The V&A Waterfront has many options for people trying to duck the winter weather and enjoy something indoors. From trendy dining spots to daily activities and even entertainment for the kids, there are plenty of ways to escape the cold.

Dining

There are over 100 restaurants and eateries open for business this winter. Those needing a quick bite can stop at the well-travelled food court, which has many fast food favourites, ANAT Falafel, and a Woolworths Now Now for coffees, breakfast, and lunches.

Families looking for something familiar have the option of the iconic Waterfront Spur or the equally lively Wimpy, both found on the top floor, with their usually extensive menus featuring sandwiches, burgers, and much more. Spur, in particular, has a dedicated kiddies play area to keep them occupied while parents enjoy a moment of peace and quiet.

Premium dining enthusiasts are well-catered for at the V&A, with fine dining spots like the Japanese-Cantonese hot spot TANG, luxury seafood favourite Sevruga, and fashionable Cape Malay restaurant SPYCED. Other favourites include international sushi sensation NOBU, the artisanal cuisine of PIER, and the acclaimed wines of Belthazar.

For coffee lovers, franchise mainstays like Bootlegger, Starbucks, Vida E, and Shift Espresso Bar are all found within the V&A’s premises, serving lattes, cappuccinos, and light bites – perfect for a quick stop before clocking into work.

During lunch hours (12pm – 5pm), Sevruga has an everyday special with 50% off on classic sushi dishes and selected cocktails. For seniors, there are many specials available throughout the week, including offers at Fisherman’s Choice, Si Cantina Sociale, Karibu, and Spur.

Shopping

The Waterfront has over 450 retail outlets, making it one of the most important shopping destinations for anyone living in the Mother City, whether it’s for everyday necessities or indulgent accessories.

The V&A’s fashion corner is overflowing with major retailers and local brands. Women can source their winter wardrobe from places like Poetry, Hannah Lavery, Nicci, or Michelle Ludek. Meanwhile, men can find their new fits at Watershed, with highlights from Ogun or Koi Koi. For unisex clothing, big brands like Cotton On, Foschini, Superdry, Old Khaki, and Truworths have all updated their catalogues to keep up with the cold weather. Finally, brands like Keedo and Naartjie ensure parents can stay up to date with their winter shopping for the little ones.

There are many beauty & wellness stores throughout the main mall and the Watershed, including LUSH’s handmade cosmetics, Kiehl’s skincare formulas, Jo Malone’s bath & body care, and Chanel’s premium fragrances. Those needing a new hairstyle for the season can book appointments at Inspired By You, Carlton, EDGE, or Partners. Affordable jewellery and accessories are available at stores such as Nom Nom or Flick Inc, while premium brands like Rolex, Ray-Ban, and American Swiss also have outlets at the V&A.

There is a vast range of hidden gems, underrated spots, and unique services. Recycled Flip Flops Sculptures create bright, colourful homeware and accessories from discarded sandals. Functional Performance Lab is unlike regular gyms in that each client is assessed and given a personalised, specialised training programme tailored to their needs. Unique Driftwood Creations sells exactly what you’d expect: unique sculptures crafted from centuries-old wood, often exhibited in art galleries throughout South Africa.

Those in the market for new clothes can make use of Old Khaki, Ted Baker, and Superdry’s ongoing promotions, which include up to 50% off selected styles. Others looking for savings on beauty and skincare can take advantage of Africology’s Mother’s Month specials, while both Ashanti Design’s bags and African Sunshine Art’s ceramics currently offer discounts.

The Watershed

This craft and design space is home to many of the V&A’s more niche, sustainability-minded stores and businesses. Open 7 days a week, the area caters to many needs: food & drink, remote work, and over 150 makers of unique products.

The Watershed is open to the public, allowing anyone to make use of the informal seating areas during the workday. However, those who need a dedicated workspace can become Workshop17 members, whose benefits include professional hot desks, virtual phone booths, and physical meeting rooms, starting at R2280 per month – ideal for working in a warm space while not at home.

There are plenty of dining options, including sweet treats at Crumbs and Cream, fresh juices at Pure Good, and sit-down Middle Eastern dining at Cooked.

Of the wide variety of stores on the premises, the Watershed is home to numerous options for luxury, ethically sourced leather accessories, minimalist clothing made from natural materials, and locally produced homeware.

Expand your winter wardrobe with the Watershed

Makers Landing

The Waterfront’s very own collaborative community for foodies is home to over 20 Makers who celebrate a farm-to-table, nose-to-tail approach to cuisine, where visitors can expect the best of South African food.

Visitors seeking authentic African cuisine can try Jollof Cafe, known for its Nigerian staples, or the health-focused Mpintshi Yum, with its food bowls, fibre-rich breakfasts, and a host of fruit-based ‘elixirs’.

Afrikoa is Makers Landing’s award-winning chocolatier, using only pure heirloom cocoa beans directly from farmer co-ops across Africa. In their ‘Bean to Bar’ experience, guests are shown Afrikoa’s intricate chocolate-making process by one of their professional chocolatiers, including fermenting, roasting, refining, and much more. Afterwards, participants embark on a tasting session of some Afrikoa favourites. Tickets are only R150, and can be booked on the website.

Business owners wanting to host a professional cooking workshop can rent the Demo Kitchen Studio, which boasts 15 workstations, eight ovens, and a demo counter. The space is ideal for designing culinary experiences, expanding a product range, and delivering corporate training. Renters can email [email protected] to hire the space.

Hint Hunt

Operating since 2012, Hint Hunt is one of the first Live Escape Games to open globally. They have been considered a pioneer in the industry and played a role in the Escape Game craze that became a phenomenon many years ago.

Still a favourite in Cape Town, Hint Hunt offers a wide range of experiences from escape rooms (online and outdoor) to amazing races and mobile escape games. Ideal for team-building or simply a fun activity with friends, participants can choose from an extensive list of options categorised by difficulty, number of players, and estimated time to plan the perfect day out.

With escape rooms starting at R390 per person and amazing races at R190, HintHunt gives Waterfront visitors something to do as the Mother City’s wind and rain force everyone indoors.

Zeitz MOCAA

The Zeitz Museum of Contemporary African Art (MOCAA) is one of Cape Town’s leading art galleries dedicated to contemporary art from Africa and its diaspora. Housed in the now-iconic Silo Building at the V&A Waterfront, the gallery boasts both a permanent exhibition and temporary, rotating exhibitions, all contributing to the preservation and promotion of African artists.

With exhibitions ranging from sculptures and paintings to experimental cinema from some of Africa’s leading creative voices, the Zeitz is the premier destination for those wanting to view contemporary African art in the Mother City.

Take in experimental pan-African art at the Zeitz MOCAA

Two Oceans Aquarium

Cape Town’s iconic marine life sanctuary, the Two Oceans Aquarium, provides a safe home for a variety of sharks, penguins, turtles, and several species of octopuses, moray eels, crabs and jellyfish. There are plenty of ways to see, meet, and interact with these creatures, with each exhibit dedicated to a different type of sea creature.

In addition to the beloved, regular romp through the Aquarium, there are numerous special offers available throughout the season. Visitors can book a guided, behind-the-scenes tour of the entire Aquarium, meet the penguins in a 90-minute educational session, or even learn how to dive with the PADI Diving School.

Discover the wonder of the ocean at the Two Oceans Aquarium

Mini Explorers Club

This fun club gives kids everyday activities to tick off while parents are focused on shopping. From searching for hidden treasure to going on creative quests, this special experience is ideal for kids who love exploring and adventure. They can use an interactive map to chart their way around the Waterfront and fill in the specially made colouring book.

Parents and guardians register online, after which they can receive a free Mini Explorer passport from the V&A’s Info Kiosk. The passport can be used to discover activities at the Waterfront, keep track of their adventure, and unlock special offers.

Hotels

For visitors seeking a premium stay in some of Cape Town’s highest-rated accommodations, the V&A Waterfront is home to 13 hotels scattered throughout the area.

Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean by the V&A Waterfront, The Cape Grace is one of the leading luxury hotels in Cape Town. With rooms gazing out over the harbour, marina, or the majestic silhouette of Table Mountain, guests can look forward to world-class facilities, an iconic Afternoon Tea experience at the Heirloom Restaurant, and customisable wellness treatments at Fairmont Spa.

Positioned perfectly for the stunning scenery of Table Mountain and the surrounding harbour, The One&Only offers a variety of premium stay & dine packages, alongside winter-specific specials for all-in-one spa rituals and good food at ROOI. Nestled just inside the hotel is NOBU, the globally renowned seafood restaurant, which has recently opened up for weekend lunch. The One&Only’s list of events and experiences is often updated to keep with the season.

The Silo Hotel is a five-star premium hotel built inside the grain elevator section of the historic silo complex. It occupies six floors above the Zeitz MOCAA, offering cityscape views and fine dining just above an acclaimed art museum. Its unique selling point is undoubtedly the expertly designed glass windows in every room, offering guests a panoramic view of the Mother City.

Other hotels include the Radisson RED, City Lodge, The Commodore, and the Queen Victoria Hotel & Manor House.

Special competition

This year, the V&A Waterfront is hosting a Winter Escape Giveaway to reward the moms in the city, whether she’s adventurous, stylish, cultured, or (most likely) all of the above.

For those who want to give their mom a truly special experience, the Waterfront Winter Escape for Mom +1 giveaway is the ideal candidate. The package brings together an overnight stay at Radisson RED, a curated Zeitz MOCAA experience (and annual membership), a VIP Cape Wheel ride, and curated gifts from across the Waterfront.

To enter, participants can fill in the necessary information on the website, particularly what makes mom so special: her personality, her likes and dislikes, her best stories; everything that makes her the deserving winner. To get one bonus entry, candidates must follow all of the participating partner accounts on Instagram: @vandawaterfront, @vandawatershed, @radissonredcpt, and @zeitzmocaa.

The giveaway is only open to South African residents, and participants must be 18 or older. The competition runs until Wednesday, 20 May, with winners to be announced on 26 May 2026.

Where: Dock Road, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town

Website: waterfront.co.za
Facebook: V&A Waterfront
Instagram: @vandawaterfront