The V and A Waterfront
Visit the Waterfront with its array of craft shops, restaurants and food halls.  The view of Table Mountain is quite stunning from here. 

For more than 80 years the Waterfront was the very heart of the Tavern of the Seas from 1860 to the Second World War. Then, after the Duncan Dock was taken into service in 1945, the old Victoria and Alfred basins - the original dockland - gave shelter only to Cape Town's fishing fleet and occasional other small craft. Decline and dilapidation set in, until in 1988 it was decided to redevelop the area as a prime asset of the Mother City. The transformation has been remarkable and, today, the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront again throng with people. Now visitors can enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and browse through the craft markets, watch an open-air concert, enjoy a meal, or simply to sit on a bench admiring the spectacular view of Table Mountain and take in all the activities of a working harbour. Also at the Waterfront are the following:

 The Two Oceans Aquarium at the Waterfront - this is a fascinating and highly informative oceanarium which is easily the best in Africa (though it is not as large as US oceanariums). An enjoyable place to go if the south-Easter is blowing or if Cape Town is having a cloudy day.  The Aquarium shop offers a wide selection of aquatic souvenirs, gifts, books and videos. The Bayfront Blue Restaurant is open daily. Enjoy a meal and the panoramic view from the outdoor deck. Open 0930 to 1800 - last tickets sold at 1700. The old Electric Power Station is now ingeniously converted into a CD Warehouse. Some of the original machines, as well as the original brickwork, have been incorporated into the design. The first electricity in South Africa was generated at this station when, on 25 April 1882, power was switched on to provide lighting for the harbour area.

 In the same building are an extensive Art and Craft Market. Here you can buy anything from lampshades to belts, slippers and T-shirts, or you can simply spend time browsing among the stalls admiring the crafts. Open daily.

 SA Maritime Museum  - next to the Arts and Crafts Market. Open Daily 1000 to 1700.

The BMW Pavilion houses the IMAX cinema, with its cinemas screen showing images up to seven storeys high. Excellent for children and the not so young as well. Open daily. Shows throughout the day from 0900 to 2300 during summer and 1100 to 2100 during winter. Contact them on (021) 419 7364.

Cyberworld - a 3D simulation theatre with movement, all round sound and 3 dimensional images. Open Sunday - Thursday from 0900 to 2300 and Friday & Saturday from 0900 to 2400. Shows start every ten minutes.

Tour to Robben Island - Robben Island Museum is conducting daily tours to the most symbolically significant site in South Africa. You can also take a boat ride into the bay and around the peninsula. Go to the V & A information centre for details on sailing times. Full details below under Boat Trips.
 Lying at the quay is one of two museum ships - the SAS Somerset, a boom defence vessel that may be explored from bridge to bilges.  Entrance free.
 Victoria Wharf shopping - over 200 speciality shops. Open Monday to Saturday from 0900 to 2100, Sunday 1000 to 2100.