The city of Cape Town in South Africa is a melting pot of cultures, landscapes, and history. Like any popular tourist destination, not everything on the itinerary is worth your time or money. Having explored every corner of this stunning city, I’m here to tell you what to skip in Cape Town. Find out which places, activities, and attractions might not live up to the hype, along with some excellent alternatives.
Key Takeaways
| Attraction | Reason to Skip | Alternative | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Table Mountain Cableway | Long queues | Hike via Platteklip Gorge | Free |
| V&A Waterfront Restaurants | Overpriced food | Local Food Markets | Varies |
| Seal Island Boat Tours | Overcrowded, seasickness | Boulders Beach Penguins | ZAR 160/80 |
| Robben Island Tour | Rushed, impersonal | District Six Museum & Langa Tour | ZAR 50, ZAR 300-500 |
| Cape Point Funicular | Expensive, short ride | Hike to Cape Point Lighthouse | ZAR 320/160 |
| City Sightseeing Bus | Crowded, expensive | Rent a car or use local transport | ZAR 500/day |
| Camps Bay Beach | Overcrowded | Llandudno Beach | Free |
1. Skip the Long Queues at Table Mountain
Why to Skip:
Table Mountain is undeniably a must-see, but the long queues for the cableway can eat up precious vacation time, especially during peak season.
Alternative:
Hike Up Table Mountain: If you’re reasonably fit, hiking up Table Mountain via the Platteklip Gorge route is a rewarding experience. It’s free, offers stunning views, and allows you to soak in the natural beauty at your own pace.
- Hiking Duration: 2-3 hours
- Cost: Free
- Best Time: Early morning to avoid the heat and crowds
- Google Map Link: Platteklip Gorge Trailhead
2. Skip the Overpriced V&A Waterfront Restaurants
Why to Skip:
While the V&A Waterfront is a bustling hub with lots to see, many restaurants here are overpriced and overly touristy, offering mediocre food compared to other options in the city.
Alternative:
Local Food Markets: Visit the Old Biscuit Mill in Woodstock or Hout Bay Market for a more authentic culinary experience. These spots are known for their vibrant atmosphere and delicious local food.
- Old Biscuit Mill Address: 375 Albert Rd., Woodstock, Cape Town
- Hout Bay Market Address: 31 Harbour Rd., Hout Bay, Cape Town
- Operating Hours:
- Old Biscuit Mill: Sat 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Hout Bay Market: Fri 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM, Sat-Sun 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
- Google Map Links:
3. Skip the Seal Island Boat Tours
Why to Skip:
The boat tours to Seal Island are often overcrowded, overpriced, and offer limited viewing opportunities. Plus, the waters can be rough, leading to seasickness for many.
Alternative:
Visit Boulders Beach Penguin Colony. Instead, head to Boulders Beach to see the African penguins. It’s more accessible, less crowded, and offers a unique opportunity to get close to these charming creatures.
- Entrance Fee: ZAR 160 for adults, ZAR 80 for children
- Operating Hours: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily
- Google Map Link: Boulders Beach
4. Skip the Overrated Robben Island Tour
Why to Skip:
While Robben Island holds significant historical importance, the guided tours can feel rushed and impersonal. Additionally, the ferry rides are often delayed due to weather conditions.
Alternative:
District Six Museum and Langa Township Tour: For a more engaging and personal look into South Africa’s history, visit the District Six Museum and take a guided tour of Langa Township. These experiences offer profound insights into the country’s past and present.
- District Six Museum Entrance Fee: ZAR 50
- Langa Township Tour Cost: Approximately ZAR 300-500
- Google Map Links:
5. Skip the Cape Point Funicular
Why to Skip:
The funicular ride to the top of Cape Point is short and doesn’t offer much more than a quick photo opportunity. It’s also relatively expensive for what you get.
Alternative:
Hike to the Cape Point Lighthouse: Walking up to the lighthouse is more scenic and rewarding. You’ll get to enjoy the beautiful landscapes and spot wildlife along the way.
- Hiking Duration: 20-30 minutes
- Cost: Free with entrance fee to Cape Point
- Entrance Fee: ZAR 320 for adults, ZAR 160 for children
- Google Map Link: Cape Point Lighthouse
6. Skip the City Sightseeing Bus
Why to Skip:
The hop-on-hop-off buses in Cape Town can be convenient but are often crowded, expensive, and follow a rigid schedule that might not suit every traveler’s pace.
Alternative:
Rent a Car or Use Local Transport: Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace. Alternatively, using minibus taxis offers a more authentic local experience.
- Car Rental Cost: Approximately ZAR 500 per day
- Minibus Taxi Cost: ZAR 10-20 per ride
- Google Map Link: Car Rental Locations
7. Skip the Busy Camps Bay Beach
Why to Skip:
Camps Bay is beautiful but often overcrowded and pricey, especially during peak tourist season.
Alternative:
Llandudno Beach: For a quieter and more serene beach experience, head to Llandudno Beach. It’s just a short drive from Camps Bay and offers stunning sunsets and fewer crowds.
- Google Map Link: Llandudno Beach
FAQs
Q: Is hiking up Table Mountain safe?
Yes, but it’s essential to start early, carry enough water, and wear proper hiking shoes. Always check the weather forecast and inform someone of your plans.
Q: Are there affordable food options at the Old Biscuit Mill?
Yes, the Old Biscuit Mill has a variety of food stalls offering reasonably priced local and international dishes.
Q: Can I visit Boulders Beach without a tour?
A: Absolutely. You can easily access Boulders Beach by car or local transport, and the entrance fee covers your visit.
Q: Is renting a car in Cape Town expensive?
Car rentals are reasonably priced, and having a car allows you to explore the city and surrounding areas at your own pace.
Q: Are minibus taxis safe to use?
A: Minibus taxis are a common mode of transport for locals. While they’re safe, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and avoid them late at night.
Conclusion
There’s something for everyone in Cape Town. Discover a more authentic and enriching journey through this incredible destination by skipping overrated and overcommercialized spots. Get the most out of your time in Cape Town, avoiding tourist traps and embracing its hidden gems.
