How to shop yourself silly at the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront?
What's your Fancy?
The Victoria and Alfred Waterfront is massive, but there's no need to feel overwhelmed. Here's my rough guide to various areas.
Looking for something in particular?
Victoria Wharf is the main shopping area at the Waterfront so let's start there. And please remember, these are b-r-o-a-d brushstrokes!
- grown-up fashion - straight up the first escalator at the main entrance to Victoria Wharf - that's the one opposite the Maserati showroom! - turn left and you're in heaven.
You'll find more labels than you can count, from awesome South African designers (Sun Godd'ess, bring it on!) to the international brand names. Follow your nose till you come down to earth at the far end of the mall!
- kids' fashion - there's a special section for this and it's close to the icecream shops!
Inspired or what? Keep restless rebels licking in the hallway with Dad while you shop for your tot. Or ... whoever!
A lot of these shops are uniquely South African with a wonderful funky feel. If you want the best-dressed kids, this is the spot.
Or feasting your eyes as you search for inspiration?
- jewellery - Victoria Wharf is a great place to start shopping for high quality jewellery, especially tanzanite and diamonds.
However, if you are really seriously looking for a special piece, don't forget to visit the Alfred Mall and Clocktower too. That way you'll see all that is on offer.
And last but far from least, the Scratch Patch for rustic gemstone jewellery and art.
- gifts and curios - I can't direct you a particular spot, there are amazing shops all over the place! The Red Shed is superb for hand-crafted items direct from the artists themselves.
The Alfred Mall and the Pierhead Precinct offer particularly rich pickings, but Victoria Mall is also well-supplied.
And of course check out the booths and barrow-traders as you walk.
(This sort of shopping does involve a lot of browsing for inspiration, so fuel up and prepare to go slowly. If that is too difficult with the kids, divide and conquer! Send those non-shoppers off on a
fun-seeking mission
while you get down to business!)
- craft markets - the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront has two, the Red Shed Craft Workshop where you can actually see crafters at work (in Victoria Wharf, close to the kids' section), and the Waterfront Craft Market and Wellness centre (next to the Two Oceans Aquarium). Both of them are great, I couldn't rate one above the other.
There are loads of other shopping categories around the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. Take your time and soak up the nautical ambience as you go!
You may find the following related pages helpful:
Waterfront Overview
Cape Town Aquarium
12 Cape Town Waterfront Activities
Boat cruises at the Waterfront
Our best Waterfront Restaurants
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