The Waterfront Duck Co promises an experience like no other, seamlessly blending bus and boat exploration in the country’s first all-in-one land-and-water amphibious trip. Discover Cape Town from a unique perspective, delving into the rich history and bustling streets, before seamlessly transitioning into the serene waters of the V&A Waterfront marina and harbour, gaining insights into the marine life, ecology, history and modern operations of the area.

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Climb on board for an awesome adventure for the whole family in the safe, comfortable amphibious Ducks, skippered by experienced QUACKtains (drivers/skippers). Our onboard conDUCKtors (knowledgeable tour guides) will keep you entertained with unique tales and interesting facts to engage both young and old. 

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Trips depart from the Duck Stop ticket kiosk in the Silo precinct multiple times a day, depending on the weather and time of year, with each trip lasting about an hour.

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The Ducks are specifically built to comply with stringent international and South African safety regulations set by both road- and water-safety authorities.

The Two Oceans Aquarium, which is open 365 days a year, provides a fascinating glimpse below the surface of the seas that surround South Africa. Visitors young and old are introduced to the incredible range of amazing creatures that call these waters their home. From sharks and jelly fish, to eels, seahorses, crabs and a dazzling array of fish, the aquarium’s enormous tanks contain them all. 

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Check when the animal-feeding times are, and visit the predator exhibit, the astonishing kelp forest and the penguin exhibit. Watch the incredible display from long underwater tunnels and through enormous viewing windows, then get a much closer look at the sea life under a microscope or visit the Touch Pool to get up close and personal with creatures and plants from the deep.

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This all-weather venue is an ideal destination for families to enjoy. Explore below the waterline and discover an intriguing world usually hidden from sight.

Enjoy a fun 30-minute pedal boat experience in the scenic serenity of the canals at the V&A Waterfront. Suitable for all ages, shapes and sizes.

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Click on the Book Now button to view the available timeslots. We allow limited online bookings, but mostly do walk-ins. On busy days, the afternoons get hectic so try and come earlier in the day.

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We also host birthday parties, tour groups and functions.

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Group size: 2-6 per boat

The Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA) is a groundbreaking institution dedicated to promoting and preserving contemporary art from Africa and its diaspora. The museum’s vision is to produce and present cutting-edge contemporary exhibitions and historical art knowledge, enhance the careers of Africa’s most talented artists in the 21st century and beyond, strengthen its education programmes and ensure access for all.

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The museum’s iconic architecture and custom-designed spaces include galleries featuring temporary exhibitions, with dedicated space for the permanent collection; the BMW Centre for Art Education and the Atelier, which is a project space for emerging Cape Town-based artists; the cathedral-like Atrium with two scenic elevators; the art-inspired Museum Shop; the sixth floor Rooftop Terrace; and the Ocular Lounge restaurant with its breathtaking 270-degree views of Table Mountain and the city.

If it’s a swashbuckling good time ye be seeking, then hop on board Cape Town’s most exciting attraction, the Jolly Roger! The only authentic pirate ship in South Africa sails daily from Quay 5.

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There are daily scheduled 60-minute cruises and 90-minute sunset trips, as well as the opportunity to hire the entire boat for your special event. It can carry 75 passengers when sailing and 100 when moored at the quayside. Activities vary in duration from 1 to 4 hours, and the schedule depends on the season and weather conditions. 

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Treat your children and their friends by hosting their next birthday party on board the fearsome Jolly Roger. There are several packages that include a trip out to sea (weather dependent), lunch with a party box, décor and a treasure trove of activities to keep the whole family entertained. Parties can be tailor-made.

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Every Saturday night in the summer season the Jolly Roger hosts her famous 90-minute Sunset Party Cruise with live entertainment.

As Africa’s largest and most popular escape-rooms company, HintHunt Africa has expanded to locally develop a variety of unique live experiences. ‍From escape rooms and amazing races to online and mobile experiences, there’s something for everyone. Dive into problem-solving and puzzles designed to challenge your logic and dexterity as the clock ticks down and the pressure mounts.

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Choose from experiences lasting 45 to 120 minutes, during which you’ll uncover clues, solve mysteries, strategise or race against time to emerge victorious. Whether you’re with friends, family or colleagues, teamwork is the ultimate key to success.

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Everyone is challenged and no one escapes the fun!

AWOL Tours is a leading outdoor travel specialist for hiking and bicycle tours in Cape Town. Their experienced team balances expert trip planning with eco-friendly activities, creating thrilling, memorable travel experiences. From the winelands to the scenic coastal roads, they have the perfect plan for you. 

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All ages and fitness levels are welcome, and individuals, families and small groups are catered for. Private tours are available for families travelling with children. Personalised tour itineraries can be designed to fit your travel plans and budget, matching your preferences with your areas of interest. 

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The flagship Cape Town City Cycle Tour leaves daily from Battery Park and is a great introduction to Cape Town, its history and its people. Qualified and skilled cycling guides share their favourite trails and views on bespoke mountain-biking or early-morning road rides. On the cultural Township Tour, participants experience how most South Africans live, discover local Xhosa customs and sample traditional cuisine. Nature guides interpret the wonders of the Cape Floral Kingdom on the private guided hikes, which include transfers, picnic lunches and cableway tickets.

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To reach our location for Uber drop-offs, go to 3 Dock Road, Waterway House. After arriving, cross the canal and locate Unit 5, situated just below the stairs on the right-hand side.

SUP Cape Town provides introductory lessons in stand-up paddle (SUP) boarding. They rent out boards for use on the canals, and do long-term rentals for holiday trips.

Now located on the V&A’s Breakwater Boulevard overlooking the waters of Granger Bay, The Wheel offers elevated views across Granger Bay on one side, with Robben Island in the distance, and views of Table Mountain on the other side, as well as sights of Signal Hill and the Cape Town stadium. Get a bird’s-eye view of giant container ships coming and going, large cruise and charter boats heading in and out of the harbour, kayakers accompanied by schools of dolphins and occasional whale sightings in the bay. 

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The Cape Wheel offers 30 fully enclosed air-conditioned cabins that rise 40 metres above the ground in safety and comfort on the 12-15-minute four-revolution ride.

The Open Top Red Tour Bus (or the ‘Hop On and Hop Off’, as it is often referred to) is by far the easiest and most convenient way to discover the thriving metropolis of Cape Town. Hop on or hop off wherever the mood takes you, then take the next bus to continue your trip.

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The company has an upgraded fleet of new buses that operate seven days a week, 365 days of the year, regardless of the weather. There are over 30 stops at regular intervals, making it possible for you to explore any of the over 50 different attractions that make this city so exceptional. Choose whether you want to do a tour of the historic city centre, a Sunset Tour or a visit to the Constantia Winelands, pop in at Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens or explore Hout Bay – or do it all!

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Some tickets allow you to spread this journey of discovery over two or three consecutive days. There can even be walking tours or a harbour cruise thrown in, depending on the option you choose. Live guided tours to the Winelands and Cape Point are also available.

Enjoy a five-star sailing experience aboard South Africa’s newest, largest and safest private yacht. Indulge mind, body and soul in an exhilarating sailing experience on The Mirage, a spectacular craft that offers five-star service and gourmet dining as you sail across the ocean around the Cape, seeing the full splendour of the Mother City from offshore, whether during the day or at sunset. 

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No matter what your event – birthday, anniversary, engagement, bachelorette and more – the Mirage team will help make it a magnificent one, with a private sailing experience on board South Africa’s newest, largest and safest catamaran, with the majestic Cape Town skyline as your backdrop. Impress your guests with the finest in gourmet food and drink pairings from our fully-functioning galley, bars and outdoor grills. Spoil them with a lavishly spacious deck and flybridge, and entertain them with a DJ or live music. Whatever your occasion, your guest list or your budget, our professional event coordinators are uniquely equipped to cater to your every need, down to the finest detail.

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The Mirage also offers one-hour daily trips out to Sea Point or Granger Bay, weather dependent. There’s a full-service cash or card bar, as well as some light snacks to purchase onboard. Departure times are 13:00 and 15:00.

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Cape Town is definitely the best location to watch the sun go down from the water, and The Mirage is the ideal place to do it from. With its meticulously designed, spacious layout and highly trained, responsive crew to attend to your every need, you’ll be able to stretch out and enjoy your sailing experience in complete peace of mind. If you’re feeling a little more adventurous or simply want to enjoy the crisp sea air, the flybridge beckons – a perfect vantage point from which to take in unparalleled views of the mountains above and the dolphins below. And if you’re thirsty for more extravagance, simply make your way to the full-service bar stocked with bottled beverages, fine wines and gourmet coffee. Departure time: 17:30 (subject to change; please confirm with us on 071 206 7319).

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.

‍The final concert of the Silo Concerts series features the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra in front of the Zeitz MOCAA Museum. Bring your friends, grab your spot and soak in the music.

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‍For over a century, the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra has been at the heart of South Africa’s orchestral music. From classical symphonies and opera to jazz, pops and contemporary collaborations, its versatility shines. Come experience its power, passion and precision live under the stars in an evening of music to inspire and connect us all.

Step into a haven for music lovers as the Watershed becomes a vinyl enthusiast’s dream. Explore over 6,000 records ready to be unearthed, enjoy live DJ sets throughout the day, and browse through curated collections of music memorabilia. It’s a celebration of sound that hits every note perfectly.

Come discover the heartbeat of South African music as emerging artists share their stories through song. Our beloved Amphitheatre becomes their canvas, where raw talent meets opportunity in a series of free sunset performances that will move your soul.

The Croquet Lawn above the Ulundi Parking Garage offers sweeping views over the working harbour and Table Mountain making it the perfect location to enjoy a movie under the stars. Bring your picnic or arrive hungry and enjoy delectable food options from the mini market.

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‍He’s Just Not That Into You is a 2009 romantic comedy-drama that follows nine people and their varying romantic problems. Based on the 2004 self-help book of the same name, the film stars an ensemble cast of Ben Affleck, Jennifer Aniston, Drew Barrymore, Jennifer Connelly, Bradley Cooper, Ginnifer Goodwin, Scarlett Johansson and Justin Long.

Come discover the heartbeat of South African music as emerging artists share their stories through song. Our beloved Amphitheatre becomes their canvas, where raw talent meets opportunity in a series of free sunset performances that will move your soul.