Waterfront at a glance
The Waterfront is the jewel of Cape Town and a globally recognised premier tourist destination in South Africa, offering residents and visitors unparalleled natural beauty, superb shopping opportunities and a wealth of attractions. Favoured by those who value the high-life, V&A Waterfront property consists mainly of high-end apartments and penthouses with access to the marina and private docks for yachts and jet boats.
A brief history of the area
The V&A Waterfront is a central part of the very beginning of the settlement of the city of Cape Town. In 1654, Jan van Riebeeck built a small jetty as part of his task to establish a refreshment station at the Cape. However, in June 1858 serious winter storms, which were a common occurrence, wrecked over 30 vessels. As a consequence, Lloyds of London refused to cover ships spending the winter in Table Bay. Subsequently, in1860 Midshipman HRH Prince Alfred, Queen Victoria's second son, tipped the first load of stone to start construction of the breakwater for Cape Town's first harbour to make it a safe haven all year round for passing ships. Now, the V&A Waterfront, which attracts roughly 24 million visitors each year, is South Africa's most-visited destination. This is hardly surprising when you think about how much it has to offer!
Climate
The Waterfront has great balmy weather in summer, making strolls and cocktails outside one of the gorgeous restaurants a must. In winter, it's colder and rainier like most of Cape Town, with some impressive views of the seas.
Schools in the area
While the Waterfront attracts the elite not typically concerned with schooling, it is not far away from the schools on the Atlantic Seaboard including Reddam and Sea Point.
Healthcare in the area
The closest hospital is the Netcare in the foreshore. The V&A Waterfront itself is home to other doctors, dentists, and aesthetic practitioners.
Shopping centres
The V&A Waterfront is divided up into five shopping districts: Victoria Wharf, the Watershed, The Alfred Mall and Pierhead, The Clock Tower, and Breakwater Point. With more than 450 stores, you'll find everything from local designers to big international brands. For crafts and local talent, make sure you pop into the Watershed, and, if it's art or jewellery you're after, head over to The Alfred Mall and Pierhead.
Distance from key points (Airports/CBD)
The V&A Waterfront is just 20 minutes from the Cape Town airport and around 2-5 minutes driving from the CBD depending on the traffic.
Restaurants
Everyone is spoilt for choice at the V&A Waterfront, making it hard to narrow down some top spots. If we had to choose, Willoughby & Co is a classic for sushi and seafood, The Grand is where the party starts, Tashas cafe is ideal for breakfasts and lunches, Den Anker for beer and German food, with every kind of fast food and other affordable options scattered between.
Special attractions
There are a wide variety of attractions and activities to enjoy at the Waterfront. From cultural landmarks such as the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA) to more leisurely pursuits such as a sunset cruise on one of the chartered boats berthed here, there is something to suit all ages and tastes. Don't miss the Two Oceans Aquarium, Big Wheel, a helicopter ride, and trip to Robben Island.
Make the V&A Waterfront your home. Let it be your story.
As your Waterfront property experts, we want you to get the most of the area. We specialise in luxury sectional title properties in the Waterfront, though we can source both modest single-bedroom flats and extravagant 4 bedroom residences. V&A is booming and you'll find living in such a sought-after part of Cape Town an absolute pleasure.