Mountain and the Atlantic. Paired with innovative cocktails and a curated wine list, Marble Cape Town redefines dining by the fire.
Marble
1 Dock Rd
Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
Cape Town
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Marble
The Waterside
For a dining experience that’s as much about the view as the food, The Waterside is hard to beat. The interior features a neutral colour palette with soft blues and greys, evoking the ocean just outside. Large floor-to-ceiling windows flood the dining area with natural light, offering uninterrupted views of the bustling harbour and Table Mountain in the distance. Chef Roxy Mudie focuses on an East meets East fusion of flavours. Offering unique dishes like the Asian pork belly paired with scallops, corn, peanuts and Szechuan spices, as well as crayfish dumplings accompanied by pickled kohlrabi and dashi broth.
The Waterside
Pierhead Building
Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
Cape Town
South Africa
Photography courtesy of The Waterside
Shop
Africa Nova
Africa Nova is a boutique that celebrates contemporary African design, offering a curated collection of home décor, art pieces, textiles and jewellery that showcase the diverse cultural heritage of the continent. The store’s interior is as much a part of the experience as the items it sells, creating a space that’s both inspiring and uplifting, much like the continent it represents. Unlike mass-produced souvenirs, everything here is made with care and authenticity. Here, you’ll find handwoven Zulu baskets, striking ceramic sculptures, intricate beaded jewellery and clothing items with bold patterns – all handmade by local African artisans.
Africa Nova
The Watershed
17 Dock Rd
Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
Cape Town
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Africa Nova
Freedom of Movement
If you appreciate slow fashion and well-made, locally produced goods, Freedom of Movement is a must-visit. The store’s interior features a minimalist design with earthy tones, creating an open, airy space where the beautifully crafted items take centre stage. Their products are made using full-grain leather, sourced and crafted in South Africa. The result? Bags and accessories that not only look good but age beautifully developing a rich patina over time. Their footwear collection is equally impressive – classic leather sneakers, stylish boots and easy-wearing slip-ons that work just as well in the city as they do on safari.
Freedom of Movement
Breakwater Blvd
Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
Sea Point
Cape Town
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Freedom of Movement
Melvill & Moon
Melvill & Moon is a storied brand that captures the spirit of adventure with its range of safari-inspired luggage and accessories. Everything here is designed to last – hand-stitched leather trims, brass hardware and heavy-duty canvas ensure that each piece is built for adventure. Their travel bags and duffels are especially popular – designed for explorers, photographers and anyone with a taste for old-school elegance. Even if you’re not heading into the wild anytime soon, their beautifully crafted pieces make for stylish travel companions anywhere in the world. Beyond bags and clothing, Melvill & Moon also offers a range of safari-inspired home decor – we love the vintage-style trunks!
Melvill & Moon
The Watershed
17 Dock Rd
Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
Cape Town
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Melvill & Moon
See & do
Cape Town Helicopter Tour
Few experiences compare to seeing Cape Town from above and a helicopter tour offers the ultimate perspective on this spectacular city. Departing from the V&A Waterfront, flights range from quick hops over the city bowl to longer scenic routes along the Atlantic coast and beyond. The classic Two Oceans flight takes you over Table Mountain, past the Twelve Apostles and along the Cape Peninsula, where you can see where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. If you’re up for something longer, some tours even take you all the way to Cape Point or the Cape Winelands. It’s an adrenaline rush without being too intense – smooth, scenic and unforgettable. If you’re going to splurge on one bucket-list activity, this is it.
Absolute Adventures
Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
Cape Town
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Absolute Adventues
Robben Island
A trip to Robben Island is a sobering but essential Cape Town experience. Departing from the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V&A Waterfront, the ferry ride to this historic site offers scenic views of Table Mountain before arriving at one of South Africa’s most significant landmarks. Robben Island was the site of Nelson Mandela’s 18-year imprisonment and today, former political prisoners lead the tours, offering deeply personal insights into life on the island. You’ll visit the tiny cell where Mandela was held, explore the limestone quarry where prisoners laboured and hear firsthand accounts of the island’s history of resistance and resilience.
Robben Island
Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
Cape Town
South Africa
The Cape Wheel
For one of the best views in the city, hop on The Cape Wheel. This 40-meter-high observation wheel offers a bird’s-eye perspective of the V&A Waterfront, Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean beyond. Each of the enclosed, air-conditioned gondolas provides a smooth, comfortable ride, making it an easy and accessible way to soak in Cape Town’s incredible scenery. The wheel takes you around four times per ride, giving you plenty of opportunities to snap photos and take in the sights. It’s a fun activity for all ages and with its central location, it’s an easy addition to any V&A Waterfront itinerary. If you time it right, catching a ride as the sun sets over the ocean is pure magic.
The Cape Wheel
Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
Cape Town
South Africa
Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa
Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA) is an architectural masterpiece that is a must-visit if you appreciate contemporary art. Housed in a transformed grain silo, this nine-story museum is the largest of its kind in Africa, dedicated to contemporary African art. The building itself, designed by Thomas Heatherwick, is a work of art with its striking cathedral-like atrium. Inside, the museum houses an ever-changing collection of cutting-edge artworks by leading African artists. Even if you’re not an art enthusiast, the architecture alone is worth the visit. And for a perfect end to your visit? Head to the rooftop for sweeping views of Cape Town’s skyline.
Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa
S Arm Rd
Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
Cape Town
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa
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