When I visit a city for the first time I make it my mission to find out where the malls are located. Knowing where to find the latest fashion trends, designer handbags and shoes always makes me feel like I am home even when I am far away from home because SHOPPING IS MY ULTIMATE HAPPY PLACE! So when I moved to Cape Town my very first "sightseeing" (and shopping) experience was to the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront mall, and to date the V&A Waterfront remains my favourite shopping destination in South Africa. I have been to the V&A countless of times but I have not (and do not imagine having) reached a point where I tire of it.
What is so special about the V&A Waterfront you may ask? Some critics argue that shopping malls are all just variations of a theme. So when you see one mall you have basically seen them all (the rhyming effect was completely UNINTENTIONAL by the way- I PROMISE). Although that principle may apply to most shopping malls, it definitely has NO APPLICATION when referring to the V&A.
So here are MY TOP THREE REASONS WHY I LOVE SHOPPING AT THE V&A WATERFRONT
1. LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION!!!
The V&A Waterfront has (arguably) the BEST location that a shopping mall can ever have or wish to have. The V&A is situated in the heart of Cape Town's harbour with a picturesque backdrop of the famous Table Mountain. It has exquisite views of the Atlantic Ocean, Table Bay Harbour and the city of Cape Town itself. This makes shopping more than just a mere excursion, it makes it an EXPERIENCE (and an enjoyable one at that).
Even the architectural design of the mall itself is beautiful.
You can enjoy a cup of Rooibos Tea (my preferred choice always) at your favourite restaurant whilst overlooking the ocean and watching the boats sail by.
The harbour!
I always feel like (and often even behave like) a tourist whenever I make a trip to the V&A. But can you honestly blame me? IT'S LIKE LIVING OFF A POSTCARD!
Love the V&A Waterfront!
Ahoy!!
Our Cape Town stadium made famous during the 2010 FIFA World Cup (Yes, you can see the stadium from the V&A Waterfront and some views of the city of Cape Town whilst you at it)
2. ACTIVITIES, ACTIVITIES AND MORE ACTVITIES
And no, I am not referring to your run-off-the-mill kiddies "Christmas Santa"/Easter/wall-climbing activities. I am talking about activities that both adults (and children alike) will enjoy. What activities am I referring to you may wonder? Firstly, if you are exhausted from all the shopping (because let's face it, a really good shopping expedition is a cardio workout in itself) then you can choose to take a leisurely BOAT RIDE AROUND THE HARBOUR. If you are particularly fortunate on the day, you may spot a few WHALES and SEALS in the process. I was very blessed to have seen both these extraordinary creatures when I went on a boat ride at the V&A.
Out at sea. What a beautiful view.
WHALE SPOTTED! They are not easy creatures to capture in a photograph.
A SEAL basking in the sun under the turning bridge.
If you are prone to seasickness (like one of my best friends), you can opt out of the boat ride and pass some time (or distract your children while you rest your delicate and tired feet on a nearby bench) with a game of LIFESIZE CHESS!
This is such an UNFLATTERING photo but for the good of my blog I have uploaded it so that you can see that I am not telling tales and the V&A indeed has a LIFESIZE CHESS BOARD!
If you are more interested in immersing yourself in some uniquely South African cultural experiences then the V&A is a great starting point. From Xhosa and Zulu dancers, to free concerts at the open theatre during the summer, to marimba bands and stilt artists, there is always something happening that will entertain people of all ages.
Me, trying to imitate (unsuccessfully I might add) the mime artist at the V&A.
Some Xhosa ladies about to break into a traditional Xhosa dance number.
This is a uniquely Cape Town experience, you have to listen to this trio's performance. Amazing! Yes I realise that I have a PHOTOBOMBER! Don't you just hate those?
ZULU (that's MY culture) traditional dancers performing for tourists.
There is always a stilts artist (or two) to liven up the atmosphere.
If your tastes are more highbrow in nature, then THE CHAVONNES BATTERY MUSEUM will tickle your fancy. This museum celebrates the existence, disappearance and re-appearance of Cape Town’s oldest cannon battery. Built in 1726, the heavily armed battery guarded Cape Town from attacks by the English and French East India Companies. In 1860, the cannon disappeared, only to be recovered during excavation in 1999. The museum houses gun displays and the opportunity to see how an 18th century cannon battery was constructed.
And of course the FOOD! If you are feeling ravenous and parched after an eventful day at the V&A, there are numerous coffee shops, restaurants and bars to suite every palate. From the upscale restaurants such as SEVRUGA (one of my favourites by the way-highly recommended), to the children's (and some adults) all-time favourite burger joints such as STEERS, you can forego the cooking for one night.
3. SHOPPING, SHOPPING AND MORE SHOPPING
And of course the PRIMARY reason for going to ANY MALL to begin with-THE SHOPPING EXPERIENCE! If you have bargain shopping in mind, then the MR PRICE store at the V&A has to be the best Mr Price store in Cape Town in terms of variety (in my opinion that is). If you are more into department stores then WOOLWORTHS, FOSCHINI and TRUWORTHS would be your go-to stores. Personally, I am a big fan (no pun intended) of all three (for both their beautiful clothes and the fact that they house sizes for fuller figured ladies such as myself which is a bonus brownie point from me). If you are a shoe fanatic like I am, then the designer shoe label ALDO will keep you occupied for a good hour at the very least! Aldo is definitely my weakness. And if your tastes (and bank balance) are more inclined to the crème de la crème of designer items then you'll be delighted to know that the V&A also houses stores from luxury labels such as LOUIS VUITTON, PRADA, JIMMY CHOO, BURBERRY to name just a few. The best store to go to for more exclusive luxury brands would be APSLEY 2. What makes Apsley 2 special? What doesn't make it special?? It houses some of the most select luxury labels such as CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN (let us all *sigh* together now-SIGH), LANVIN, VALENTINO, SAINT LAURENT (again) to name just a few. Whether it's a great handbag, clothes or shoes, I am never disappointed when I embark on a shopping expedition at the V&A.
Of course the above reasons only serve as a glimpse into what the V&A Waterfront has to offer. There is LOADS more and it is best to experience it all yourself. I am not surprised that the V&A was awarded the "Best Destination" gold winner at the World Responsible Tourism Travel Awards 2014. So whenever you find yourself in Cape Town, South Africa, ensure you make a trip to the V&A Waterfront. I guarantee you will not be disappointed.
Love,
Slius
I COULD GIVE UP SHOPPING, BUT I AM NOT A QUITTER!
Labels: Cape Town, Lifestyle, shopping, South Africa
