Explore the Historic Cape Town Breakwater
Discover the rich maritime history at the Cape Town Breakwater, a historical landmark nestled in the vibrant Victoria & Alfred Waterfront.
Nestled at the bustling Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, the Cape Town Breakwater stands as a testament to the city's rich maritime heritage. Once a prison, now a vibrant hub, this historical landmark offers visitors a glimpse into the past while surrounded by stunning views of Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean. A must-visit for history buffs and casual tourists alike, the Breakwater promises an enriching experience.
A brief summary to Cape Town Breakwater
- Cape Town, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, 8001, ZA
- Visit website
Local tips
- Visit during the early morning or late afternoon to enjoy fewer crowds and stunning lighting for photography.
- Combine your visit with a walk along the V&A Waterfront for a full day of exploration, dining, and shopping.
- Look out for local events or exhibitions that may be hosted at the Breakwater for a unique cultural experience.
Getting There
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Car
If you're driving from any location in Cape Peninsula, head towards the N2 highway, following the signs for Cape Town. Once you reach the city, take the exit for the M6 toward the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. Continue straight, and you'll come to a roundabout. Take the second exit onto Alfred Road. Follow the road, and you'll see signs for the Waterfront. Look for parking areas around the V&A Waterfront, which may incur a fee of around R20 to R40 per hour. The Breakwater is a short walk from the parking.
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Public Transportation (MyCiTi Bus)
For those using public transport, take the MyCiTi bus from various points in Cape Peninsula to the Civic Centre Station in Cape Town. From there, transfer to the MyCiTi bus heading to the V&A Waterfront. The fare for the MyCiTi bus is approximately R10 to R15, depending on your starting point. Once you arrive at the V&A Waterfront, follow the signs to the Breakwater, which is easily accessible on foot.
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Taxi or Rideshare (Uber)
If you prefer a more direct route, consider using a taxi or rideshare service like Uber. Simply input 'Cape Town Breakwater, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront' as your destination. The cost will vary depending on your starting location but expect to pay between R100 to R300 for the ride. This option provides a hassle-free way to reach your destination without worrying about parking.
Discover more about Cape Town Breakwater
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Jetty 2, V & A Waterfront
0.9 km
Explore the historic Jetty 2 at V & A Waterfront, a vibrant landmark blending maritime heritage with stunning views and lively attractions in Cape Town.
Collier Jetty
1.0 km
Explore Collier Jetty, a historical landmark at Cape Town's vibrant waterfront, blending rich maritime heritage with stunning views and local culture.
Robben Island Museum
1.2 km
Explore the poignant history of Robben Island Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site and former prison where Nelson Mandela was held, just off Cape Town.
Old Port Captain's Building
1.2 km
Discover the Old Port Captain's Building, a historical gem in Cape Town's Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, blending maritime heritage with artistic expression.
Frame Table mountain.
1.3 km
Discover the stunning panoramas and serene beauty of Frame Table Mountain, a must-visit scenic spot in Cape Town offering unforgettable views.
V&A Waterfront
1.5 km
Experience the vibrant blend of shopping, dining, and culture at Cape Town's iconic V&A Waterfront, where breathtaking views meet local heritage.
The Watershed
1.5 km
Experience the vibrant culture and craftsmanship of Cape Town at The Watershed, a must-visit market filled with local art and delicious food.
City Pass Cape Town
1.6 km
Experience the best of Cape Town with the City Pass, your ticket to top attractions and unforgettable adventures in this stunning coastal city.
City Sightseeing Cape Town Visitor Center
1.6 km
Discover Cape Town's breathtaking beauty and rich history with guided tours from the City Sightseeing Visitor Center at the vibrant V&A Waterfront.
Two Oceans Aquarium
1.6 km
Discover marine wonders at the Two Oceans Aquarium in Cape Town, an educational and immersive experience showcasing the diversity of ocean life.
Fort Wynyard
1.7 km
Discover the rich military heritage of Cape Town at Fort Wynyard, a historical landmark showcasing the city’s fascinating past and stunning coastal views.
Things To Do In Cape Town
1.8 km
Explore Cape Town's breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and diverse attractions, from iconic Table Mountain to the vibrant V&A Waterfront.
Battery Park @ V&A Waterfront
1.8 km
Discover the serene beauty of Battery Park at V&A Waterfront, a perfect blend of nature and urban life in Cape Town.
Prestwich Memorial
2.4 km
Explore Prestwich Memorial, a serene memorial park in Cape Town that honors the unknown dead with lush landscapes and rich historical significance.
eyeseeAfrica
2.4 km
Discover the beauty and diversity of Africa with Eye See Africa, your trusted tour operator in Cape Town.
Unmissable attractions to see
Fly The Huey
0.5 km
Discover breathtaking aerial views of Cape Town with Fly The Huey, the premier helicopter tour agency offering unforgettable experiences in South Africa.
Sport Helicopter Rides Cape Town
0.5 km
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Cape Town from above with thrilling helicopter rides, showcasing iconic landmarks and stunning landscapes.
Cape Town Helicopters
0.5 km
Explore the stunning vistas of Cape Town with an unforgettable helicopter tour, revealing breathtaking views of the ocean, mountains, and cityscape.
NAC Helicopters Cape Town
0.5 km
Experience the stunning aerial views of Cape Town with NAC Helicopters, where adventure meets breathtaking beauty.
East Pier - Cape Town Harbour
0.6 km
Experience the breathtaking views and vibrant atmosphere at East Pier, Cape Town's iconic harbor destination.
Cape Town Helicopter Adventures - PS Adventures
0.6 km
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Cape Town from above with an exhilarating helicopter adventure over iconic landmarks and stunning landscapes.
Table Mountain Helicopter Tours
0.7 km
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Cape Town from a unique perspective with exhilarating helicopter tours over iconic Table Mountain.
Waterfront, Cape Town
0.9 km
Experience the vibrant atmosphere of the Waterfront in Cape Town, where stunning views, rich history, and diverse attractions await every visitor.
Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
1.0 km
Explore the iconic Victoria & Alfred Waterfront in Cape Town, where stunning views meet vibrant shopping, dining, and cultural experiences.
Jetty 1, V & A Waterfront
1.1 km
Discover the maritime heritage and vibrant atmosphere at Jetty 1, a historic landmark at Cape Town's V&A Waterfront, perfect for exploration and relaxation.
Waterfront Kayak
1.1 km
Explore the stunning Victoria & Alfred Waterfront with Waterfront Kayak, where adventure meets breathtaking views and vibrant marine life.
Seal Snorkeling Cape Town
1.1 km
Explore the underwater wonders of Cape Town with thrilling seal snorkeling adventures amidst stunning coastal scenery.
Sea Princess Catamaran Cruises
1.2 km
Discover the breathtaking coastline of Cape Town on a memorable cruise with Sea Princess Catamaran Cruises, where adventure meets stunning views.
Shark Cage Diving Tours
1.2 km
Embark on an unforgettable shark cage diving adventure in Cape Town, where thrilling encounters with great whites await you in stunning ocean settings.
Ocean Experiences - Seal Snorkeling, Boat Rides & Scuba Diving
1.2 km
Experience the thrill of seal snorkeling, boat rides, and scuba diving at Ocean Experiences in Cape Town's stunning waterfront.
Essential places to dine
PRIMI V&A Waterfront
1.0 km
Experience authentic Italian cuisine at PRIMI V&A Waterfront with stunning harbor views and delicious pizza options.
Baía Seafood Restaurant - V&A Waterfront
1.1 km
Discover exquisite seafood dining with stunning harbor views at Baía Seafood Restaurant in Cape Town's V&A Waterfront.
Karibu Restaurant
1.1 km
Discover authentic South African flavors at Karibu Restaurant in Cape Town's vibrant V&A Waterfront—where every meal tells a story.
Mozambik V & A Waterfront
1.1 km
Experience authentic Mozambican cuisine at Mozambik V & A Waterfront, where vibrant flavors meet stunning waterfront views in Cape Town.
Tiger's Milk V&A Waterfront
1.2 km
Experience vibrant dining at Tiger's Milk V&A Waterfront - where delicious food meets breathtaking views in Cape Town.
Belthazar
1.2 km
Discover Belthazar at Victoria & Alfred Waterfront – an iconic steakhouse offering exquisite wines and gourmet cuisine amidst stunning harbor views.
Col'Cacchio V&A Waterfront (Halaal Friendly)
1.2 km
Experience authentic Italian cuisine at Col'Cacchio V&A Waterfront - perfect for pizza lovers in Cape Town's vibrant setting.
Sevruga Restaurant
1.2 km
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Harbour House V&A Waterfront
1.2 km
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La Parada V&A Waterfront
1.3 km
Experience exquisite Mediterranean tapas at La Parada V&A Waterfront while enjoying stunning views and vibrant ambiance in Cape Town.
Pitso's Kitchen Waterfront
1.4 km
Experience authentic South African cuisine at Pitso's Kitchen Waterfront with stunning views in Cape Town's iconic V&A Waterfront.
Dash Restaurant Cape Town
1.4 km
Experience culinary excellence at Dash Restaurant in Cape Town's vibrant waterfront; where local flavors meet exquisite international cuisine.
Heirloom Restaurant
1.5 km
Experience exquisite local cuisine at Heirloom Restaurant in Cape Town's vibrant V&A Waterfront—where culinary excellence meets breathtaking views.
Seven Colours Eatery
1.8 km
Discover authentic South African cuisine at Seven Colours Eatery in Cape Town's iconic Victoria & Alfred Waterfront.
GOLD Restaurant
1.9 km
Discover authentic African cuisine at GOLD Restaurant in Cape Town, where delicious food meets vibrant culture through live performances.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
African Curiosity
1.1 km
Discover authentic African craftsmanship at African Curiosity, your go-to destination for unique souvenirs in Cape Town's vibrant waterfront.
Freedom of Movement V&A Waterfront
1.1 km
Explore Freedom of Movement V&A Waterfront for trendy local fashion and a unique shopping experience in Cape Town's vibrant waterfront.
Carrol Boyes V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
1.1 km
Explore Carrol Boyes V&A Waterfront for exquisite handcrafted gifts, cutlery, and home goods that embody South African artistry.
Made in SA
1.1 km
Discover authentic South African home goods at Made in SA, located in the vibrant Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, a must-visit for unique crafts and decor.
Poetry V & A Waterfront
1.2 km
Explore Poetry V & A Waterfront - A Stylish Fusion of Women’s Fashion and Home Goods in Cape Town's Iconic Waterfront.
Victoria Wharf Shopping Centre
1.2 km
Explore Victoria Wharf Shopping Centre, the ultimate shopping destination in Cape Town, featuring diverse stores, dining options, and stunning waterfront views.
Out of Africa
1.2 km
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Nicci Boutiques V&A Waterfront
1.2 km
Explore style and sophistication at Nicci Boutiques, a premier fashion destination at Cape Town's V&A Waterfront.
Couture Classic Ladies Wear Store
1.3 km
Discover unique and stylish women's clothing at Couture Classic, a premier boutique in Cape Town's vibrant Victoria & Alfred Waterfront.
AVOOVA
1.3 km
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BHH Boutique V&A Waterfront
1.4 km
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aLoveSupreme Watershed
1.5 km
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Melvill & Moon V&A Watershed CPT Boutique
1.5 km
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Wild Thing Africa
1.6 km
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non-european Cape Town
1.6 km
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Shimmy Beach Club
0.6 km
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The Pool Bar - The Table Bay hotel
0.9 km
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Ferrymans Irish Tavern
1.3 km
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Mitchell's Scottish Ale House
1.3 km
Explore Mitchell's Scottish Ale House at V&A Waterfront, where authentic Scottish cuisine meets vibrant Cape Town culture amid stunning waterfront views.
Cause Effect Cocktail Kitchen
1.3 km
Discover innovative cocktails and vibrant culinary experiences at Cause Effect Cocktail Kitchen in Cape Town's iconic V&A Waterfront.
RED Roof bar
1.4 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at the RED Roof Bar, where stunning views and refreshing cocktails await you in Cape Town's iconic waterfront.
Silo Rooftop Bar
1.4 km
Experience breathtaking views and innovative cocktails at Silo Rooftop Bar, the ultimate destination in Cape Town's V&A Waterfront.
The Willaston Bar
1.4 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Cape Town at The Willaston Bar, offering exquisite cocktails and breathtaking views of the V&A Waterfront.
OUI Bar & KTCHN
1.4 km
Discover the vibrant taste of South African cuisine at OUI Bar & KTCHN, where culinary creativity meets stunning waterfront views in Cape Town.
Bascule Bar and Lounge
1.5 km
Discover Bascule Bar and Lounge, a luxurious bar at Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, offering exquisite drinks and stunning views in Cape Town.
Vista Bar & Lounge
1.8 km
Experience luxury and stunning views at Vista Bar & Lounge in Cape Town's vibrant Victoria & Alfred Waterfront.
The Fireman's Arms
2.2 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of The Fireman's Arms, a historic bar and restaurant in Cape Town's De Waterkant, perfect for food and drink enthusiasts.
Skybar
2.3 km
Experience breathtaking views and chic ambiance at Skybar, Cape Town's premier rooftop bar in De Waterkant.
Harald's Rooftop Bar & Terrace
2.3 km
Experience stunning views and vibrant cocktails at Harald's Rooftop Bar & Terrace, the perfect spot for relaxation in Cape Town.
The Ghibli Bar & Pool Terrace
2.4 km
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