V&A Waterfront & Green Point
Harbour lights, ferries and a city that feels always open.
The V&A Waterfront is a working harbour turned into shops, restaurants, the Zeitz MOCAA museum, the aquarium and the ferry to Robben Island. It is the safest and easiest base in Cape Town, well policed and walkable at night, and good for families. It is also a mall by the sea, with international chains and high prices; for local character you will need to go elsewhere. Green Point, next door, is quieter and residential with good cafés.
What works
- Safe and walkable at night
- Museums, ferries and family activities
- Large, comfortable hotels
What doesn’t
- Mall-like and chain-heavy
- Higher prices than the City Bowl
- Less local street life
One local move
Book the Robben Island ferry early and go on a calm day; it is often cancelled by wind. The Zeitz MOCAA is worth a full morning, and its rooftop is one of the best views in the city.
Getting around
The Waterfront is walkable in itself, and rideshares or taxis connect to the City Bowl and the beaches. The Robben Island ferry and the hop-on-hop-off buses leave from here.
Safety
The most secure part of the city, with private security and heavy foot traffic. Keep the same basic precautions with phones and bags, especially in crowds around the aquarium and the ferry terminal.
4 picks in V&A Waterfront & Green Point
One strong pick per tier. All prices are sample ranges, not live quotes.
One&Only Cape Town
A large resort-style hotel on the Waterfront with a famous spa, pools and views of the mountain; expensive, polished and family-friendly.
The Commodore
A reliable hotel at the Waterfront with harbour views and good facilities; convenient for the ferry and the aquarium.
Never@Home Green Point
A modern, well-run hostel in Green Point with dorms, private rooms and a rooftop bar; a short walk or ride from the Waterfront.
Dock House Boutique Hotel
A small boutique hotel in a restored harbour building with individually decorated rooms and mountain views; quiet and full of character.
Nightly ranges are sample estimates in USD for a standard double room. They move with season, events and how early you book.
Eat & drink nearby
Willoughby & Co.
Seafood & sushi
A long-standing seafood and sushi restaurant in the Waterfront; busy, reliable and good for a long lunch.
Time Out Market Cape Town
Food hall
A food hall of local chefs and restaurants; useful for groups and fussy eaters, with something at every price.
Den Anker
Belgian
A relaxed Belgian-style brasserie on the quay with seafood and good beer; touristy but pleasant for a waterfront lunch.