The V&A Waterfront is Cape Town’s premier tourist destination, located approximately 15 minutes from Century City Hotels. This waterfront precinct offers world-class shopping at the V&A Mall, the Two Oceans Aquarium, Zeitz Museum of Contemporary African Art, harbour cruises, and over 80 restaurants. Visitors can explore Nobel Square, the Clock Tower Centre, and enjoy stunning Table Mountain views while experiencing Cape Town’s rich maritime heritage.
V&A Waterfront Cape Town: Your Complete Century City Guide
Twelve kilometres and about 15 minutes separate Century City from the V&A Waterfront: enough distance to escape the tourist bustle, close enough to make Cape Town’s most celebrated precinct feel like your backyard. The waterfront packs genuine world-class experiences into a walkable, secure, harbour-front precinct, from the oldest working harbour in the Southern Hemisphere to striking museum grain-silo architecture. This guide covers what’s worth your time when you get there while staying at a Century City accommodation.
Exploring the V&A Waterfront Cape Town
Top Attractions at the Waterfront
Two Oceans Aquarium
The Two Oceans Aquarium showcases the incredible marine life where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. Walk through the predator exhibit’s tunnel as ragged-tooth sharks glide overhead, or marvel at the kelp forest display featuring local Cape species.
Zeitz Museum of Contemporary African Art
Housed in a transformed grain silo, Zeitz MOCAA displays cutting-edge contemporary African art across nine floors. The building’s architectural transformation alone makes it worth visiting, offering panoramic city and harbour views from the sculpture garden.
Nobel Square
This outdoor sculpture garden honours South Africa’s four Nobel Peace Prize laureates with life-sized bronze statues. The square provides excellent photo opportunities with Table Mountain as your backdrop.
Shopping & Entertainment Experiences
The V&A Waterfront Mall houses over 450 stores, from international brands to local South African designers. Key shopping highlights include:
- Watershed Craft Market: Authentic African crafts and locally-made goods
- Diamond Works: Watch diamond cutting demonstrations
- V&A Food Market: Gourmet food hall featuring local and international cuisine
Entertainment options span from the Cape Town Comedy Club to the V&A Waterfront Amphitheatre, which hosts live performances against the harbour backdrop.
Dining at V&A Waterfront
Fine Dining Establishments
| Restaurant | Cuisine Type | Signature Experience |
| Harbour House | Seafood | Ocean views with sushi bar |
| La Colombe | Contemporary | Award-winning wine pairings |
| Nobu | Japanese | Celebrity chef experience |
| Den Anker | Belgian | Craft beer with harbour views |
Casual Dining Options
The waterfront’s casual dining scene caters to every taste and budget. Quay Four offers family-friendly options, while the V&A Food Market provides quick bites from local vendors.
Popular casual spots include Willoughby & Co for fresh seafood, Mitchell’s Scottish Ale House for pub fare, and Sevruga for contemporary cuisine with harbour views.
Getting to the V&A from Century City
Transportation Options from Your Accommodation
- Private Vehicle: The 15-minute drive from Century City Hotels follows the N1 highway to the waterfront. Parking is available at multiple locations, including the Clock Tower Centre and V&A Waterfront parking garages.
- Shuttle Services: Many Century City Hotels properties offer convenient shuttle services or can arrange transportation to the V&A. Check with your hotel concierge for schedules and bookings.
- Ride-Hailing Services: Uber and Bolt operate regularly between Century City and the waterfront, with journey times typically ranging from 12-20 minutes depending on traffic.
Planning Your Visit from Century City
Morning visits offer cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, particularly for outdoor attractions like the harbour cruise departure points. Evening visits provide stunning sunset views over Table Mountain and vibrant nightlife options.
Consider purchasing the City Sightseeing bus pass for hop-on, hop-off access to multiple attractions, including stops at both Century City and the V&A Waterfront.
Things to Do in Century City Cape Town Before Your Waterfront Visit
Canal Walk Shopping Centre
Located adjacent to Century City Hotels properties, Canal Walk offers pre-waterfront shopping and dining. The centre features over 400 stores and provides a convenient warm-up for your V&A Waterfront adventure.
GrandWest Casino and Entertainment World
This entertainment complex offers gaming, restaurants, and live shows, making it an excellent evening option when you return from the waterfront.
Why Visit the Waterfront?
The V&A stands as Africa’s most-visited destination, welcoming over 24 million visitors annually according to the V&A Waterfront Management Company. This 123-hectare mixed-use development operates within Cape Town’s working harbour, the oldest port in the Southern Hemisphere dating back to 1654.
The precinct’s strategic location at the foot of Table Mountain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, provides visitors with unparalleled views of one of the New7Wonders of Nature. The waterfront’s development began in 1988, transforming derelict harbour infrastructure into a world-class destination while maintaining the area’s maritime authenticity.
Century City, your accommodation base, sits approximately 12 kilometres northeast of the V&A Waterfront within the larger Goodwood suburb. This master-planned development offers direct highway access to Cape Town’s premier attractions while providing a quieter residential atmosphere away from the city centre’s hustle.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Century City from V&A Waterfront?
Century City Hotels are located approximately 12 kilometres from the waterfront, with travel times averaging 15-20 minutes by car. The route primarily follows major highways, making it easily accessible via private vehicle, shuttle service, or ride-hailing apps.
What are the must-see attractions at the waterfront?
Essential waterfront attractions include the Two Oceans Aquarium, Zeitz Museum of Contemporary African Art, Nobel Square, and the V&A Waterfront Mall. Harbour cruises departing from the marina offer excellent Table Mountain views and potential whale watching opportunities.
Is there parking available at V&A Waterfront?
The waterfront offers multiple parking options including the Clock Tower Centre parking garage, V&A Waterfront parking areas, and street-level parking. Parking fees apply, with rates varying by location and duration. Secure parking is recommended for longer visits.
What dining options are available at the waterfront?
The V&A features over 80 restaurants ranging from fine dining establishments like Nobu and La Colombe to casual options such as Willoughby & Co and the V&A Food Market. International cuisines, local South African dishes, and fresh seafood dominate the dining landscape.
Can I walk around the waterfront safely?
The waterfront maintains comprehensive security measures including CCTV surveillance, security personnel, and controlled access points. The precinct is generally considered safe for pedestrians during operating hours, though visitors should remain aware of their surroundings and secure valuables.
What time should I visit the waterfront from Century City?
Morning visits (9:00-11:00 AM) offer cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, ideal for outdoor attractions and harbour activities. Evening visits provide spectacular sunset views over Table Mountain and access to nightlife venues. Most attractions operate from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily.
Does Century City Hotels offer transportation to V&A Waterfront?
Century City Hotels properties provide various transportation options including shuttle services, concierge-arranged transfers, and recommendations for reliable transport providers. Contact your hotel’s front desk or concierge team to arrange convenient transportation to the V&A Waterfront based on your schedule and preferences.
Conclusion
The V&A Waterfront offers an unmatched Cape Town experience combining world-class attractions, diverse dining, and stunning natural beauty. Your stay at Century City Hotels provides the perfect balance of convenient waterfront access and peaceful accommodation away from the crowds.
Century City Hotels’ collection of properties ensures comfortable, modern lodging with easy access to this premier destination, whether you’re planning a holiday in Cape Town waterfront exploration or seeking premium accommodation near V&A Waterfront Cape Town.
Book your stay at Century City Hotels today to experience the best of both worlds: tranquil premium accommodation and effortless access to Cape Town’s most celebrated attraction.