The Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, a multi-billion rand development, is a really exciting place to be. More importantly for South Africa, it feels a safe place to be.

The Alfred Basin is the working harbour but alongside it is the Waterfront Craft Market, one of South Africa's biggest indoor markets. There is also a Maritime Museum and the Two Oceans Aquarium. The Victoria Basin has a huge amphitheatre and regularly stages free concerts, so there is a background of music as you wander around some of the hundreds of shops and eating outlets. The Red Shed is filled with African crafts, while in the Kings Warehouse the catch of the day is stacked side by side with vegetables, herbs, spices and hand-rolled pasta. The whole atmosphere is colourful and exuberant.

Of course it is from this harbour that you sail to Robben Island, which is an unforgettable experience. The whole island is now a museum and you are actually taken around by men and women who were once political prisoners on the island. A stark reminder that what lies on the mainland is very, very new.

www.waterfront.co.za

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A quaint and vibrant area, perfect for a sunday stroll, right on the seafront with a view across False Bay to Gordon's Bay and Strand. It is jam packed with brilliant restaurants (Brass Bell, Cape to Cuba, Polano to mention a few). And it has the best ice cream in town plus wonderful antique, art, jewellery and other assorted (but interesting) old shops to browse through (including a nursery) and, best of all, is easy to access by car or train.

It is on the route for a drive to Simon's Town/Cape Point and near to Muizenberg beach for those who want to swim or stroll on the sand. The best place for a meeting of old friends.

Road: Past Fish Hoek on Main Road (heading towards Simon's Town), just before Boyes Drive intersects with Main Road.
Train: the train track runs right past and there is (as far as I know!) a station at Kalk Bay

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Explore the craft shops of Kalk Bay and have breakfast/lunch/dinner at
Olympia Cafe. It's a quirky and casual restaurant in Kalk Bay where fresh fish from the harbour is served daily.

Kalk Bay or St James Station

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Greenmarket is an open-air market in central Cape Town. It sells handicrafts, leather goods and T-shirts. All reasonabe prices.

Burg Street, Central Cape Town, every day except Sunday.

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A showcase for innovative young Cape Town fashion designers on trendy Long Street. Co-owned by conceptual artist Doreen Southwood and designer Kirsty Bannerman, Mememe stocks an array of cutting-edge designers such as Richard de Jager, David West and Seth Harper, as well as their own designs.

A white polka-dot security gate and bright green faux grass doormat welcome you inside, while a pink metal poodle guards the cash register. If you’re looking for something original to wear, chances are you’ll find it here.

279 Long Street, 021 424 0001.

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You’ll have fun deciding which one in the tasting rooms of the winelands around Stellenbosch and Paarl, a short drive from Cape Town.

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