The Victoria and Alfred Waterfront is one of Cape Town’s biggest attractions. It is a functioning commercial harbour with a backdrop of mountains, and set in the midst of it all is a huge entertainment venue. There are pubs, restaurants, specialty shops, two shopping centers, two craft markets and movie theaters. There are probably enough restaurants here to keep you eating at a different one for each day of the year. The menus are very creative and the food is excellent. The atmosphere is great, there is something for everyone here and for every budget.
This is a great area to come hang out day or night. In the daytime you can stroll along and enjoy the little shops selling curios and take in lunch while watching the activity on the harbour. In the evening it has a hopping nightlife with plenty of jazz clubs and brew pubs.
You’ll never run out of things to do, check out the Two Oceans Aquarium or the Maritime Museum. Harbour tours by boat and helicopter are available and this is where the high speed catamaran departs for Robben Island. There always seems to be some kind of daily entertainment such as traditional drumming, singing or dance performances.
An icon of the waterfront is the Victorian gothic-style clock tower. It was the original Port Captain’s office built in 1882. The construction of the harbour began in 1860. The first basin was named Prince Alfred and the second one after his mother Queen Victoria.
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