Cape Town Waterfront Uncovered
Find the famous and not so famous bits!
Your Cape Town Waterfront experience needn't revolve around shops, though the chances are you will need a meal break if you're just on a day visit!
If you've opted to stay at a Cape Town waterfront hotel or apartment, you'll be able make the most of your excellent location to dig a little below the surface of the harbour precinct.
It's small enough to really explore on foot - divide it into chunks over a few sunset outings, or just focus on finding your favourite spots acquainted within a single section.
Becoming a pedestrian tourist has lots of advantages!
Cheaper By The Dozen!
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Walk make your way along the edge of Victoria Basin (in front of the main shopping area). See if any cruise liners are tied up near the Table Bay Hotel - you'll marvel at their size!start at the amphitheatre and head between the buildings towards Alfred Mall. I call this buskers' alley - there are usually performance artists all over the place. Turn sharp left and continue along the boardwalk in front of the Pierhead. Catch the Penny Ferry (OK, it actually costs R1 per adult!) from the point opposite the Clocktower.
- cross the swinging bridge from the Pierhead Precinct to the Clocktower. Watch out for seals and boat traffic as you go. If you're lucky you may see it swing open to let a vessel through
- come back across the bridge and continue along the water's edge to the Alfred basin. Stop at Nobel Square which has statues to honour South Africa's four Nobel Peace laureates: the late Chief Albert Luthuli, Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, and former presidents Nelson Mandela and FW de Klerk.
Watch
- boat activity from the Penny Ferry point opposite the Clocktower. It's a great vantage point to see lots of coming and going with all the attendant smoke, yelling and excitement.
- boat maintenance activity at the dry dock outside the Aquarium. There's often fascinating stuff going on with arc welders and heavy machinery. The walkway across to the Cape Grace hotel makes a great vantage point.
- seals. We've spotted them wherever there is a low platform close to the water. They love to bask in the sun. Don't disturb them though - they're wild and could hurt you!
- buskers and other performers in and around the amphitheatre at Victoria Wharf and down towards Alfred Mall. They're part and parcel of the Cape Town Waterfront experience.
Window-shop
- OK, this one has a limited time span with children! Browse the craft markets for maximum interaction and entertainment for junior shoppers.
Eat and enjoy!
- frozen yoghurt from Marcel's in the Food Court at Victoria Wharf.
English Toffee flavour on a sugar cone, mmm - my favourite! What'll you have?
- If frozen yoghurt's not your thing, try the soft-serve ice cream from Steers South Africa's home-grown, best-burger-in-the-world franchise.
- french toast with bacon and maple syrup at the Mugg & Bean. Slower and pricier than the first two options, but totally scrummy-licious for brunch.
And that's just a taster of a list - enough to give you some inspiration!
You may find the following related pages helpful:
Waterfront Overview
Cape Town Aquarium
The Scratch Patch
Shopping at the Waterfront
Boat cruises at the Waterfront
Our best Waterfront Restaurants
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