Victoria Wharf: Drums, Statues, and Seaside Dining in Cape Town

If you find yourself staying at the Westin Cape Town Hotel—or anywhere nearby—the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront is a must-see. Yes, it’s a well-known tourist hub with restaurants, shops, and a sprawling two-story mall, but trust me, it’s all worth the visit.

While the mall itself was impressive, the magic truly unfolded outside. From the scenic views of the harbor to the rows of private yachts and tourist boats, the setting felt alive and vibrant. Street vendors lined the walkways, offering everything from clothing and jewelry to local food and souvenirs—you could wander for hours without wanting for anything.

Music in the Air

One of the highlights of our visit was being pulled into an unexpected marimba performance. As we strolled along the boardwalk, a musician handed me a pair of mallets, and before I knew it, I was playing along with the group. The marimba, much like a giant wooden xylophone, produces rich, resonant tones as its bars are struck, and it’s a beloved instrument across Southern Africa, especially in South Africa and Zimbabwe. In that moment, I felt like part of the band—though inside I was sure I sounded more like a child banging on pots and pans. Wayne, however, insisted I looked like a natural, so I decided to accept the compliment and enjoy my “stage debut.” 😉

Art and Culture Along the Boardwalk

As we strolled further, we came across the Trading Post, filled with massive South African sculptures—baboons, mothers with children, and even colorful rhinos lined up as if standing guard. They were bold, playful, and photo-worthy, and of course, we couldn’t resist snapping pictures.

A little farther down, we reached Nobel Square, where four bronze statues honor South Africa’s Nobel Peace Prize laureates:

• Albert Luthuli (1960)
  

• Desmond Tutu (1984)
  

• F.W. de Klerk (1993, shared with Mandela)
  

• Nelson Mandela (1993)
  

Nearby stood a fifth sculpture, "Peace and Democracy," honoring the crucial role that women and children played in the fight against apartheid. It was powerful, humbling, and reminded us that history lives not only in books but also in public spaces like this one.

Ending the Day with Good Food

After exploring, we capped off the evening at an Italian restaurant overlooking the water. Wayne enjoyed grilled calamari with vegetables, while I savored a seafood fettuccine pasta—simple, fresh, and unforgettable. The combination of good food, sea air, and the backdrop of Cape Town’s waterfront was pure therapy.

As we strolled back toward our hotel, we felt both energized and deeply relaxed—a perfect mix for slow travelers like us.

✨ Up next: our adventure on Cape Town’s Hop On–Hop Off double-decker red bus. What we loved, what we learned, and yes—the mistakes we’ll never make again as retirees learning the art of slow travel. Stay tuned!