If you’ve never experienced Cape Town from the top deck of an iconic red double-decker bus, you’re in for a treat. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning for another adventure, a hop-on hop-off tour is one of the most flexible and enjoyable ways to explore this stunning city. From the sweeping views of Table Mountain to the bustling V&A Waterfront, it’s sightseeing at your own pace, without the stress of navigating or driving.
In this blog we cover:
- The Routes: Discover the three main routes: Red City, Blue Mini Peninsula, and Purple Wine, and how long each one takes.
- Hop-On Hop-Off Flexibility: How you can explore at your own pace, starting from any official stop.
- Multilingual Commentary: Information on 15 language options and a kids’ channel to enhance your experience.
- Extra Day Tours: Optional experiences beyond the city, including Cape Point, wine estates, and whale watching.
- Cruises & Sunset Tours: How to combine your bus tour with harbour or canal cruises and a sunset tour for the ultimate Cape Town view.
- Tips & FAQs: Practical advice to make the most of your tour and answers to common questions.
Cover Image: @citysightseeingsa on Instagram
The Routes: See Cape Town Your Way
City Sightseeing Cape Town runs three main routes, all included in your ticket:
- Red City Tour: Approximately 90 minutes. Covers the city’s top landmarks, including Table Mountain and the V&A Waterfront. Tickets for the Table Mountain Cableway can be purchased directly from your bus driver or at kiosks, helping you skip long queues.
- Blue Mini Peninsula Tour: Around 140 minutes, taking you along the scenic coastline to Camps Bay, Clifton, and beyond. Perfect for ocean views and coastal photography.
- Purple Wine Tour: 30 minutes. Visit the historic Groot Constantia estate and experience a taste of South Africa’s renowned wine culture.
Each route allows you to hop on and off as much as you like, making it simple to linger at the spots that interest you most.
Hop-On Hop-Off Flexibility
The beauty of the red bus is that you’re in control. Start your journey at any of the over 30 official stops, though the main terminals at the V&A Waterfront and 81 Long Street are ideal for tickets and information. Buses run daily, with frequency varying by season and time of day, so you can build your own itinerary without worrying about schedules.
Image: @citysightseeingsa on Instagram
Multilingual Commentary
To make the tour accessible for everyone, audio commentary is available in 15 languages, including English, Afrikaans, French, German, Italian, Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, and even a kids’ channel. Headphones are provided free, so you can sit back and learn about the city in your preferred language.
Image: @citysightseeingsa on Instagram
Extra Day Tours
If you’re eager to explore beyond the city, the hop-on hop-off ticket opens doors to additional tours:
- Cape Point & Penguin Explorer Tour: Visit Boulders Beach and the Cape of Good Hope.
- 3 Regions Wine Explorer Tour: Explore wine estates in Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl.
- Franschhoek Wine Tram Explorer: Includes return transfer to the Wine Tram.
- Hermanus & Whale Watching: Available July to November, perfect for spotting southern right whales.
These tours are a wonderful way to combine city sightseeing with Cape Town’s natural beauty and world-class wine regions.
Image: @citysightseeingsa on Instagram
Cruises & Sunset Tours
The 2-Days Premium Hop-On Hop-Off ticket gives you even more options:
- Harbour Cruise: Spot playful seals and passing international ships around the V&A Waterfront harbour.
- Canal Cruise: Travel from the Foreshore to the V&A Waterfront, stopping at landmarks including CTICC, Harbour Bridge, and One&Only Cape Town.
- Sunset Bus Tour: Experience Cape Town’s transformation as the city lights sparkle over the Atlantic, all from the comfort of the top deck.
Combining a cruise or sunset tour with the hop-on hop-off buses offers an unbeatable view of the city from multiple angles.
Image: @citysightseeingsa on Instagram
Tips for Making the Most of Your Red Bus Tour
- Start early to enjoy quieter stops and avoid peak tourist hours.
- Bring a camera, the views from the top deck are spectacular.
- Consider the 2-day ticket if you want to combine city and extra tours at a relaxed pace.
- Wear comfortable shoes if you plan to hop off and explore on foot.
Plan Your Cape Town Stay with Nox
Exploring Cape Town from the iconic red bus is a must-do, offering flexibility, comfort, and a fun perspective on the city’s best landmarks. And when it comes to planning your stay in Cape Town, Nox Cape Town has you covered with premium holiday rentals to suit every preference, from chic city apartments to luxurious seaside villas.
FAQs:
Q: How long are the tours?
- Red City Tour: ±90 minutes
- Blue Mini Peninsula Tour: ±140 minutes
- Purple Wine Tour: ±30 minutes
- Yellow Walking Tour: ±90 minutes
Q: Can I hop on at any stop?
Yes, you can start your tour at any official stop, though the main terminals are recommended for tickets and information.
Q: Are audio guides available?
Yes, commentary is available in 15 languages, including a kids’ channel. Headphones are provided free.
Q: Are the buses seasonal?
Buses run daily throughout the year, except during certain major events such as the Cape Town Cycle Tour.
Q: Can I combine the bus tour with other experiences?
Yes, with a Premium 2-Day ticket, you can enjoy harbour or canal cruises and a sunset bus tour. Additional day tours to wine estates, Cape Point, and whale watching are also available.