As winter sets in, the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town transforms into a hub of activity, offering visitors unique seasonal activities and events for all ages.
We round up some must-do activities to enjoy at this Mother City attraction during our cooler months. These include:
Indoor Kids Activities
Art Jamming
You can create your own art masterpieces at Art Jamming, whether you want to splash some paint around with artistic flair or draw one-of-a-kind artworks. This family-friendly activity allows you to let your creativity run free, with an array of art supplies to turn your vision into reality. Your little ones will also enjoy SlimeTime, where they can prepare and decorate their own slime.
Website: artjamming.co.za/
PlayDate Superpark
PlayDate Superpark is an indoor extreme activity attraction located in The Watershed. Promising thrill for all ages, this high-energy adventure has various experiences, including a zip line, a high line course, Little City with Slides, Block, and 3D Maze.
The game arena features air hockey, mini golf, target throwing, racing for kids 10 years and older, and a pitch and play for those with a competitive streak. The park offers a viewing mezzanine area for you to relax and places to eat.
Website: superpark.co.za/
Two Oceans Aquarium
Wander through the Two Oceans Aquarium where you’ll meet mischievous penguins, friendly stingrays and over 8000 animals from South Africa’s oceans. This forever favourite is fun for the entire family, visitors get to learn more about the animals while getting a sneak peek of their daily lifestyles.
Website: Visit www.aquarium.co.za/visit-us/membership
Hint Hunt
This exciting live escape game is perfect for groups of three to five people. You have 60 minutes to solve mysteries and puzzles to escape from the room. The minimum age for HintHunt is 9 years if accompanied by parents or 15 years without parental supervision. Their Amazing Race experience lets teams race around the V&A Waterfront, navigating its iconic landmarks while completing tasks and challenges.
Website: www.hinthunt.co.za
Scratch Patch
Dig for your own beautiful gems at the Scratch Patch and Mineral World. You get to immerse yourself in all the stones that quite literally cover the floor. Make sure to visit the gem exhibitions and shops afterward.
Website: www.scratchpatch.co.za
Explore Attractions Around the Precinct
The Cape Wheel
The Cape Wheel at the V&A Waterfront showcases some of the city’s most incredible views, including those of Table Mountain, Signal Hill, Granger Bay and Robben Island and majestic sunsets over the Atlantic Ocean. The new location on Breakwater Boulevard offers elevated views of Table Mountain, providing a perfect setting to relax and unwind. Locals can enjoy a free ride on the Cape Wheel on their birthday month.
Website: capewheel.co.za/
The Watershed
Looking to purchase ceramics, textiles, fashion and other arts and crafts? This shopper’s paradise is the perfect spot to do just that with many traders offering customers a wide variety of bespoke items to choose from. The Watershed is located next to the Two Oceans Aquarium and is open 7 days a week between 10am – 7pm.
Website: www.waterfront.co.za/area/watershed
Zeitz Mocaa
Be transported into another world as you step into Zeitz Mocaa, known as the largest contemporary African art museum in the world. Wander on your own or get one of the curators to give you a private tour. The attraction is open from Tuesdays to Sundays, from 10am to 6pm.
Website: zeitzmocaa.museum/
GPS Audio Tour
Delve into the story of V&A Waterfront during an hour-long free GPS Audio tour. This walking tour starts at Mitchell’s Brewery and ends at the Zeitz MOCAA in the Silo District. To access it, you will need to have a smartphone or tablet, an internet connection (for download only), and a pair of earphones. Install the VoiceMap app, select Cape Town, and choose and download the free tour titled Reinventing the Tavern of the Seas. Once the tour has finished downloading, plug in your headphones and start exploring.
Website: shorturl.at/exBD0
Where to Dine
The Fermentary by Sepial, Makers Landing
The Fermentary by Sepial at Maker’s Landing’s (next to the Cruise Terminal) new winter menu features Korean-inspired Han Sang Charim meals, creatively incorporating South African ingredients. Enjoy multi-grain rice, soup or broth of the day, a protein main, delicious sides, and dessert.
Website: shorturl.at/loD23
Gibsons
You will find over 35 hand-crafted burgers, each with unique flavour combinations. During winter, enjoy Gibsons’ 300g 28-day matured rump espetadas and 650g beef short rib spareribs, each served with a side of hand-cut fries or a baked potato, accompanied by complimentary draught.
Website: www.gibsonsburgers.co.za/
Quay Four Restaurant
One of the oldest eateries in the V&A Waterfront and now a famous landmark, Quay Four Restaurant has downstairs and upstairs seating areas with some of the city’s most striking views. Visit to try some of their winter seafood specials.
Website: www.quay4.co.za
Time Out Market Cape Town
The world-renowned Time Out Market Cape Town made its debut last December, featuring 13 kitchens, 3 bars, a wine bar and cultural experiences, all set in a 30,000-square-foot space. Guests can sample some of the best food from the city’s finest chefs while dining at communal tables set with fine china and flatware. Some of the eateries include De Vrije Burger, Unframed Ice Cream, How Bao Now, The Siba Deli, Sushiya, Kapoochka, and CARNE.
Website: www.timeoutmarket.com
PIER
Situated on the Pierhead, PIER restaurant offers an intimate, multi-course fine-dining experience at one of the world’s most-loved destinations. Inspired by the sea, the restaurant plates one-of-a-kind courses that will tantalise the tastebuds. Their winter menu features everything from nitrogen poached kalamansi to Karoo lamb.
Website: pier.restaurant/
The Waterside Restaurant
Savour ocean-side dining on the ground floor of the Pierhead Building at The Waterside Restaurant, which boasts a sophisticated, but more casual menu that guests can enjoy both indoors and on the outdoor deck when the sun is out. The Waterside has a winter lunch menu available until 31 August.
Website: thewaterside.restaurant/
Tang
Tang presents a luxurious take on the Japanese izakaya style of dining and classic Cantonese-style cooking, transporting diners on a culinary journey in a lavish Asian tropical setting. Try their signature dishes, including Peking duck, black cod miso, yellowtail sashimi, sushi, and wok dishes. Tang adds theatrics to some of their dishes.
Website: cpt.tanghospitality.com/
Karibu Restaurant
Set between the picturesque view of Table Mountain and the tranquil blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Karibu Restaurant allows you to experience the vibrant flavours of South Africa. Tuck into their braai selection, named after iconic Cape Town attractions, and venison potjie.
Website: kariburestaurant.co.za/
Find more dining options here to suit all pockets.
