AREAS TO DISCOVER: The V&A Waterfront is South Africa’s most visited destination – a combination of shops, restaurants, nightspots, tourist attractions and museums in the city’s historic harbour that attracts millions of visitor’s a year … and for good reason.

Situated in the heart of the Mother City’s working harbour and set against the spectacular backdrop of Table Mountain, “the Waterfront” is a hub of varied activity and a Cape Town must-see.

(“V&A” stands for Victoria and Alfred, after Queen Victoria of England and her youngest son, Alfred, who officially laid the first stones of the harbour in 1860.)

You might like to visit the family-focused Two Oceans Aquarium  (+27 21 418 3823; www.aquarium.co.za), where you can eyeball sharks, penguins and hundreds of species of sea life. There are lots of activities ranging from helicopter flips to boat charters and relaxed harbour cruises (walk along the water’s edge and pick one – there are several options), or browse through some of the hundreds of shopping outlets ranging from larger department stores selling designer labels down to boutique jewellery and curio shops selling local arts and crafts.

For something a little more unusual, visit the free Chavonnes Battery Museum, which commemorates a massive fortification, dating to 1726.

Later, enjoy a glass of Cape wine or dinner at one of the restaurants, some of which are among the best in the country. You might even choose to stay in one of the Waterfront’s many top-class hotels such as the Cape Grace set on a private quay, or the Victoria & Alfred Hotel, located in the historic 1904 North Quay Warehouse (visit (add link to V&A Waterfont suburb in our accommodation section) for details and more options).

For those in search of local culture and history there are a number of museums and galleries that form part of the precinct – including the Maritime Centre in the Union Castle Building, which features a collection of ship models and objects associated with shipping in Cape Town, in particular the era of mail ships.

The Waterfront is home to the Nelson Mandela Gateway, the embarkation point to Robben Island (+27 21 413 4200; www.robben-island.org.za. Robben Island served as a prison, a hospital and a military base between the 17th and 20th centuries, and is now an island-museum and top tourist attraction. Its maximum-security prison, which during the apartheid era housed political prisoners such as Nelson Mandela, South Africa’s first democratic president, today bears testament to the victory of democracy over apartheid and oppression.

The Waterfront’s Amphitheatre is a good spot for live entertainment (often provided to the public for free) – from concerts to creative workshops to puppet shows.

The “New York” of Cape Town, Sea Point offers visitors a variety of pubs, music clubs, coffee shops and restaurants.

Characterised by high-rise, luxury apartments and expensive mansions, Sea Point offers urban entertainment in an atmosphere reminiscent of the Big Apple. With a host of pubs, music clubs, coffee shops and restaurants along the Main Road, Sea Point’s vibrant nightlife creates a carnival atmosphere for visitors and locals alike.

This bustling, cosmopolitan suburb never sleeps and visitors are warned to be mindful of their possessions despite surveillance cameras and a visible police presence.

Once you’ve partied all night, Sea Point has a range of places to eat, ranging from relaxed sidewalk cafés to more upmarket establishments.

But if you want to rest your head near the street that never sleeps, on the luxury beachfront self-catering apartments dot the coastline, while anything you require can be found at the variety of shops and shopping centres in the area.

If the rich food and partying are getting to you, the Sea Point Promenade runs the length of the Sea Point beach front, from Bantry Bay to Mouille Point, and is a great spot for a quiet stroll or an energetic jog. Early morning and evening are particularly nice times.

Benches along the beach front provide an ideal place to rest while taking in the stunning views of the sea. There are also a number of children’s playgrounds running the length of the promenade as well as a chlorinated, sea-water swimming pool complex open to the public at the Sea Point Pavilion. The view from the pools is spectacular, out over the Atlantic Ocean.

The swimming pool complex at the Pavilion has two children’s pools, a diving pool, and an Olympic-sized pool. It is open Monday to Friday 6am to 9pm, Saturdays 7am to 8pm and Sundays 8am to 8pm. The Sea Point Pavilion is situated on Beach Road (021 434 3341).

While the beaches are not ideal for swimming they provide nice spots for relaxing on the white sand in the sun.

Mouille Point, lying just north of Sea Point, is a well-heeled suburb with a number of cushy apartment blocks and short-term accommodation for tourists.

Much like Sea Point, Mouille Point has a promenade that runs along the coast, which is popular with walkers and joggers, and a stroll along the scenic walkways makes for a relaxing family activity. Green Point Common offers popular sports fields and a golf course for visitors to play on.

Check out the Mouille Point lighthouse which is the oldest active lighthouse in South Africa having operated since 1824.

Under the looming Twelve Apostles and Lion’s Head as a backdrop and views out across the turquoise-coloured sea, Camps Bay sports some of the trendiest places to see and be seen at.

Head south from the beaches of Clifton (or north from the buzz of Sea Point) and you’ll discover the chic suburb of Camps Bay. Victoria Road is the main drag and is packed with funky restaurants, trendy pubs, and bucket-and-spade shops on one side, with a palm-fringed beach on the other.

It’s on the beach that the designer types flex their muscles and show off their volleyball skills. While the supermodels and rock stars of the world are known to hang out at Camps Bay, it’s also a great place for families – the white sand beach is wide and flat, and parking is sometimes more available than at Clifton. During the Easter break and around the Christmas holidays, Camps Bay is packed to the brim.

If you’re staying over, there’s a wide range of accommodation on offer, from self-catering apartments to stylish villas to The Bay Hotel with its perfect views of Camps Bay beach. Be sure to contact Cape Town Tourism to book accommodation to suit your needs and budget. We will get you the best deal with over 1000 accredited accommodation providers across the City.

Green Point has been called the Soho of Cape Town – with its funky restaurants and busy nightclubs, the place has an energy all of its own.

Green Point is all about location, location, location. Wedged between Table Bay, Signal Hill, Sea Point, the V&A Waterfront and the city centre, this little village is in the middle of all the local action.

The area is home to the Cape Town Stadium, which hosted the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup™. The stadium is surrounded by the Green Point Urban Park, Metropolitan Golf Course and a number of other sports fields.

Because it’s so central, there is a lot to see and do in the area. Take a long walk or jog along the promenade right next to the Atlantic Ocean; rest on one of the benches and take in the stunning views of the sea; take your family to one of the children’s play areas including a jungle gym, swings, slides, train and mini golf course or pop into the flea market next to Cape Town Stadium (every Sunday) where you can pick up fantastic curios from around the African continent.

Take a walk to the top of Lion’s Head and enjoy the panoramic views of the city. Alternatively, drive to the top of Signal Hill, again to witness the gorgeous views.

Pay a visit to Green Point lighthouse, the oldest lighthouse in South Africa, which dates back to 1824.

View more at http://www.tourismcapetown.co.za/

Tel: +27 82 494 3839