Not only is the V&A Waterfront a popular shopping mall, it is also an iconic Cape Town destination visited by millions of people from all over the country and the world.
What makes the Waterfront unique is that its more than just a shopping mall. Located within the city of Cape Town, the V&A Waterfront offers visitors a multitude of experiences, including shopping, dining, adventurous activities, entertainment, awe-inspiring attractions, breath-taking views and so much more.
With a variety of activities to choose from, here are the top Pocket-Friendly experiences you can do at the V&A Waterfront without having to spend an exorbitant amount of money.
What to see and do
Stand Up Paddling
Go on a water adventure as you paddle your way across the canal at the Battery Park section of the Waterfront.
Cost: R150 for 30 minutes
Website: https://supcapetown.co.za/
Go on a water taxi adventure!
Catch the City Sightseeing Canal Cruise which will take you on a trip from the canal at Battery Park to the Cape Town International Convention Centre. You will also learn many facts on your way from point A to point B.
Cost: R30 – R120
Website: https://www.citysightseeing.co.za/en/cape-town/citysightseeing-canal-cruise
Visit the play areas
Battery Park
Battery Park offers kids the opportunity to have fun with their play areas, including a jungle gym, swings, rocking horses and a scooter path.
Cost: Free
Website: https://www.waterfront.co.za/battery-park-waterfront/
Skate Park
Visit Battery Park’s very own skate park which offers various elements that will appease all avid skaters.
Cost: Free
Website: https://www.waterfront.co.za/battery-park-waterfront/
Multi-Courts
Make use of Battery Park’s multi-courts. Shoot some hoops in a game of basketball or play mini soccer games.
Cost: Free
Website: https://www.waterfront.co.za/battery-park-waterfront/
Rollercade
Roller skate with your friends around the indoor arena as the DJ spins some of your favourite tunes. You can also enjoy a game of pool afterwards.
Cost: R150
Website: https://rollercade.co.za/
The Aquarium
Explore all things aquatic at the Two Oceans Aquarium. This underwater nature reserve is one of Cape Town’s top tourist attractions with over 3000 living sea animals, including: sharks, fishes, turtles, penguins and more.
Cost: R100 – R210
Website: https://www.aquarium.co.za/
Zeitz MOCAA
The Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA) exhibits and researches contemporary art from Africa and is a must-visit for art aficionados.
Cost: R210 per adult; free for those under the age of 18
Website: https://zeitzmocaa.museum/
The Cape Wheel
Take in the spectacular 360 panoramic view of Cape Town as you ride into the sky on the iconic Cape Wheel.
Cost: R85 – R160
Website: http://capewheel.co.za/
Cave Golf
Enjoy an 18-hole underground golf course through a series of underground areas with rock halls, mineral displays and more.
Cost: R35
Website: https://www.scratchpatch.co.za/cave-golf/
The Scratch Patch
Saunter around piles and piles of colourful gemstones, pick your favourites, add them to your purchased bag, and take them home with you.
Cost: R30 – R140
Website: https://www.scratchpatch.co.za/scratch-patch/
The Watershed
Looking to purchase ceramics, textiles, fashion and other arts and crafts? The Watershed is the perfect spot to do just that with many sellers on hand offering customers a wide variety of options to choose from. The Watershed also hosts live entertainment, workshops and exhibitions.
Cost: Various
Website: https://www.waterfront.co.za/area/watershed/
Ride a bike around the Waterfront
Head over to Up Cycles at the Silo District, Silo 5 and rent a bicycle for a few hours as you take a tour around the Waterfront.
Cost: From R90 upwards
Website: https://upcycles.co.za/up-cycles/stations/silo-5/
Audio Walking Tour
Brush up on your V&A Waterfront history with the GPS Audio Tour. You’ll need to download the VoiceMap app. Free earphones are provided at the V&A Waterfront Information Centre. You may also have access to the free Wi-Fi by asking the staff at the information centre for the password. The tour is 1 hour. It starts at the information centre and ends at the Zeitz MOCAA.
Cost: Free
Website: https://www.waterfront.co.za/attractions/va-waterfront-audio-tour/
Super Park
Take the kiddies to the Playdate Super Park – an indoor park which offers kids a high octane and active playground complete with ziplining, high line course, a 3D maze and more.
Cost: R95 upwards
Website: https://superpark.co.za/
Go on a 30-minute harbour cruise
Bring your own snacks and binoculars as you take a 30-minute boat cruise around the harbour. You’ll spot seals and get breath-taking views of your surroundings.
Cost: R110 per adult
Website: https://waterfrontadventures.activitar.com/services/558
Nobel Square
Visit the Nobel Square which consists of larger-than-life bronze sculptures of South Africa’s four Nobel Peace Prize Laureates, including: Nelson Mandela, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Nkosi Albert Luthuli and FW de Klerk. This is the perfect photo spot for a selfie!
Cost: Free
Website: https://www.waterfront.co.za/attractions/nobel-square/
Outdoor Chess
Indulge in a game of outdoor chess where the board and pieces are gigantic ornaments for you to move around. The kiddies can get active at the kids playground nearby, while you play a game of chess. There are also marimba bands playing nearby, stilt walkers and balloon sculptors.
Cost: Chess, kids playground and marimba bands’ performances are free; other activities have various prices.
Website: https://www.waterfront.co.za/attractions/pier-head-chess-board/
Amphitheatre
The open-air amphitheatre offers guests exciting live entertainment all year round.
Cost: Free
Picnics and views
Battery Park has a grassy lawn where you can picnic and enjoy the scenery. Or you could get a snack at one of the Waterfront’s many food options and sit on one of the various benches scattered across the Waterfront which overlooks the harbour.
Cost: Free
Where to eat & drink
The Food Court
The food court offers customers all the popular take-out spots which are affordable comfort food at its best.
Cost: Various
The V&A Food Market
Enjoy a variety of street food options from Mexican, Indian, Middle Eastern to local and general favourites.
Cost: Various
Website: https://waterfrontfoodmarket.com/
Makers Landing
Celebrate a farm-to-table approach at Makers Landing where you can eat, shop and learn all about food while experiencing it at the same time. There are various food options for you to choose from.
Cost: Various
Website: https://www.makerslanding.co.za/
