Called the "waterfront" by locals, the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront is a working harbour and entertainment hub rolled into one. You'll find some of Cape Town's best restaurants here along with a hopping nightlife, brew pubs and plenty of shops to spend your money in. While checking out malls may not be the main reason you're visiting South Africa -- the waterfront is a nice area to stroll around in and feel safe, day or night. There are lots of places to sit and watch the seals frolic in the harbor and the fisherman bring in their daily catch. Other attractions include a Maritime museum, an Aquarium (with plenty of sharks) and the Robben Island Exhibition and Information Centre.
You can also take boat and helicopter rides from the Waterfront to get an even better view of Cape Town. If you're looking to visit Robben Island this is where you can purchase tickets for a tour and your boat ride out to the island. For more information check out the official Victoria and Alfred Waterfront web site. It includes the fascinating history of the harbor as well as details of tours offered and all the available attractions.
There's a huge Tourist Information Bureau near the Nelson Mandela Gateway where you can book any tour or safari you like the look of. You can also organize car rental, change your money, get on the internet and have a snack.
