Tourists and wealthier Capetonians are known to flock to Cape Town's Waterfront predictably and regularly. With restaurants serving international cuisine, shopping galore and bars overlooking the still working dock, it's no surprise that the clean, ordered space attracts such hordes of visitors. But while the V&A Waterfront is definitely worth a visit, tourists should not misconceive the area as being a reflection of real life in Cape Town or indeed the rest of South Africa.
Eating and Drinking at the V&A Waterfront
A visit to Cape Town's Waterfront is not complete without sampling the cuisine at one of the many restaurants at the harbor-side. In fact, it's one of the best ways to watch tourists and locals alike enjoy their leisure time and soak up the atmosphere. People-watching is what the Waterfront is all about. In terms of cuisine, there is something to suit every taste and eateries range from casual cafés to super-smart restaurants. One thing they all have in common are reasonable prices, by Western standards anyway.
Paulaner Bräuhaus, the German restaurant by the Clock Tower, serves up a true taste of Germany with typical dishes of bockwurst, sauerkraut and schnitzel to accompany the good and proper German beer. During Octoberfest the place is heaving and the restaurant invites authentic bands all the way from Germany to play everyday, so potential diners should book a table during October to avoid disappointment. Den Anker is a Belgian restaurant nearby and boasts a similarly accurate array of typical Belgian dishes. Ocean Basket in Victoria Wharf, a favorite South African chain serving fresh, made-to-order fish dishes, should not be ruled-out either. Some of the smarter and highly recommended restaurants include Jewel of India, the Cape Town Fish Market and Sushi Bar and 221 Waterfront, all in Victoria Wharf.
Shopping for Souvenirs – Cape Town's Classy Alternative
Apart from eating and watching the world (and boats) go by, shopping is a delight at the V&A Waterfront. If shoppers are prepared to spend a bit more than they would elsewhere in the city, then they'll find the shops throughout the V&A Waterfront a pleasure to peruse. In terms of quality, customers get what they pay for, as items from Ostrich egg lights to hand-sculpted ornaments are some of the highest quality around. The boutiques in Alfred Mall sell original artwork from South African artists and handmade crafts, as well as the obvious 'South Africa' t-shirts beholding that uncanny tourist allure. The small stands on the ground floor of Victoria Wharf mall are also worth a look, as is the 'African Trading Port', which can be found on the walk in between the two malls and next to the footbridge that bridges the water.
Visitors haven't had a real South African shopping experience without getting into the markets and having a good old barter, however. Greenmarket Square in Cape Town's center is one of the most famous and popular, where artisans and stall owners sell everything from colorful, paintings and cloths of African scenes, bracelets made from safety pins and wood carvings. The Pan African Market, inside an old Victorian building on Long Street, is full of vendors from across Africa. The quality of some of the wares is exceptional and real treasures can be found along the twisting corridors marking out the territories of different salesmen. It's also the place to go to find authentic masks from hundreds of different African tribes.
There is an undercover craft market back at the V&A Waterfront, but prices are more or less set so bartering seems out of place.
More to Cape Town
Another notable stop to be made while meandering around the Waterfront is the aquarium, which is also home to celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay's restaurant 'Maze'. For free sealife, walk down the steps behind 'Emily's bar and snack', which directly overlooks the water. Seals often hoist themselves up onto the concrete side and chill out for a while. The Waterfront also marks the start of the 'Hop on hop off' red bus tour of the city – the ticket office is next to the aquarium and they often hand-out money-off vouchers to the aquarium when visitors buy their red bus tickets. There's often a lot going on on the streets of the Waterfront, such as 'traditional' African singers and dancers performing, sending tourists into raptures and adding to the ambience of the place.
In sum, Cape Town's V&A Waterfront is a fabulous place to spend an afternoon, but should almost certainly be incorporated into a wider tour of the city in order to gain a well-rounded perspective of Capetonian life and the array of South African peoples and communities.
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