CBD & Waterfront Travel Guide

Harbourfront hub by the V&A Waterfront, best for sightseeing and boat tours.

• Best for: Sightseeing, harbour cruises and easy access to museums
• Vibe: Bustling by day, lively at night around Long Street and the V&A
• Nearest station: Cape Town Station and the MyCiTi Civic Centre bus hub
• Price level: Mid-range to upscale for hotels; eating ranges $-$$$
• To the main sights: Walkable to Table Mountain cableway, Company’s Garden and the Waterfront
• Safety: Generally safe in tourist areas by day; stay cautious at night

Great for:

• First-time visitors
• Families (aquarium and harbour activities)
• Shoppers and design-lovers
• Visitors wanting easy transport links

Maybe skip it if:

• You want quiet, residential neighbourhoods
• You’re after a very low-budget backpacker scene

The V&A Waterfront sits at the harbour edge; Cape Town Station and the Civic Centre are one long block inland. Long Street and Bree Street run south from the Foreshore into the City Bowl; Table Mountain rises to the south of the CBD.

• Safety: Stick to busy, well-lit streets after dark and avoid quiet side streets.
• Transport: Buy a MyCiTi card if you plan to use the buses regularly.
• Money: Use official ATMs at the V&A or malls rather than street machines.
• Bookings: Reserve seafood restaurants at the waterfront for weekend evenings.
• Markets: Visit Watershed earlier in the day for the best selection.

• Zeitz MOCAA: Contemporary African art housed in a striking converted grain silo at the V&A.
• Two Oceans Aquarium: Family-friendly aquarium on the waterfront showcasing local marine life.
• Watershed: Indoor craft market with South African makers and design stalls.
• Victoria & Alfred Waterfront promenade: Harbourside walking, boat-trip departure point and shopping around the clock tower.
• Company’s Garden: Historic central park with museums and shady lawns a short walk from the Foreshore.
• Cape Town Stadium: Large bayside stadium for concerts and major sporting events in Green Point, a short drive away.

• Cape Town International Airport (CPT): Public transport: MyCiTi airport service (A01) runs to the Civic Centre bus hub in about 20-30 minutes with a single change possible to Waterfront shuttle services; you need a MyCiTi card to board and fares are moderate. Taxi/ride-hail: direct taxis or Uber take about 20-30 minutes to the Waterfront/CBD depending on traffic; expect a mid-range fare.
• From the main sights: From Table Mountain or the Company’s Garden: short taxi or ride-hail rides (5-15 minutes) will get you to the Waterfront; you can also walk from Company’s Garden into the Foreshore in 10-20 minutes depending on your pace.

• MyCiTi bus: Frequent, reliable buses connect the Waterfront, Civic Centre and the airport, buy a MyCiTi card for fares.
• Walking: The V&A, Zeitz MOCAA, Watershed and many shops are an easy walk from the Foreshore and Cape Town Station.
• Taxis and ride-hails: Uber and local taxis are convenient for evenings or trips to Green Point and Camps Bay; expect traffic at peak times.
• Metrorail: Cape Town Station links to suburban trains, useful for trips outside the city though services can be infrequent.

The CBD & Waterfront hosts a dense cluster of hotels from luxury harbourside resorts to practical business hotels. Most hotels are concentrated on the Foreshore and around the V&A, making it easy to walk to museums, the waterfront and many restaurants. Prices skew toward mid-range and upscale; choose closer to the quay for views or closer to Long Street for nightlife.

Luxury

• One and Only: High-end waterfront resort with a marina-side location and easy access to V&A amenities.
• Cape Grace: Well-regarded luxury hotel on the quay with classic rooms and a prominent harbour position.
• The Westin Cape Town Convention Square: Upscale hotel adjacent to the convention centre and within easy reach of the Foreshore.
• Taj Cape Town: Luxury property close to the Company’s Garden and the main city attractions.

Mid-range

• Southern Sun Waterfront Cape Town: Harbourfront hotel offering straightforward rooms and short walks to the V&A Waterfront.
• Southern Sun The Cullinan: Conveniently placed on the Foreshore, popular with business travellers and sightseers.
• Hyatt Regency Cape Town: Modern mid- to upper-mid hotel near the Foreshore with business-friendly facilities.
• Park Inn by Radisson Cape Town Foreshore: Reliable mid-range option close to Cape Town Station and the waterfront precinct.

Budget

• Two Oceans Backpackers: Lively hostel near the waterfront that appeals to backpackers and social travellers.
• HomeBase Cape Town Backpackers: Central hostel with dorms and private rooms, a short walk to Long Street and the V&A.
• Atlantic Point Backpackers: Basic, affordable beds within easy reach of the harbour and station.
• B.I.G. Backpackers: Budget-friendly hostel offering simple accommodation near the city core.

Eating options run from casual food halls on the quay to seafood restaurants and international bistros. Head to the V&A Waterfront for classic harbour dining, Bree Street and Long Street for trendier cafés and bars, and the Watershed for artisanal bites. Price levels vary from casual $ spots to finer $$$ meals; many places stay open late in the weekend.

• Time Out Market Cape Town: Food hall showcasing many local vendors and cuisines; casual, $$.
• Il Leone: Italian restaurant offering a city-centre dining option; $$.
• Beluga: Harbour-side seafood restaurant close to the waterfront; $$$.
• The Africa Cafe: Regional cuisine in a colourful setting near the CBD; $$.
• La Parada V&A Waterfront: Tapas-style plates in a lively harbour location; $$.
• The Fork: Casual, all-day bistro with regional choices; $-$$.
• Pier: Fine-dining option on the waterfront for special occasions; $$$$.

Nightlife spans casual pubs, cocktail bars and a handful of late-night clubs. Long Street and Bree Street concentrate many bars and live-music spots; the Waterfront has several relaxed harbour bars for evening drinks. Expect activity until late on weekends, with options in a range of price brackets.

• Mødular: Club venue close to the Foreshore popular for DJs and late nights.
• The Village Idiot: Bustling pub-style bar convenient for a relaxed drink and people-watching.
• Lido Bar: Harbourside bar near the waterfront for casual evening drinks.
• The Gin Bar: Small cocktail spot with a curated drinks list in the city centre.
• Fireman’s Arms: Traditional local pub, handy for a low-key evening.
• The Crowbar: Comfortable bar offering craft beers and a friendly atmosphere.

Shopping ranges from big waterfront malls to weekend markets for local makers. The V&A is the main mall cluster while Greenmarket Square and Makers Landing are where to go for crafts and souvenirs. Opening hours are longest at the Waterfront; markets tend to run on specific days.

• Watershed: Design and craft market inside the V&A for South African makers.
• Victoria Wharf Shopping Centre: Large waterfront mall with international and local shops.
• Greenmarket Square: Historic market for crafts, art and tourist souvenirs in the CBD.
• Makers Landing: Smaller craft marketplace near the V&A selling locally made goods.
• Clock Tower Centre: Cluster of shops beside the harbour, close to the waterfront attractions.