27 November 2009
While the majestic Table Mountain and the internationally renowned Robben Island are among Cape Town’s best-known destinations, the V&A Waterfront – which is being transformed into a mega football village for the 2010 Fifa World Cup™ – is fast catching up.
With the 19th edition of the Fifa World Cup™ fast approaching, the Final Draw taking place on 4 December has presented Cape Town with an ideal opportunity to showcase its beauty.
The term “must-see place” is, to many, overused. Few, however, will disagree that it is applicable to Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront.
Situated at the shores of this breathtaking city, the V&A Waterfront is one of the most tourist-probing places in Cape Town, boasting state-of-the-art facilities that include shops, restaurants and a gorgeous harbour.
It is also one of the city’s few locations where you will have so many options at your disposal rather than having to travel around to find various activities.
There are several hotel, shops, restaurants and cinemas. The shops are divided between several locations and include specific areas set aside for crafts, art and small business development. They are generally open until 9pm daily.
There are also plenty of leisure activities available at the Waterfront, such as air and sea charters. Open spaces throughout the precinct are to be used as hospitality and match-viewing areas, while the main shopping arena buzzes with activities.
The Two Oceans Aquarium on the V&A Waterfront is ideally positioned to showcase the incredible diversity of marine life found along South Africa’s long coastline. The Aquarium is one of the top tourist attractions in Cape Town, and over 3 000 living sea animals – including sharks, fish, turtles and penguins – can be seen in this spectacular underwater nature reserve.
The Maritime Museum is one of the popular places here, as it focuses on the history of shipping from prehistoric times to the present day. Boat trips around the harbour and along the coast are always some of the main attractions.
At the heart of the Waterfront is the V&A Waterfront Marina, a residential development of prestigious apartments and penthouses, the quintessence of the Waterfront lifestyle.
Some of the places to visit there include the Robben Island Embarkation Building, which was used to temporarily keep prisoners who were en route to Robben Island. Other places include the Clock Tower and Heritage route
Source: Fifa.com
