26 Feb 2025 Cape Town summer is in full swing, which means plenty of opportunities to head outdoors and make the most of these sunshine days with family and friends. There are so many options to choose from, that we know it’s sometimes hard to decide what to do in Cape Town. That’s why we’re bringing you the best tips for family activities in Cape Town – all conveniently located in one pedestrianised neighbourhood: V&A Waterfront! The V&A Waterfront is Cape Town’s most visited destination. And rightfully so. It is filled with the best Cape Town activities for all ages, with so much fun to be had under the summer sun. One of these great Waterfront outdoor attractions (which is a hit with kids all the way up to senior citizens) is the glorious Cape Wheel – a towering observation wheel situated at Breakwater Boulevard that offers the best views in Cape Town. Visit Cape Wheel Even if you only have one day in Cape Town, the Cape Wheel needs to be on your itinerary. With just this one Waterfront activity, you’ll feel like you’ve seen so much of the city already. Hop into a glass-enclosed, air-conditioned gondola, take a comfortable seat, and enjoy 360-degree views of the city that TimeOut named Best City in the World 2025. Cape Wheel views You’ll catch sight of Granger Bay, Robben Island, Table Mountain, Cape Town DHL Stadium and Signal Hill from a height of 40 metres above ground. And if that’s too much to take in during your first rotation, don’t worry. You’ll get four chances to see all of these beautiful Cape Town sights as you enjoy four full spins of the wheel. This panoramic experience of the Mother City and the V&A Waterfront is one of the most unique things to do in Cape Town. Sky Dining Picnic You can make this fun event even more special by booking the Cape Wheel Sky Dining Picnic – a delicious picnic in the sky. With this outing, your trip time is doubled to 30 minutes, taking you around eight times in a special gondola with a table, cutlery, crockery and glassware placed inside for your convenience. All you need to do is fill your picnic basket (we’ll give you one when you arrive) with your own favourite snacks, treats and drinks, which you can get from some of your favourite V&A Waterfront restaurants if you like. Cape Wheel photos This Cape Town observation wheel is one of visitors’ favourite things to do at V&A Waterfront, so make sure to post your Cape Wheel photos on your social platforms for others to see that you’ve visited one of Cape Town’s best attractions (use #CapeWheel so we can see your Cape Wheel photos too!). You’ll even have the opportunity to buy an awesome photo book, with a picture taken of you by Happy Snappy at the start of your Cape Wheel journey. It’s a wonderful Cape Town memory for keeps. Parking for Cape Wheel Wondering which parking at V&A Waterfront to pick when visiting the Cape Wheel? Head to the Breakwater parking lot, which is right next to the big wheel. You cannot miss the Cape Wheel as you step outside – it will pop up right ahead of you. Cape Wheel experience As for the best time to visit the Cape Wheel? Well, Cape Town looks gorgeous any time of the day, but summer sunsets on the Cape Wheel are rather spectacular. And evening journeys are also thrilling because of all the Cape Town night activities you’ll see happening below you. Got more questions about the Cape Wheel? Let’s answer them below… Cape Wheel opening hours: Please note that operational times are weather dependent. Summer (September to April): Monday to Sunday 10am – 10pm (weather dependent) Winter (May to August): Monday to Thursday 11am – 9pm; Friday and Saturday 10am – 10pm; Sunday 10am – 9pm Cape Wheel prices: Cape Wheel tickets range in price, depending on age and nationality. SA adults: R175 (18 years and above, with ID) SA seniors / pensioners: R95 (with ID) – only until 6pm Non-SA adults: R250 Children: R95 (4-17 years) Toddlers: Free (under 4 years) Special rates for school groups to be arranged ahead of time by emailing info@capewheel.co.za Cape Wheel Sky Dining prices: Adults: R320 (bring your own food – see above) Children: R150 Cape Wheel VIP gondola price: R2 875 (Up to four adults) Includes a ride in the private black VIP gondola with tinted windows, leather seats, glass floor and music. Receive a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine or Appletizer. Must be booked in advance by emailing info@capewheel.co.za Cape Wheel birthday special: Enjoy a free ride on the Cape Wheel on your birthday. How this free Cape Wheel ride works: 1. Fill in the application form here: https://capewheel.co.za/clubs/ 2. On the day of your birthday, you’ll receive an email with a free voucher for a Cape Wheel birthday ride. 3. Claim this free Cape Wheel birthday ride within 30 days of your birthday. 4. To enjoy the free Cape Wheel ride, bring a printout of the voucher along with your ID to the ticket booth. 5. NOTE: if you do not have the printout of your voucher, the free Cape Wheel ride can only be redeemed on the actual day of your birthday, upon presentation of your ID. Cape Wheel wheelchair access: The V&A Cape Wheel has two cabins that are wheelchair-friendly, making the Cape Wheel accessible for everyone. Cape Wheel directions: To get to the Cape Wheel, it is easiest to use the parking at V&A Waterfront marked Breakwater. Cape Wheel is located on the lawns of Breakwater Boulevard. The entrance for the Cape Wheel parking is on Granger Road. ‘Breakwater Parking Garage’ comes up on Google Maps. Cape Wheel information desk: Call Cape Wheel on 087 470 0696 Email info@capewheel.co.za MORE V&A WATERFRONT ACTIVITIES After you’ve visited the Cape Wheel, there are so many other activities and attractions at V&A Waterfront for you to enjoy this summer. Why not make it a full day with some of the ideas listed below? Two Oceans Aquarium The Two Oceans Aquarium in Cape Town is open seven days a week. Book a ‘Behind the Scenes’ guided tour, enjoy the unique Penguin Experience, go scuba-diving with sharks or stingrays, or dive in a kelp forest. Cycle routes in Cape Town Make the most of the Waterfront exercise routes by hiring a bike from Up Cycles and ride all the way to Sea Point from the V&A with this Cape Town bike rental. Or how about an organised cycle tour with AWOL Cycle Tours, leaving from Battery Park? V&A food markets You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to the best food in Cape Town. The V&A Waterfront TimeOut Market offers top flavours from the city, while Makers Landing introduces you to innovative entrepreneurs in the food and beverage scene. Oranjezicht City Farm Market – OZCFM – is the place to be on weekends and Wednesday nights, for the ultimate market in Cape Town. Looking for more summer activities in Cape Town, at the V&A Waterfront? Then click here for all our V&A attractions, and start planning your next adventure.
