Preserved as a small museum is the Waterfront’s Jetty 1, from where boats sailed to Robben Island when it was a prison. You can view the tiny holding cells here (similar to the cells on the island), with hard beds and empty benches in the waiting room. On the walls are copies of applications for visitors' permits.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. V&A Waterfront

0.06 MILES

This historic working harbour has a spectacular setting and many tourist-oriented attractions, including masses of shops, restaurants, bars, cinemas and…

2. Cape Wheel

0.1 MILES

What was supposed to be a temporary attraction at the Waterfront has proved so popular that it's been made a permanent fixture. Your ticket gives you four…

3. Maritime Centre

0.12 MILES

This small museum, stocked with model ships, houses the John H Marsh Maritime Research Centre (www.rapidttp.co.za/museum), a resource for those interested…

4. Old Port Captain's Office

0.13 MILES

This beautiful gabled building, dating from 1904, was built for the Port Captain, whose office was previously located in the Clock Tower across the 'cut'…

5. Nelson Mandela Gateway

0.15 MILES

Tours of Robben Island depart from this complex. Even if you don’t plan a visit to the island, it’s worth dropping by the museum here, with its focus on…

6. Clock Tower

0.16 MILES

This red-and-grey Victorian Gothic–style building, dating from 1882, is from where the harbour master used to control the comings and goings in the docks.

7. The Springbok Experience

0.16 MILES

You don't have to be rugby crazy to enjoy this attraction, which celebrates the history of rugby in South Africa and, in particular, the trials and…

8. Time Ball Tower

0.16 MILES

Built in 1894, this was once used to signal the time to ships in the bay; when the big red ball on the roof was lowered down a metal spike, ship's masters…