The Waterfront By Day

One of the most visited places in Africa; the V & A Waterfront is, in many ways, the best of two very different worlds. A busy international port and a world class mall – the Waterfront offers visitors a unique and incredibly diverse experience. For comfort and convenience, it doesn't get better than staying at one of the impressive Waterfront Hotels.

Victorian architecture and glass mix to form an open, light-filled mall inside. This is definitely no ordinary shopping centre. Stylish, with everything from high end fashion stores to curio markets, shopping at the V & A is a mix of western and African style.

Outside the mall, is where the V & A lives a hearty second life. Cafés and restaurants line the harbour; captains solicit passengers for ocean explorations to seal islands around the coast; and performers liven up the day and pilots offer helicopter flips above this remarkable coastline that is the Atlantic Seaboard.

Then, of course, there's always one or two seals dipping and diving between boats as they chill in the harbour. And if that isn't enough, there's the aquarium, cultural market and the Robben Island museum.

The museum is the cultural and historical knock-off point for anyone looking to visit Robben Island - the island prison that held some of South Africa's most remarkable sons including Nelson Mandela, Walter Sisulu and Robert Sibukwe.

A single day at the Waterfront can bring you so many different experiences. From some fun shopping to an excellent meal, a trip to a world heritage site and even a simple stroll along piers and over bridges taking in mountains, ocean and boats.

Walking out of the V & A, cameras loaded with amazing photos and hands swamped by shopping bags, you'll definitely know – it's been a good, full day at the V & A.