Explore Cape Town with City Sightseeing’s Red Bus Tours: The Ultimate Guide

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Cape Town, with its breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture, offers an abundance of attractions. One of the best ways to explore this magnificent city is by hopping on a City Sightseeing Red Bus Tour. This guide provides everything you need to know about the different routes, stops, experiences, and prices, ensuring you make the most of your tour.

HOP ON HOP OFF BUS

Why Choose City Sightseeing Red Bus Tours?

City Sightseeing is renowned for providing top-notch, convenient, and informative bus tours in cities worldwide. In Cape Town, their iconic red buses offer a range of routes that allow you to experience the city’s highlights with ease and comfort. Whether you’re a local, a visitor, or a senior, there are routes and pricing options to suit everyone.

The Routes and Their Highlights

The “Hop-On Hop-Off” City Sightseeing Cape Town offers several distinct routes, each designed to showcase different facets of the city. Here’s a detailed look at what each route offers:

1. Red City Tour (Route 1)

  • Duration: Approximately 90 minutes

  • Stops: 11 major stops
Highlights:
  • V&A Waterfront: Start your journey at this bustling hub of shopping, dining, and entertainment.

  • Two Oceans Aquarium: Dive into the underwater world with a variety of marine life.

  • Table Mountain Cableway: Ascend to one of the 7 Wonders of The World.

  • Camps Bay: Relax on the sandy beaches or enjoy the vibrant café culture.

  • Green Point Urban Park: A lush space perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic.
Experiences:

  • Historical Insights: Learn about Cape Town’s history with pre-recorded audio commentary.
  • Scenic Views: Enjoy panoramic views from the top deck of the bus.

2. Blue Mini Peninsula Tour (Route 2)

  • Duration: Approximately 2 hours

  • Stops: 14 stops including an extension to Kirstenbosch Gardens
Highlights:
  • Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden: Explore one of the world’s greatest botanical gardens.

  • Constantia Wine Route: Visit some of the oldest wine estates in South Africa.

  • Hout Bay: Discover this charming fishing village and its markets.

  • World of Birds: Visit Africa’s largest bird park with over 3,000 birds.
Experiences:

  • Wine Tasting: Sample fine wines in Constantia.
  • Natural Beauty: Stroll through Kirstenbosch Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
City Sightseeing's Red Bus Tours:

3. Yellow Downtown Tour (Route 3)

  • Duration: Approximately 60 minutes

  • Stops: 14 stops
Highlights:
  • District Six Museum: Gain insight into the apartheid era and its impact.

  • Castle of Good Hope: Explore the oldest colonial building in South Africa.

  • City Hall: See the iconic site where Nelson Mandela made his first public speech after his release from prison.
Experiences:

  • Cultural Exploration: Immerse yourself in Cape Town’s rich cultural history.
  • Architectural Wonders: Admire the city’s blend of historical and modern architecture.

4. Purple Wine Tour (Route 4

Ticket Prices and Options

City Sightseeing Cape Town offers various ticket options to cater to different needs:

  • Standard Tickets:
    • 1-Day Ticket: Allows unlimited hop-on, hop-off access to all routes for a full day.
    • 2-Day Ticket: Enjoy unlimited access for two consecutive days, ideal for thorough exploration.
  • Pricing:
    • Foreigners: Standard prices apply.
    • Pensioners and Children: Reduced rates to make the tours accessible for everyone.
  • For the most up-to-date prices and specific details, visit the City Sightseeing Cape Town website.

Bus & Boat Cruise Tours With Details

Cape Town’s best value package – BEST VALUE ALL-IN PACKAGE!

TOUR DESCRIPTION

Linger for a little longer getting to know Cape Town with our 2-Day Premium Ticket and see the best of Cape Town’s world-renowned landmarks on our hop-on, hop-off sightseeing bus tour. Your ticket also includes a choice or Harbour or Canal cruise at the V&A Waterfront, a working harbour and Africa’s top attraction all-in-one!

MORE INFORMATION

Get the Timetable Tours Get the Map!

Direct from the V&A to the Table Mountain Cable Car base station this tour option offers over 30 stops, and taking you to over 50 of Cape Town’s top attractions, the bus allows you to hop-on and hop-off at your leisure. This ticket allows you access to all 3 bus tour loops: – The Red City tour to the Table Mountain Cableway – The Blue Mini Peninsula tour – The Purple Constantia Valley Wine tour and  – The Yellow Downtown tour. On board commentary in 15 languages plus a Kids channel Additional discounts and special deals negotiated just for you – see the back of your ticket

With our buses scheduled to stop at regular intervals, you will have plenty of time to uncover the city’s treasures. So whether you want to jump off and take a quick scenic pic of Table Mountain or wonder around Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens or visit Groot Constantia, the oldest Wine Estate in South Africa, you have the flexibility to do so. Join us and create your own itinerary.

Includes: 

  •  3 Hop on-Hop off loops & Walking Tour
  • Choose Harbour OR Canal Cruise
  • Includes FREE boat cruise
  • Visit the famous Camps Bay beach
  • The Nelson Mandela statue
  • Table Mountain in sight
  • Lions Head

Tour assistance offices

Hop On – Hop Off at any of the stops along the circular route and simply show the same ticket to board the next bus

Kids love the open top buses and have a special commentary channel (In English)

Price:

  • Adult: R379
  • Child: R265

Classic Ticket – 1 Day, 3 tour loops

TOUR DESCRIPTION

Explore all the top and lesser-known iconic monuments and famous landmarks on our Cape Town sightseeing bus tours. Our hop-on, hop-off Cape Town tours allow you to explore the best of this city, at your own pace. With over 20 stops across 2 different routes, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to hop off the bus and explore the Cape Town landmarks and attractions that appeal to you in this award-winning city!

 3 Hop on-Hop off loops & Walking Tour

The Classic package gives you one full day on the bus covering all hop-on, hop-off Cape Town tours. This ticket allows you access to all 3 bus tour loops: – The Red City tour to the Table Mountain Cableway – The Blue Mini Peninsula tour – The Purple Constantia Valley Wine tour and – The Yellow Downtown tour. On board commentary in 15 languages plus a Kids channel Additional discounts and special deals negotiated just for you – see the back of your ticket

Price:

  • Adult:  R279
  • Child: R165

The Deluxe Ticket Tour

3 Tour Loops + Harbour Cruise + Canal Cruise + FREE Sunset bus (Summer only) + enjoy 3 days on the bus

TOUR DESCRIPTION

Get closer to iconic monuments and famous landmarks on our Cape Town sightseeing bus tours. Our hop-on, hop-off tours allow you to explore the best of this city, at your own pace. With over 20 stops across 2 different routes, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to hop off the bus and explore the Cape Town landmarks and attractions that appeal to you most.

Includes: 

  • 3 Hop on-Hop off loops & Walking Tour
  • Harbour cruise AND Canal cruise
  • Sunset bus tour
  • 3 Days to cover over 30 stops, and taking you to over 50 of Cape Town’s top attractions, the bus allows you to hop-on and hop-off at your leisure.

With our buses scheduled to stop at regular intervals, you will have plenty of time to uncover the city’s treasures. So whether you want to jump off and take a quick scenic pic of Table Mountain or wonder around Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens or visit Groot Constantia, the oldest Wine Estate in South Africa, you have the flexibility to do so. Join us and create your own itinerary.

This ticket allows you access to all 3 bus tour loops: – The Red City tour to the Table Mountain Cableway – The Blue Mini Peninsula tour – The Purple Constantia Valley Wine tour and  – The Yellow Downtown tour. On board commentary in 15 languages plus a Kids channel Additional discounts and special deals negotiated just for you – see the back of your ticket.

All our tour products are included: 3 day on the Hop On Hop Off bus + Harbour Cruise + Canal Cruise + Sunset Bus ( Sunset bus available in October – April )

Price:

  • Adult: R479
  • Child: R365

Cableway and Red Bus COMBO

Discover Cape Town at your own pace with a combined 1-day, Classic ticket for the open-top sightseeing bus and Table Mountain Aerial Cableway. Get access to 2 routes of the hop-on hop-off bus and benefit from a stop at the cableway station to ascend to the top of the mountain – one of the official “Natural 7th Wonders of the World” for spectacular views of the city and Atlantic Seaboard.
Listen to a commentary in 15 languages aboard the bus to learn more about the must-see attractions and decide where to jump off. The ticket is valid for 14 days from first use so that you don’t have to ride the bus and cableway on the same day.

MORE INFORMATION

Highlights – Save time and catch the hop-on hop-off bus directly to Table Mountain – Get panoramic city and sea views aboard the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway – Enjoy unlimited access to all 4 hop-on hop-off bus routes – Benefit from a flexible combo ticket valid for 14 days from first use – Enjoy a free walking tour and get to learn about Cape Town’s rich cultural heritage

Includes: 

  • 3 Hop on-Hop off loops & Walking Tour
  • Ticket for the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway

Price:

  • Adult:  R699
  • Child: (Aged 4 – 17 Years) R375

Bus & Lunch Tour

TOUR DESCRIPTION

Hop off in Hout Bay and take a short walk to Mariner’s Wharf. Enjoy a freshly prepared portion of hake and chips while you soak in the sights and sounds of the Hout Bay Harbour.

Get closer to iconic monuments and famous landmarks on our Cape Town sightseeing bus tours. With over 30 stops across 3 different routes, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to explore the Cape Town.

Our hop-on, hop-off Cape Town tours allow you to discover the best of this city, at your own pace.

Includes:

  • 1 Day Official hop-On Hop-Off tour
  • Fish & Chips in Hout Bay
  • City/Bo-Kaap Walking Tour

Price:

  • Adult: R379
  • Youth: R265
Lions Head View From Bus Tour

Cruise The Streets & Harbour Tour

TOUR DESCRIPTION

Get closer to iconic monuments and famous landmarks on our Cape Town sightseeing bus tours. Our hop-on, hop-off Cape Town tours allow you to explore the best of this city, at your own pace. With over 30 stops across 3 different routes, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to hop off the bus and explore the Cape Town landmarks and attractions that appeal to you most. Round off your action packed day with a 30 minute harbour cruise of the V&A harbour OR a 30 minute canal cruise along the V&A canal.

Operates:

* Daily
* Yellow Downtown Route has been replaced with a walking tour

Includes:

  • Your Classic bus ticket
  • PLUS your choice of boat cruise:  
    – V&A Seal & harbour cruise
     or
    – The calm water of the Canal cruise

Price:

  • Adult: R319
  • Child: R185
sunset bus tour

Sunset Tour 

TOUR DESCRIPTION

Join us for the Mother City’s “Golden Hour” on a trip along the Atlantic seaboard through Sea Point and Camps Bay to Signal Hill. Bring your own picnic basket and enjoy whilst watching the sun set over the Atlantic Ocean.
After sunset, the bus will take you back to the V&A Waterfront via the city as Cape Town shows off her night lights in all her glory!

 Don’t forget your picnic!

Includes: 

  • Bring your own picnic to enjoy on Signal Hill
  • Watch the sunset over the Atlantic Ocean
  • Discover the brilliant lights & stunning views
  • Comfort and safety in the open-air

Price:

  • Adult: R179
  • Child: R115

Duration: 2.5 hrs

Canal Cruise Tour

TOUR DESCRIPTION

Learn more about the “suitcase of money” and other interesting stories of the canal, as you cruise along the calm waters between the V&A and the Cape Town Convention center.
Pass the home of urban Kayaking and Stand up paddling “Battery Park” in the middle of the canal.

Whether you’re looking for an easy way to get from point A to point B or a fun outdoor experience, City Sightseeing’s Canal Cruise water taxis tick all the boxes.

This ticket is valid for a full day – so take some time and hop on and off at the various stops to explore this part of Cape Town!

MORE INFORMATION

  • 20-minute cruise between Cape Town’s Foreshore area and V&A Waterfront
  • On-board commentary in 15 languages (English, Afrikaans, Arabic, French, German, Dutch, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, Turkish and Zulu)
  • A special audio channel for kids to enjoy
  • Stops along the canal include: One & Only Hotel, Battery Park, AC Marriot, Harbour Bridge and CTICC

Includes:

  • Learn about interesting canal stories, including the “suitcase of money”
  • Stories are offered in multiple languages
  • Efficient water taxi between the CBD & V&A
  • Regular departures
  • Comfort and safety in the open-air

Price:

  • Adult: R69
  • Child: R40

Duration: 30 mins

V&A Harbour & Seal Cruise Tour

TOUR DESCRIPTION

Life in and around the Victoria and Alfred basins is busy. On this trip you’ll come across resident seals to international ships visiting our shores. Hop on our Waterfront Harbour Cruise to see the city in a new light and learn more about Cape Town’s proud nautical history.

MORE INFORMATION

Departing from the jetty outside the Two Oceans Aquarium at the V&A Waterfront, the Waterfront Harbour Cruise puts Cape Town’s bustling harbour in the spotlight. Expect to see key attractions including icons of maritime history as well as epic views of the city’s natural landscape. Highlights include the SAS Somerset, the only remaining boom defence vessel in the world, and the southern hemisphere’s largest synchro-lift and only drawbridge, the Bascule Bridge. The cruise also includes views of Table Mountain, the Nelson Mandela Gateway, Chavonnes Battery Museum and the well-known Clock Tower. Of course, experiencing the bustling waterways of Cape Town from a boat is a highlight itself, and this cruise offers a perspective of the city that no other tour can offer.

Includes:

  • Come and see the Cape Fur seals
  • Hear about Cape Town’s nautical history
  • Listen to the legends and stories of the V&A
  • Close up views of seals and ships
  • Regular Departures
  • Comfort and safety in the open-air

Price:

  • Adult: R69
  • Child: R40

Duration: 30 mins

The Red Bus Birthday Freebie

Celebrate your birthday with City Sightseeing Cape Town and enjoy a free ticket! This offer is available to both locals and tourists. To take advantage of this freebie, simply bring a valid ID showing your birthdate to the ticket office. Terms and conditions apply, so check the website for any updates or additional requirements.

Tips for a Great Experience

  • Plan Your Day: Decide on the routes and stops you want to visit in advance.
  • Start Early: Begin your tour early to make the most of your day.
  • Wear Comfortable Clothing: Cape Town’s weather can change quickly, so dress in layers.
  • Stay Hydrated: Bring water, especially during the hot summer months.
  • Bring Your Camera: Capture the stunning sights along the way.

Dining and Discounts with FOMO

While enjoying your City Sightseeing tour, make the most of dining and activity discounts offered by FOMO. This company partners with various restaurants and entertainment venues to provide attractive deals. Check out their latest offerings to complement your sightseeing adventure.

Discover Cape Town with City Sightseeing

City Sightseeing’s Red Bus Tours offer an unparalleled way to explore Cape Town’s rich heritage, scenic beauty, and vibrant culture. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, these tours provide valuable insights and memorable experiences. Plan your journey today and see the Mother City from a unique perspective, all while enjoying the comfort and convenience of the iconic red bus.

For more information and to book your tickets, visit the City Sightseeing Cape Town website.