Matthew Sterne

When the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront – or just 'The V&A', as locals call it – was created back in 1991, few could have predicted how it would transform Cape Town’s social scene. Named after Queen Victoria and her son, Prince Alfred, and with a maritime legacy dating back more than 350 years, the charm of the V&A Waterfront is that it remains a working harbour where tugs and fishing boats bustle about amid sightseeing boats and cruise ships. Its reinvention as a quayside leisure hub – with 10 distinct districts, each with its own character and charm, spread over 300 acres – has also made it the most visited destination in all of South Africa, drawing up to 24 million visitors a year. A hub of energy, activity and creativity, it’s easy to see why locals and visitors alike flock to the V&A Waterfront. With 500 shops, 100 places to eat and a bucketload of family-friendly activities, the V&A offers everything from sunset cruises to trendy shops and live entertainment – all with the icon that is Table Mountain as your backdrop. And, of course, it's also home to the first Time Out Market in Africa.. Ready to dive in (not literally)? Here are the very best things to do on your visit to this lively, historic harbour precinct. Matthew Sterne is a writer and tour guide based in Cape Town. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines and check out our latest travel guides

Of all the things to see and do in Cape Town, submitting to beach life has to be one of the city’s most essential experiences. Despite water temperatures often ranging from chilly to frigid, you’ll see plenty of surfers riding waves, divers exploring underwater wonders and curious snorkellers. And then there’s all the sand-based stuff, too. From beaches within easy distance of restaurants, hotels and markets to those that are a bit more isolated and better-preserved, Cape Town has a stretch of sea and sand for every kind of beachgoer. No matter where you throw down your towel, prepare to be dazzled with spectacular mountain views, picture-worthy turquoise waters and dramatic beachfronts boasting tide pools, marble boulders, insane sunsets and much, much more.  RECOMMENDED: 🇿🇦 Where to stay in Cape Town📍 The best things to do in Cape Town😋 The best restaurants in Cape Town🛏 The best Airbnbs in Cape Town Planning your next trip? Check out our latest travel guides, written by local experts.