It’s no secret that the V&A Waterfront is the ultimate destination for festive shopping in Cape Town. We are proud to have some of the world’s best stores in our neighbourhood, bringing excitement, inspiration and variety to your gift shopping. This means you can find gifts for everybody in your family at just one awesome location.  

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Dash in and out of the Waterfront’s stores if you are in a last-minute rush, or stop for a bite to eat in between extended festive-season shopping hours. There are so many ways to shop with us at the V&A.

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Extended Waterfront opening hours in December

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We’re extending our trading hours to allow you more time to enjoy summer at the V&A. Come and enjoy festive late-night shopping with us.

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V&A Waterfront Operating Hours at Victoria Wharf Shopping Centre:
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• Before 12 December: 9am – 9pm
• 12 – 24 December: 9am – 10pm
• 25 December: optional trading on Christmas Day
• 26 – 30 December: 9am – 10pm
• 31 December: 9am – 9pm
• 1 January onwards: 9am – 9pm

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Get holiday gifts wrapped at the V&A

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Our gift-wrapping service gives you even more moments to find the perfect festive gift.
From 12-24 December, you’ll find four gift-wrapping stations in Victoria Wharf Shopping Centre. The price for gift wrapping ranges from R10 to R30, depending on the size of your present, and all proceeds are donated to Santa Shoebox Legacy Project, a wonderful V&A Waterfront beneficiary doing amazing work with children in need.

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Gift-wrapping locations at the Waterfront

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Find gift-wrapping outside these Victoria Wharf stores:

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• Sportsmans Warehouse
• YDE Bridge
• Woolworths
• Between H&M and Lindt

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We look forward to welcoming you to a vibrant, action-packed holiday season with us in Cape Town. At the V&A Waterfront, you can shop, eat and explore from morning till night – Because Summer Lives Here.

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Find more V&A Waterfront store information at https://www.waterfront.co.za/leisure/stores/

It’s clear that summer lives at the V&A Waterfront, where every hour is golden and all moments are filled with delight.

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Here, the days seamlessly extend into night, with boats rolling out for sunset cruises, seagulls circling happily overhead, and music spilling out from walkways as buskers create your South African soundscape. This is how we transition joyously from day, through dusk, into balmy Cape Town nights.

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Nightlife at the Waterfront offers endless choices for entertainment. From the best spots for sundowners to top restaurants with a real Cape Town summer vibe, the V&A is where you can wander around safely by foot while getting that true holiday feeling under starry skies.

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Cocktails with a view  

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Soak in golden hour by taking advantage of the V&A’s ocean-side location. Grab a group of friends or make it an intimate date night for two, and discover the best sundowners in Cape Town at these scenic spots. 

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• ‍Primi – Take in fantastic sunset views over Granger Bay while settling into the relaxing ambience that will ease you into the glow of the evening.

• ‍Harbour House – Grab a seat upstairs at the elegant all-white balcony and watch yachts set sail while sipping on cocktails accompanied by stunning sunset views.

• ‍Bascule Bar – With the marina and Table Mountain as a backdrop, drinks at the Cape Grace Hotel’s Bascule Bar terrace are a luxurious end to the day.

• ‍Den Anker – One of the best views from the Waterfront is offered here, where Belgian beer from small breweries sets the scene for casual sundowners.

• ‍Life Grand Café – Enjoy a touch of glamour under fairy lights and cascading canopies. Bubblies and top SA wines complement this chic sundowner hotspot.

• ‍Grand Africa Café & Beach – The closest you’ll come to sundowners on the beach! This is laidback elegance at its best, with epic sunset views over the sparkling ocean.
  
  

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Dinner with a vibe in Cape Town

At the V&A, you get the summer atmosphere all the way through the night, as cocktails turn into dinner with upbeat vibes. The Waterfront is where night time is a bustling mix of energy, music and social gathering. Book your table at these restaurants to dine amid the summer buzz.

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• ‍Quay Four – Live bands make this relaxed atmosphere on the wooden deck even more festive. Enjoy fresh seafood along the water’s edge, blended with fine tunes.

• ‍Mitchell’s Scottish Ale House – Gather with friends at the Waterfront’s oldest pub. Live music sets the tone for a night of fun while dining on delicious grills, burgers, pizza or more.

• ‍Ferryman’s Tavern – This Irish tavern offers traditional Irish food in the heart of Cape Town. It is accompanied by nightly entertainment, so there’s always a sing-along to be had.

• ‍Spyced Restaurant – Inspired by the Spice Route, Spyced packs live jazz music, djembe drumming and a delicious set menu into its eclectic dining experience.

• ‍Sí Cantina Sociale – Latin-inspired flavour combines with colour and movement. From tapas to desserts, you’ll discover dinner with a difference. Love dancing? Look out for Sí’s salsa nights! 

• ‍Karibu – South African recipes shine on this menu, with cultural storytelling evident in the ingredients used. Entertainment comes in the form of dinner with a view of Table Mountain.

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Summer nights at the Waterfront
As the sun dips and the lights come up, the Waterfront becomes the living soundtrack of summer. Think warm nights, the song of laughter and the pulse of Cape Town in its most inspiring neighbourhood.

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Whether you’re here for the food, the music or the magic of simply wandering around for fun, every corner invites you to linger a little longer and savour the season.

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Summer Lives Here, and it’s clear to see why. Come experience it with us – all night long – and feel the vibe that makes every memory last.

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Find more V&A Waterfront bars and restaurants at https://www.waterfront.co.za/leisure/food-drink/

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Always at the forefront of retail and dining in South Africa, the V&A Waterfront continues to shake up your summer shopping and food options in Cape Town with fresh stores and exciting restaurant developments. From world-class design to delectable Parisian delicacies, the Waterfront brings visitors the ultimate choices, in shops and eateries that are open seven days a week.

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Shop these latest brands at the Waterfront

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Atelier de Lunettes – Find luxury eyewear in a gallery-like setting. Shop for sunglasses from Fendi, Loewe, Givenchy, Stella McCartney, Bulgari, Fred, Vuarnet and more, with select eco-friendly options crafted from biomaterials.

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Carlton Hair – Since 1968, Carlton Hair has been the forerunner in South African hairstyling. Only using premium products, its Waterfront hair salon creates some of the most stylish haircuts and colours in Cape Town.

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Kartell – Located at the new 5 Dock Road development alongside the canals and Battery Park, the new Kartell store is Cape Town’s long-awaited answer to the best furniture, lighting and homeware designs from around the world.

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Laduree – Paris’s boutique house of macarons has landed at the Waterfront. This iconic French brand brings you melt-in-your-mouth pastries in all the exquisite varieties you can imagine. Sit down to an indulgent beverage, or buy treats for home.

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Old School – From vintage-feel South African rugby jerseys to timeless sports fashion, Old School now has a proper store to kit you out in a look that transitions from the side of the soccer field to drinks with friends or lazy days at home.

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Psycho Bunny – Premium-quality menswear with a rebellious edge is what defines Psycho Bunny. Shop for polo shirts, T-shirts, caps, bags, socks and other accessories for men and boys – right here in Cape Town.

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Samsonite – This is the place to shop for luggage that was designed to be durable while still looking smart. Travel in style with suitcases that are versatile and supremely functional – built for all types of commuters.

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Scene – The Eyewear Collective – Discover the latest sunglass collections by Jacques Marie Mage – limited-edition eyewear handcrafted in Japan and Italy.

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Spingbok Retail – Located where the Old School kiosk used to be, this Springboks fashion-and-accessories pop-up is where you can shop for official Springboks merch – from tracksuit tops to T-shirts.

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(Unless otherwise specified, these stores are all located in Victoria Wharf Shopping Centre.)

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Discover the best new Waterfront restaurant
The newly refurbished InterContinental Table Bay Hotel welcomes Michelin-star chef Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen and his latest restaurant Le Bistrot de Jan. Book a table to savour Jan’s French-South African fusion dishes that are accompanied by gorgeous ocean views.

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Revamped Cape Town restaurants, ready for you
Reopened towards the end of 2025, three Waterfront restaurants and cafes have gotten a whole new look. Stop in at Mugg & Bean at the V&A to enjoy the revamped aesthetic along the water’s edge. For even more spectacular panoramas, head upstairs to Woolworths Café, for an expanded refurb (that will continue in 2026), which offers epic views of Table Mountain. Quay Four is also sporting a fresh new interior, which adds to the exciting setting alongside the harbour.

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New locations for your favourite V&A stores
Have no fear if the shop you are looking for seems to have disappeared. It hasn’t! It’s just moved to a different space to create more room for the coolest things to buy in Cape Town.
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Burnt – now at Shop 121. SA’s much-loved activewear brand keeps growing, and so is its store.
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Cell C – now next to Vodacom. This convenient location makes comparison between network providers easier for you.
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Christian Dior – now at Shop 604. Discover the luxury fashion brand’s beautiful new interiors.
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Old Khaki – now where Poetry used to be (Shop 7245). This refreshed, spacious layout gives you more clothing options.
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Pandora – now where Superga used to be. A sparkling new jewellery space with a fresh in-store experience.
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Swatch – now at Shop 246. Come and enjoy a vibrant, playful watch store at the Waterfront.

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Summer at the V&A Waterfront
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Come for an hour but stay for the day… With so many awesome local and international stores, and the tastiest places to eat in Cape Town, you’re spoilt for choice when shopping at the V&A. With fresh openings and revamped favourites, the season feels alive here every day.

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We’ll keep bringing the heat to make each day in our neighbourhood one to remember. Summer Lives Here, and you can feel it.

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Find more visitor information at https://www.waterfront.co.za/leisure/stores/

January is not about rushing back. It’s about finding your footing again.

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After December, many of us are craving something softer. Less pressure. Fewer demands. More moments that help us ease into the year with confidence and calm. At the V&A Waterfront, that feeling comes naturally.

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In our neighbourhood, summer doesn’t end when the calendar turns. It lingers in the harbour light, in warm evenings that stretch on, in the way people move a little more slowly and breathe a little more deeply. January is where Summer meets Reset.

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The sun is still warm.
The breeze is still soft.
The evenings are still golden.

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Life may be gently nudging us back toward new rhythms, easing kids into school mode, returning to work, settling back into wellness routines. But here, January doesn’t arrive with urgency.

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It arrives gently.
Light. Simple. Joyful.
A soft landing into a beautiful year.

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This is our Summer soft landing.
And this is your Ultimate Summer Reset Guide, the V&A way.

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Begin with water and space

‍Everything in our neighbourhood starts with water and space.

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A gentle walk along the quays as boats drift in and out of the harbour. Time at Battery Park while kids run free and parents pause for a moment. The steady presence of the ocean, quietly reminding us there’s no need to rush.

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Take a ride on the Cape Wheel for a fresh view of the city and the bay, or step onto a harbour cruise or sunset boat ride as the day softens into evening. These are easy rituals. The kind that reset you without asking for anything in return.

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Put joy first, especially for kids

‍January is about emotional readiness, not just school bags and stationery.

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Parents are looking for ways to help children transition back with confidence, creativity and joy. In our neighbourhood, back-to-school becomes a summer adventure.

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Start with creativity kits and school essentials from Yokico, PNA and Exclusive Books, then make the first day feel special with outfits from Country Road Kids, Woolworths, Naartjie, Keedos, Koco Bino and Cotton On.

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Keep things light with summer haircuts at Mr Cobbs, Partners Hair Design, Edge and Carlton Hair, and balance the admin with joy: ice-cream rituals at Crumbs & Cream, Gelato Mania and Marcel’s, followed by outdoor play at Battery Park, where kids can SUP, kayak or skate with Kayaking Cape Town and Board Hub.

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From 11 to 25 January, the LEGO® F1 Roadshow adds hands-on imagination to summer days, inviting kids to build, explore and create while parents relax into the moment.

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And for curious explorers, the V&A Mini Explorers Club turns January into a passport-powered journey filled with food adventures, gemstone discoveries, marine fun and painting parties: experiences designed to build confidence through curiosity and play.

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Let summer soften the transition. Begin with joy, not pressure.

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Ease back into work, with summer still present
Work may be calling, but January at the Waterfront allows you to return gently.

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Lighten the mood with breezy workwear from Woolworths, H&M and Fields, reset your space with desk essentials from Typo, and upgrade the tools you rely on every day at iStore and Incredible Connection.

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Most of all, it’s about the pauses.

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A slow morning coffee in the sun at Vida Café, Woolworths Café, Mugg & Bean, Shift Espresso or Pure Good Café.

A moment before the inbox takes over.
A reminder that summer still belongs in the working day.

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Start the year refreshed, with sunshine still woven into the rhythm.

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Move with the breeze
January is movement season, and our neighbourhood is your gym.

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Wellness here isn’t about extremes. It’s about moving in ways that feel natural and sustainable.

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Pick up activewear staples from Adidas, Burnt Studios and Athlete’s Foot, then walk, run or cycle along the scenic waterfront routes. Stretch, train or practise yoga in Battery Park’s outdoor spaces, with the harbour, mountain and city as your backdrop.

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Stock up on supplements and wellness essentials at Faithful to Nature and Wellness Warehouse, and ease your way back into routine.

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Keep it light. Keep it sunny.

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Refresh your style, quietly
January is the perfect moment for a subtle style reset.

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Discover summer-ready looks and newly opened stores across the neighbourhood : Old School for streetwear energy, Springbok Retail for proud rugby fans, Scene Eyewear for sunshine-ready frames and Atelier de Lunettes for refined luxury eyewear.

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Add Summer Sale finds across the precinct, and a refresh begins to feel effortless rather than rushed.

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No pressure. No urgency. Just what feels right for the year ahead.

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Eat well, linger longer
Good food has a way of grounding us.

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Begin your weekend at the Oranjezicht City Farm Market, now in its new home at the Waterfront, where fresh produce, local flavours and easy conversation set the tone for the day.

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Then settle in for something special. Le Bistrot de Jan, now open in Cape Town, brings a new layer of culinary excitement to our neighbourhood. It’s the kind of place that invites you to slow down for a leisurely lunch, a sunset dinner, a table worth staying at.

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Add to that favourites like Sevruga and Marble, and January meals naturally stretch into afternoons and evenings.

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Coffee in the sun. Shared plates. Long conversations.

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This is how January should taste.

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Keep summer alive
Even as the year begins, summer is very much alive here.

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Harbour lights flicker on at dusk. Boats return quietly to the quay. Public spaces remain open, social and welcoming.

A short visit after work.
A weekend wander.
An hour that turns into an afternoon.

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These are low-commitment outings that still feel special. Ordinary days that still feel like summer.

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In our neighbourhood, summer doesn’t rush you out.

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Reset with purpose.
January is also a time to give back.

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For the month, every Kids Passport sold supports the Shoebox Legacy School Build, turning small summer joys into something that reaches far beyond the season.

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Purpose, gently woven into play.

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Reset together
January is better when shared.

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This January, start strong. Live lightly. Summer on!
Reset for what’s next. The V&A Way.