What's here
The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront is a working harbour turned mixed-use district: hotels, shopping at Victoria Wharf, galleries, the Two Oceans Aquarium, and departure point for Robben Island ferries. It is also one of the easiest places in the city to walk around in the evening.
The Silo District and Zeitz MOCAA
The Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa occupies a converted grain silo in the Silo District and is the reason many design-minded travellers come here. Pair a morning at the museum with lunch nearby and an afternoon in the Silo District galleries.
Robben Island
Robben Island ferries depart from the Nelson Mandela Gateway, see Robben Island.
Dining
The Waterfront is home to Pier and The Waterside Restaurant, both starred at the 2026 Eat Out Woolworths Restaurant Awards. Our waterfront dining guide covers these and more relaxed harbour-view options.
Staying here
Waterfront hotels suit first-time visitors who value walkability and security. See where to stay for how it compares with the Atlantic Seaboard and Constantia.
Frequently asked questions
Is the V&A Waterfront safe in the evening?
It is one of the city's most walkable and well-managed districts, with private security; normal city awareness still applies.
How long should I spend at Zeitz MOCAA?
Allow two to three hours for the museum, longer if you are combining it with the rooftop and Silo District galleries.