The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront – where the world meets at the water’s edge

Situated in the heart of Cape Town's working harbour against the dramatic backdrop of Table Mountain, the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront is widely acknowledged as Cape Town's premier shopping and tourist destination and a well known entertainment hotspot. Here, an innovative fusion of history and modern convenience has resulted in a multi-purpose, dockside environment unlike any other in the world attracting 21 million visits annually.

SHOPPING

With over 400 stores the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront provides the opportunity for serious shopping with a wide and diverse range that will suit any budget. Its spectacular blend of Victorian architecture, maritime tradition, and African culture ensures a shopping environment that is lively and cosmopolitan.

The stylish Victoria Wharf Shopping Centre forms the bulk of the retail space at the Waterfront and boasts over 240 unique retail outlets that offer a vibrant mix of luxury items, designer brands, and craft emporia. For those looking for a more traditional selection of art, antiques and jewellery stores, the Alfred Mall, situated within the historic Pierhead, offers a further selection of stores for the discerning shopper.

Across the Pierhead’s swingbridge, one can find the latest addition to the Waterfront’s retail offering – The Clock Tower Centre. It brings South African crafts, arts, designs and foods together under one roof, along with facilities appealing to tourists and locals alike. In addition to housing numerous sites of historical interest, including the new Nelson Mandela Gateway to Robben Island and the old Chavonnes Battery, the Clock Tower also offers spectacular views of the working harbour and Table Mountain.

The Waterfront also takes local crafts seriously and has two craft markets that provide the curious shopper with a traditional view of South African products. The Red Shed Craft Workshop, adjoining the Victoria Wharf Centre, is filled with an eclectic mix of handmade merchandise and art while providing an opportunity to see crafters at work. Adjacent to the Two Oceans Aquarium, The Waterfront Craft Market is one of the largest and most vibrant indoor craft markets in Cape Town that is open seven days a week. It represents the Waterfront's culture of entrepreneurship and small business development and features a diverse assortment of innovative designs and traditional handcrafts, antiquities and holistic lifestyle accessories.

From fashion and accessories, to jewellery, homeware, curios and gifts, novelties, books and stationery, audiovisual and electronic equipment, food, wine and flowers, there is sure to be something to suit every shopping taste at the V&A Waterfront. All stores are open until 9pm seven days a week for convenience, and there are over 6000 open-air and under-ground parking bays, patrolled and monitored 24 hours a day for greater peace of mind.

RESTAURANTS

When it comes to restaurants, one would be hard-pressed to find such a wide selection in one venue, anywhere in South Africa. Some 68 restaurants, taverns and eateries are complimented by seven of Cape Town’s finest hotels, each with its own unique style. From ice-creams and take-aways to eat while watching the crowds, to elegant dining in five star restaurants and a vast range of international cuisine, the Waterfront has something for every taste. A restaurant guide ‘Savour’, detailing each and every culinary establishment, is produced regularly by the V&A Waterfront Company, and can be viewed at www.waterfront.co.za

ENTERTAINMENT

There is no need for visitors to the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront to search for entertainment – it will surround them as soon as they enter the Waterfront complex. From street buskers demonstrating the art of mime or musicians performing anything from Southern Jazz to traditional South African folk songs, entertainment keeps the Waterfront alive. A full programme of entertainment is also planned every year for the Amphitheatre, where visitors can enjoy free concerts, music and dance performances.

On weekends and during holidays, the Waterfront also has an extensive programme of events and activities to capture the imagination of visitors of all ages. The Waterfront’s year-round calendar is packed full of exciting and fun-filled happenings like the international yacht races – the BT Global Challenge and the Volvo Ocean Race – which attract sailing enthusiasts from around the world. Other annual events include the V&A Waterfront Wine Festival, the Spring Flower Festival, V&A on a Plate as well as the country’s largest Jazzathon.

Being built around a working harbour, the fishing industry and the ocean still takes centre stage, providing visitors with the chance to see the catch of the day being off-loaded, while seals, dolphins and seabirds add to the unique maritime experience. Families will enjoy the world-class Two Oceans Aquarium and Iziko Maritime Museum, as well as the Scratch Patch.

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. Or take the historic “Penny Ferry” across the harbour and relive a tradition from bygone days. For the adventurous, the Ocean Sailing Academy will teach would-be sailors the art of sailing.

For more information on shops, restaurants, events or anything you need to know about the V&A Waterfront, contact Waterfront Information at Tel: (021) 408 7600, Fax: (021) 408 7605 or email info@waterfront.co.za. Or visit www.waterfront.co.za