Situated between Robben Island and Table Mountain in the heart of Cape Town's working harbour, the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront has become South Africa's most visited destination. Set against a backdrop of magnificent sea and mountain views, exciting shopping and entertainment venues are intermingled with imaginative office locations, world-class hotels and luxury apartments in the residential marina. We invite you to discover the experience... live, work, shop and play at the V&A Waterfront.

Brief History
Since its origins in 1860, the Port of Cape Town has been the scene of excavations, reclamations, harbour construction programmes and land based developments. By the time Prince Alfred tipped the first load of stone into the sea to initiate construction of Cape Town's harbour, the trade routes to the East had transformed the city into a hive of seafront activity. The discovery of gold and diamonds in South Africa meant that the first section of harbour, the Alfred Basin, had to be added to and the Victoria Basin was built.

Over the past 140 years, the harbour has undergone numerous changes, which continue even today with the redevelopment of land and buildings surrounding the original Victoria & Alfred Basins. The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront project is the culmination of nearly three decades of planning and development proposals.

Robben Island Embarkation Building
At the end of Quay 5 on Jetty 1 is the embarkation building for prisoners sent to Robben Island. Although the purpose and use of the island changed a number of times over the last century or so, it more recently gained international notoriety as a prison for contemporary political figures including South Africa's first democratically elected President, Nelson Mandela. Daily ferry trips to Robben Island depart from the jetty near the Robben Island Exhibition and Information Centre in the Clock Tower Precinct and from the Robben Island Embarkation Building on Jetty 1. Guided tours and bus tours on the island include a visit to the prison with viewing of the limestone quarry, Garrison Church (1841), lighthouse (1863), Leper's Church 1895), guesthouse (1895) and a Kramat, or Muslim shrine. Seabirds, African (jackass) penguins, ostriches and bontebok are some of the wildlife on the island.

With more than 400 shops, 80 eateries and extended shopping hours, the V&A Waterfront is undoubtedly the best place to do your shopping. In case you're dazzled by the huge choice, we've compiled the following shopping guides to give you some inspirational ideas. It's sumptuous blend of Victorian architecture, maritime tradition, and African culture ensures a shopping environment that is lively and cosmopolitan. You can browse among international and local designer boutiques, jewellery showrooms, art galleries, craft and lifestyle stores. Choose your home essentials from a range of established South African stores, or seek out the perfect curio or gift. while keeping your strength up with a visit to any one of a superb range of coffee shops, take-aways, and restaurants. All stores at the V&A Waterfront are open till 9pm seven days a week for your convenience and shopping pleasure, and there's over 5200 open-air and under-ground parking bays, patrolled and monitored 24 hours a day for greater peace of mind.

Eating Out
Here for a business lunch? Or a romantic dinner? Whatever reason has bought you to eat at the V&A Waterfront, you're sure to enjoy the widest selection of culinary delights from across the globe and the very best in local cuisine. Whatever your mood, style or budget the V&A Waterfront restaurant selection is able to cater to your specific tastes. To make any occasion special all you have to do is sit back and relax. We'll do the rest. Paulaner Bräuhaus Located in the Clock Tower precinct of the V & A offers one of the liveliest venues in Cape Town. Brewed on site, Paulaner beer is one of the best beers served in Cape Town. A choice of hearty Bavarian specialties complements the delicious beer, and can be enjoyed while absorbing the breathtaking view of the working harbour.

The wide variety of leisure activities and attractions on offer at the V&A Waterfront has made this unique destination a popular choice with both local and foreign visitors alike. One of the best ways to enjoy the spectacular scenery in and around Cape Town’s Table Bay is to take any one of the many boat or helicopter trips that depart from the Waterfront daily. Several experienced charter companies cater to every style, taste and budget, ensuring an enjoyable experience for all.