cape town tours red bus

• Cape Town Cape Town Johannesburg Kruger Park Safari
• Johannesburg
• Kruger Park Safari

• Need Accommodation?
• Live Bus tracking
• Cape Point Tours
• Special Offers
• All Tours & Products

Red Cape Town City Tour to Table Mountain

Stop 1: two oceans aquarium.

City Sightseeing tour office: Open daily from 8.00am-6pm

Stop 2: Clocktower Precinct @ the V&A

Access to Mocaa Zeit Museum and/or the Nelson Mandela Gateway to Robben Island

Stop 3: Cape Town International Convention Center

- Visit the Sky-Hi Ride on the roof top of Hotel Sky

Stop 5: City Sightseeing Downtown Tour office

- Free Walking tours start here - Easy access to Greenmarket Square - Free Internet and coffee shop

Stop 7: Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Lower Station

Stop 8: the camps bay strip.

- Visit the beach - Enjoy lunch at one of many restaurants - Great sunset cocktails

Stop 9: The President Hotel Bus stop

- Electric bicycle rental

Stop 10: St John's Road Bus stop

- Rent a bicycle and cycle the beachfront

Stop 11: Winchester Mansions Hotel Bus stop

- Enjoy a drink on their patio

Stop 12: Green Point Lighthouse Stop

- Explore the Cape Town Urban Park

+27 21 511 6000 [email protected]

36 Auckland Street, Paarden Eiland, Cape Town, 7420

Copyright © City Sightseeing South Africa 2024

• Your Cape Town Sightseeing Pass
• No need to buy tickets, feel like a VIP
• Save time and money

City Sightseeing (Red Bus) Tour

2-day ticket Included FREE with ALL PASSES.

• Opening Times
• Address & Map

Attractions Nearby

A City Sightseeing bus tour will take you past many attractions in and around Cape Town. These include Table Mountain, V & A Waterfront, Constantia Winelands and several Cape Town Museums.

This 2-day ticket gives access at all the tour stops, with the ablilty to hop on and hop off on your own time over two consecutive days PLUS a choice of Harbour OR Canal boat cruise + Sunset Bus tour .

Highlights:

• Takes you to many key attractions of Cape Town.

Valid for all three hop-on-hop off loops and stops. Explore Cape Town, the Atlantic Seaboard, and Constantia Wine Route. PLUS , the ticket includes a choice of Harbour or Canal cruise at the V&A Waterfront.

Guided audio channel in over 15 languages + a kid’s channel

The Experience:

City Sightseeing’s open-top, double-decker buses take you to Cape Town’s must-see attractions. A single ticket gives to access all the tour stops, with the ability to hop on and hop off on your own time.

You can choose to spend two days exploring the city on the bus or visit attractions along the several routes. 

City Sightseeing’s open-top, double-decker buses take you to Cape Town’s must-see attractions. This 2-day (consecutive) ticket gives to access all the tour stops, with the ability to hop on and hop off on your own time.

With 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.

IMPORTANT: This experience is valued at R860 for a 2-day (consecutive) tour and is included with your SMART PASS, see the prices for all Passes HERE .

see the: full list of attractions included »

Loading Map - Please wait...

Ticket Office, Dock Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town, 8005

+27 21 511 6000

• Hotel Reservations:
• +27 (0)21 430 4000
• [email protected]

Things to do in Camps Bay

Meet Caamil, Our Famous Barman

Our Top 5 Stops on the Red Bus Tour of Cape Town

The sight of an open top red City Sightseeing bus is an iconic fixture on the roads of Cape Town. They can be seen in abundance, in the City Centre, along the coastline and in tourist hotspots. Just outside The Bay Hotel, each day, like clockwork, these brightly coloured busses come to a stop for locals and tourists to hop on and take in the Mother City.

The City Sightseeing office offers the tour at a reasonable price and the tour has various routes and offerings. Options include a one or two-day passes, as well as Harbour Boat Cruise and a Wine Route tour. The Hop-on-Hop-off policy of the bus tour allows visitors to take in the sights at their leisure.

These are some of our favourite stops on the red bus tour of Cape Town:

1.Camps Bay

This Camps Bay stop is ideally located right in front of The Bay Hotel and the gorgeous Camps Bay beach. You can check out Camps Bay or stop here for a drink by the pool at  Sandy B Private Beach Club  after a long day on the bus. If you’re looking for a more substantial meal, you can check out any of the amazing cafés, bistros and restaurants on the Camps Bay strip .

If you’re an early riser, you can have a delicious breakfast at Tides  – The Bay Hotel’s in-house, dedicated breakfast restaurant. They offer everything from a scrumptious continental breakfast to delicious, warm breakfasts from their a la carte menu.

2. The Waterfront

The Waterfront is a great stop to do some shopping at the award-winning Victoria Mall. Whether you’re looking for a good book, a new outfit or a uniquely South African shopping experience, the Victoria Mall has something for everyone.

Another thing to check out while you’re at the V&A Waterfront is the newly opened the  Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Gallery . In the short time that it has been open, the museum has already garnered international acclaim and has featured the work of several emerging and established African artists.

Transport to this stop can be arranged through the City Sightseeing office. It is also the starting point of the beautiful Harbour Cruise through the canals of  Waterfront Village . 

3. Table Mountain

Table Mountain is undoubtedly the crowning glory of the Mother City. Named as one of the 7 natural wonders of the world , it is no surprise that a stop at the Table Mountain cableway is popular on any of the Red Bus routes.

Table Mountain should allow access to visitors on most clear-sky days. However, during winter, when gloomy clouds hang over the mountain like a feather duvet, the cableway will most likely be closed. Thus, it is recommended to make a stop at Table Mountain should you visit the Mother City in the summertime.

Our favourite? The sunset trips! Make sure you get up the mountain before 8pm on summer nights to experience a sunset like no other!

You can pre-buy your cable car tickets from City Sightseeing and skip the queues at the Table Mountain cableway .

4. Kirstenbosch Gardens

Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens  is one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in South Africa. Famed for their newly added ‘Boomslang’ addition – which gives you a higher perspective of the glorious gardens – Kirstenbosch also plays hosts to summer sunset concerts in the summer and autumn on Sundays.

Pack a picnic basket, and settle into the natural beauty that is Kirstenbosch. Tickets aren’t that expensive, either, can be bought at the ticketing office at the gardens. If you would like to indulge in some local music on a sunny Sunday afternoon, it is highly recommended that you buy your tickets for the sunset concert in advance, as these tickets sell like hotcakes.

5. Constantia

Constantia is one of the oldest and most beautiful suburbs in Cape Town. It’s home to a slew of world famous wine estates, including the famed Groom Constantia, which is also the oldest wine estate in South Africa.

Other critically acclaimed and award-winning wine estates in the area include Beau Constantia, Eagle’s Nest and Buitenverwachting. A stop at any of these beautiful wine estates is highly recommended. Luckily the Red Bus tour knows that the  Constantia Valley Wine Tour is a popular choice among locals and tourists, so they have created a special wine route tour on their bus.

You can get more information about the Constantia Valley on the Red Bus Wine Tour here.

Getting your ticket

Purchasing your ticket and hopping on the bus is a hassle-free experience and the open top offers stunning panoramic views. Each seat has a commentary system, available in 16 languages, where you can connect your complimentary earphones. The tour is perfect for tourists and would be extremely enjoyable for locals looking to see their city from an outsider’s perspective.

For enquiries on the experience visit the  City Sightseeing website  or stop by the micro-office just outside The Bay Hotel.

Related posts

Celebrating Spring with Vintage With Love

Studio G Officially Launched at The Bay Hotel

A Breakfast Buffet at The Bay

Privacy overview.

Expedia Rewards is now One Key™

Earn onekeycash when you sign in and book an activity.

• About this activity

Cape Town Hop-On Hop-Off Red Bus Tour

• Mobile voucher
• Instant confirmation

Explore Cape Town at your own pace with a bus pass. Journey around four different bus routes, stopping at attractions such as Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Table Mountain, and the Cape Winelands, and spend as long as you wish at each. Enjoy a city walking tour or upgrade to include a Signal Hill sunset tour and a boat cruise to Seal Island. 1- or 2-day Cape Town Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Bus tour Hop between the sights with a choice of 4 different bus routes Visit attractions such as Camps Bay, Table Mountain, and the Cape Winelands Flexibility to explore the city at your own pace and to your own interest.

Activity location

• 7806, Constantia, South Africa

Meeting/Redemption Point

• Long Street
• 8000, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

Check availability

• Wed, Apr 24 -
• Thu, Apr 25 -
• Fri, Apr 26 -
• Sat, Apr 27 -
• Sun, Apr 28 -
• Mon, Apr 29 -
• Tue, Apr 30 -
• Wed, May 1 -
• Thu, May 2 -
• Fri, May 3 -
• Sat, May 4 -
• Sun, May 5 -
• Mon, May 6 -
• Tue, May 7 -
• Wed, May 8 -

Sorry this activity isn't available on Wed, Apr 24

What's included, what's not.

• What's included What's included Hop-on hop-off bus pass
• What's excluded What's excluded Lunch

Know before you book

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Activity itinerary

Purple wine tour.

• 1 Point of Interest

Operating schedule

Operating Schedule: This tour links in with Blue Mini Peninsula Tour

Hout Bay Main Road

• Constantia Nek (Interchange point)

Groot Constantia Road

• Groot Constantia Wine estate

164 Constantia Main Rd

• Eagles Nest Wine Estate

225 Rhodes Dr

• Beau Constantia Wine Estate

Constantia Valley Lodge

Red route city tour, points of interest passed by on this route.

• Constantia Valley
• 2 Points of Interest

Duration: 2 hours Operating Schedule: From 09h00 - every 20/30 minutes

Two Oceans Aquarium

• Stop 1: City Sightseeing Tour office

Unnamed Road

• Zeitz Mocaa Museum

7 Lower Long St

• Cape Town International Convention Center
• Stop 5: City Sightseeing Tour office

Table Mountain Aerial Cableway

• Table Mountain Lower Cableway station

69 Victoria Rd

• Opposite the Bay Hotel

Gems Bar & Lounge

• Corner Alexander & Queens Road

0G Beach Rd

• Cnr Beach & St Johns Road, Sea Point

119 Beach Rd

• Opposite Winchester Mansions Hotel

231 Beach Rd

• Next to the Lighthouse
• Table Mountain National Park

Blue Mini Peninsula Tour

• 3 Points of Interest

Duration: 2 hours 20 minutes Operating Schedule: From 09h00 - every 20/30 minutes

7 Walter Sisulu Ave

• Stop 4: Lower Long Street
• Opposite the Mount Nelson Hotel, cnr Hatfield Street

42 Bishopscourt Dr

• Gate 1, Kirstenbosch Gardens

1 Hout Bay Main Rd

• Constantia Nek (Interchange Point for Wine Tour)

Riverside Retirement Village

• World of Birds & Monkey Jungle

ERF1475 Main Rd

• Imizamo Yetho Township Walking Tour

Northshore Mall

• Mariners Wharf and Hout Bay Harbour

The Bantry Bay Aparthotel by Totalstay

271 beach rd, the winchester boutique hotel cape town.

• Winchester Mansion Hotel stop

125 Beach Rd

• Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
• World of Birds
• Duiker Island

Best Deals on Things to Do

Top experiences in constantia.

Home > South Africa > Cape Town > Cape Town Hop On Hop Off Guide

How to Get the Most Out of the Cape Town Hop On Hop Off Bus

To Hop On or to Not Hop On?

Read our review of the Cape Town hop on hop off bus, then continue on our Cape Town travel blog with unique restaurants , unconventional must-dos , the best neighborhoods , and dos and don'ts .

The City Sightseeing Cape Town hop on hop off buses are as impossible to miss here as Table Mountain itself.

Actually, they're harder to miss because even when the mountain's blanketed table-clothed  by clouds you'll see the buses everywhere.

But just because they're ubiquitous doesn't mean they're a must-do. For example, Starbucks cafes are everywhere in our hometown of Vancouver and we wouldn't recommend them to visitors.

So the question is, if you're visiting the Mother City, is the Cape Town hop on hop off bus worth your money? More importantly, is it worth your time?

Surprisingly, for us… it was!

You might think differently, though. Here's all the information you need to decide for yourself.

In this Cape Town Hop On Hop Off Bus Guide

• 1-Day Itinerary

Final Verdict

• What:  Unmistakable red double-decker open-top buses that are everywhere in the city.
• How Much: 220 rands per adult (about $15 US), 110 rands for 5 to 17 year-olds, and free for under 5 year-olds
• What's Included: One day of unlimited hops onto and off of the buses on any of the four routes
• When:  All year except Jan 2 and Mar 10. The first buses leave the V&A waterfront at 8:00 and the last ones return there at 19:30 (Apr to Oct) and 19:50 (Nov to Mar).
• Red Route: 11 stops, 1h35min, 24 km. Goes through the V&A waterfront, downtown, past Table Mountain, over Kloof Nek and back up the Atlantic Seaboard past Camps Bay, the Clifton Beaches, Sea Point and Mouille Point.
• Yellow Route:  7 stops, 33min, 7 km. Circles downtown past the Company's Gardens, into District Six, and back along the Castle of Good Hope. 
• Blue Route:   14 stops, 2h15min, 54 km. Takes you past Kirstenbosch Gardens, over Constantia Nek, into Hout Bay, and back along the Atlantic Coast, following the same route as the Red Route from Camps Bay to the V&A waterfront.
• Purple Route: 3 stops, 30min, 7 km. Goes out to Groot Constantia winery and back past Eagle's Nest, with the option of walking to Beau Constantia from the Constantia Nek stop.

City Sightseeing will provide you with a free map, but it's not to scale and difficult to see exactly where the hop on hop off bus goes. The above map gives you a better idea of where exactly all the stops are.

You can save this route map to your phone for offline use by following our quick and easy Google Maps tips .

8 Tips for the Cape Town Hop On Hop Off Bus

1. buy online.

It's R20 cheaper, R200 instead of R220

2. Bring your own headphones

They give you a pair, but if you have your own bring them to save the waste.

3. Just buy one day

If you don't manage to get through everything in one day, you can extend another day for 100 rands, which is the same you would have paid had you bought the two-day package in the first place.

4. Save with the Entertainer App

It gets you buy-one-get-one-free discounts on Groot Constantia's wine tasting (saving R95), their Jonkerhuis restaurant (saving R110 to R200+), and at over 2,500 other spots around Cape Town. Since it only costs around R400, it doesn't take long to start saving big time.

See our Cape Town Entertainer app review for more, our favorite deals, who should and should NOT get it, and a special 10% off promo code they gave us.

5. Bring sunscreen

On the upper deck of the bus, you'll be exposed to the sun all day and hats won't do because they get blown off by the wind.

6. Sit on the left side of the bus for the best views

Since the buses loop in a clockwise direction, the left side is always closest to the water.

7. Hold onto your ticket! 

If you lose it they will not have mercy on you, nor will they take photo evidence that you had previously paid. Kim learned this the hard way.

8. Do your hop on hop off tour on Sunday

Sunday's the best day because the traffic's the lightest.

Pros of the Cape Town Hop On Hop Off Bus

✓  fun for everyone.

Old people, kids, and lazy folk who don't want to walk much can relax while active travelers like us can cover tons of ground.

✓  Reliable

There are a lot of buses and they run like clockwork every 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the route.

✓  Good Value

For the sake of comparison, a one-way Uber from the V&A Waterfront to Hout Bay costs roughly the same as a day ticket on the hop on hop off sightseeing bus (220 rands).

Because I'm a nerd, I did a quick calculation to see how much our whole day would've cost us with Uber. It added up to 850 rands.

And, honestly, we probably waited less for the hop on hop off buses to arrive than we would've had to wait for Ubers.

✓  Plenty of Space

We did our tour on a weekend in early December and we could always find a whole row to ourselves on the upper deck. It'll get busier during the hectic Christmas and New Years period, but there's still plenty of space.

✓  Scenic

The seats are open and elevated so other vehicles don't block your view and the bus routes follow all the roads that make Cape Town world-famous (and rightfully so) for its natural beauty.

Quite frankly, it would make for a nice early evening date to simply bring a bottle of wine (perhaps one purchased on the Purple Route)  and sit on the back of the bus soaking in the sights!

✓  Safe

From the safe confines of the hop on hop off bus' upper deck, you're well out of the reach of petty thieves.

✓  Comprehensive

The four routes do a good job of covering the areas most visitors to Cape Town will want to see. So much so that, if you're moving to town, we'd recommend doing the tour simply to get your bearings.

✓  Good Commentary

The quality of the commentary you have the option of plugging into (which comes in something like 16 languages) pleasantly surprised us.

Instead of some boring teacher reading off facts from a Wikipedia page, a variety of voices color their commentary with the odd joke and local tip. Even though the information has to be rushed and limited to keep up with the bus' quick moves from one attraction to the next, it's refreshingly entertaining.

And when traffic slows down, they play music from a custom album of local songs. We're not sure if the music is a pro or a con—some is so cheesy it's funny—but it's entertaining at least. Here's the video for our favorite song, which has the incredible lyrics of, "Mr. Mandela, You're One hell of a fella. I want to be like you!"

(Then again, we're not exactly lyrical geniuses ourselves…)

Cons of the Cape Town Hop On Hop Off Bus

✗  less intimate.

Sitting on the bus is like being on an urban safari where you observe "the wildlife" from the distant safety of your vehicle. Unless you get off and walk around, you won't get a true feel for or appreciation of the neighborhoods and the people you speed by.

✗  Forgettable

The travel experiences you'll tell your grandchildren about one day won't happen sitting on a big red bus with a bunch of other tourists.

✗  Overlap

Between Camps Bay and the V&A Waterfront, the Red Route and the Blue Route are the same. You're going to want to ride both buses, which means you'll going to have to repeat this section.

At least it's scenic and, as we were happy to discover, the commentary is slightly different between the two buses.

✗  Overpriced Side Attractions

Businesses fortunate enough to be near a hop on hop off stop charge higher-than-average rates, taking advantage of the extra traffic the buses bring them.

✗  Inflexible

Unlike on a guided tour, there's nobody on the bus you can ask questions to and, unlike renting your own car, you can't go wherever you want.

The routes go in only one direction, so if you miss your stop or want to backtrack for whatever reason, you're out of luck.

Because of this, you're best off planning your day in advance (see Itinerary below).

✗  Traffic

One Day hop on hop off Itinerary

Here's what we suggest you do to get as much bang for your buck as possible with a day on the Cape Town hop-on hop-off bus.

8:25 to 8:58: The Yellow Loop

Kick off your day with the Yellow Loop's half-hour downtown tour. Passing by the Company's Garden, a few of the museums, District Six, and the Castle of Good Hope, this will give you a decent understanding of what's where in the City Bowl, the central part of Cape Town that's encompassed by Signal Hill, Table Mountain, and Devil's Peak.

Take note of anything that interests you to return to another day by foot or by Uber. As you'll realize on your tour, everything's close, so there's no need to burn your precious hop on hop off bus time visiting these attractions.

9:05 to 9:58: The Red Loop to the President Hotel Stop

While the majority of it overlaps with the Blue Loop, you shouldn't skip the Red Loop because it's the only one that takes you to the base of the Table Mountain cableway, which gives you a fantastic view of downtown Cape Town and the bay behind it. Along the way, you'll also get a glimpse of the Gardens area up Kloof Street, where you may want to go for dinner and drinks in the evening or on another day.

Continuing along, the beautiful views of the Twelve Apostles and Camps Bay from Camps Bay Drive will make you want to get off the bus to take photos and check out the beach. Stay on the bus and save it for later.

9:58 to 10:40: See Sea Point by Foot

Getting off at the President Hotel stop and walk along bustling Regent Street towards the St. John's Road hop on hop off stop to get a taste of the Sea Point neighborhood. Maybe also get a taste of a bagel from Kleinsky's or a snack from any other cafes or restaurants you pass along the way. If you walk fast, you can even continue walking along the Sea Point Promenade to the Winchester Mansions hop on hop off stop.

11:05 to 12:10: Blue Loop to Constantia Nek

The Blue Bus will pass through the touristy V&A Waterfront and back downtown before looping around Devil's Peak to drive along Cape Town University, into the leafy Newlands suburb, past Kirstenbosch Gardens and up to Constantia Nek.

12:15 to 14:30: The Purple Route to Groot Constantia

All of a sudden you're in wine country!

Do a tasting at Groot Constantia, South Africa's oldest wine farm, and explore it or do a tour. If you have the Entertainer app (see Tips below), you can get a 2-for-1 deal on both the wine tasting and a main dish at the Jonkerhuis restaurant, one of our picks for the best restaurants in Cape Town for various unique occasions.

To have something to compare Groot Constantia to, stop off at either Eagle's Nest (tastings are 65 rands) or Beau Constantia (100 rands) for another tasting.

15:00 to 15:30: Constantia Nek to Hout Bay

Let some of the alcohol burn off as you ride back down the hill down to Hout Bay.

15:30 to 16:30: Hout Bay

Take some photos of the bay and Chapman's Peak, sample some fish and ships fresh from Hout Bay's working harbor and maybe even do the boat to seal island (85 rands for adults, 50 for kids) as long as you make it in time for the final departure of the day at 15:30.

16:30 to 16:50: Hout Bay to Camps Bay

Another scenic coastal ride will take you past Llandudno and Table Mountain's Twelve Apostles en route to Camps Bay.

16:50 to 18:30 Camps Bay

Dip your toes in the soft sand, and if you're up for the challenge and brought your swimsuit, dip your body in the freezing ocean at Camps Bay, then head to one of the many bars along Victoria Road for a drink or ice cream.

Cafe Caprice is the most famous bar on the strip, but newly-opened Tiger's Milk next door is a worthy alternative for its second-floor patio.

Keep in mind that the last bus from Camps Bay back to the city is at 19:00 between April and October and at 19:20 between November and March.

18:30 Camps Bay to Cape Town

You may want to stay in Camps Bay longer, in which case we highly recommend going for a seafood dinner at Codfather, one of our favorite restaurants in Cape Town .

Otherwise, to head back to the city center, jump onto either the red or blue bus and ride to the nearest stop to where you're staying or to where you want to head next to finish off your Cape Town hop on hop off day tour.

Do the Hop On Hop Off Tour if…

You're either an infrequent traveler who prefers security and simplicity or if you're an experienced traveler who's going to be in Cape Town for more than 5 days.

Honestly, we should have done this tour as soon as we arrived in Cape Town. It's a great way to get your bearings and pick out places to explore on future days.

Don't Do the Hop On Hop Off Tour if…

You're an adventurous traveler and only have four or fewer days in Cape Town.

Get a rental car instead because your time's too precious.

A one-day car rental may be more expensive, about 500 rands plus gas, but it's worth it to escape the ordinary and have a truly unforgettable day.

Read This Next

How to Travel Cape Town Your Own Way: A Self-Travel Guide

The Most Family-Friendly Cape Town Day Trip: The Cape Peninsula

Cape Town For Digital Nomads: The Ups and Downs

Cape Town Travel Blog: More than Mountains, Mandela, and Penguins

Where to Stay in Cape Town: 7 Best Neighborhoods for 1st-Timers

Disclosure: Whenever possible, we use links that earn us a cut if you pay for stuff we recommend. It costs you nothing, so we'd be crazy not to. Read our affiliate policy .

1 thought on “How to Get the Most Out of the Cape Town Hop On Hop Off Bus”

So very useful to me. I found the routes and times to be….daunting – not sure why…but yeah.

I understand there is a "sunset" bus (devils peak maybe?), also – Guessing that is not part of * this* hop on hop off. How would you suggest coordinating the two?

(*little typo: You can {DOWNLOAD? USE ON?} this route map to your phone for offline use by following our quick and easy Google Maps tips.)

What do you think? (Leave a Comment.) Cancel reply

CAPE TOWN FOR CAPETONIANS

THE SUNSET BUS TOUR: A NEW CAPE TOWN RED BUS EXPERIENCE

Since arriving in Cape Town, the opportunity to venture up Signal Hill has eluded me. From afar, it has always looked enticing, with its grove of tall trees and promise of a glorious view of the Mother City. Fortunately, I was able to make the trip this past weekend, thanks to the Sunset Bus Tour, a recent addition to Cape Town’s City Sightseeing Red Bus experience.

The Sunset Bus Tour opened on 23 September, and will be available until 1 May 2017. Unlike the other Red Bus touring options, this is not a hop-on, hop-off tour, taking you directly from Stop 1 outside the Two Oceans Aquarium at the V&A Waterfront to Signal Hill. The bus arrives between 5.30 and 6pm, and should stop at Signal Hill just in time for you to see the sun set over Cape Town.

Having already taken the Red City Tour to Table Mountain, I found Sunday’s journey to be a tad repetitive. The audio aspect of the tour constituted information about the Green Point Lighthouse and Clifton’s various beaches, as well as the scandalous history of Graaff’s Pool, all of which those who have taken the Red City Tour will be familiar with.

There were, however, a few interesting titbits about other places along the route. We learnt a bit about the supposedly haunted Somerset Hospital, now a provincial heritage site; as well as the lush surroundings leading up up to Signal Hill, which are inhabited by a slowly increasing population of Verreaux’s Eagles, along with their favourite snack: dassies. And as always, this natural wonderland was a sight for sore eyes.

Signal Hill itself is a great place to round off the weekend, or to begin one for that matter. It boasts spectacular views of Cape Town, the sunset, and the ocean; and also proves to be a popular spot for socialising. Many families and groups of friends had gathered around with drinks and snacks, and there were a few  paragliding enthusiasts  showing off their bravado.

With it’s views, nature, and convivial atmosphere, Signal Hill is definitely must-see for everyone. The Sunset Bus Tour will be available everyday between now and May, except for 24 December to 3 January 2017, and 12 March.

OF NOTE When Thursday 29 September between 5.30 pm and 6 pm (until Monday 1 May) Where  Spot 1, Across from Two Oceans Aquarium, V&A Waterfront Cost R100 for adults, R60 for children aged 5-17 Contact +27 86 173 3287,  www.citysightseeing.co.za

Photography courtesy Joshua Craig White

[Find out what else is going down in the Mother City on the Cape Town Etc events page ]

Article written by capeetc

We love this place! Cape Town Etc features news, reviews, entertainment and lifestyle in the Mother City.

Follow @capetownetc on Twitter.

CapeTownETC

Subscribe to our Newsletter cheap cars for sale cheap cars for sale in western cape cheap cars for sale in cape town Joburg news News in Johannesburg Bikes for sale

• Cape Town Central
• Things to Do
• Restaurants
• Holiday Rentals
• Travel Stories
• Add a Place
• Travel Forum
• Travellers' Choice
• Help Centre

Red bus Cape Town - worth your while - City Sightseeing

• Africa    
• South Africa    
• Western Cape    
• Cape Town    
• Cape Town Central    
• Cape Town Central - Attractions    
• City Sightseeing

Red bus Cape Town - worth your while

Was very convenient, buses were predictable and ability to track them on the app was great. Awesome way to get a quick view of Cape Town, and learn a few new things as you go along! The kids channel is a bonus for little ones

We had a beautiful scenic drive and experience of Cape Point with my family. A special thanks to the jolly driver, Hansie and tour guide, Rico and his entertaining commentries, who made it an absolute bliss to be on the bus. And also guided us carefully on the mountain hiking. Everything ran smoothly without a glitch and I would definitely come back and do this again

This outfit has it going on! everyhing is so well done. Excellent tour and great people. Super great way to start your time in Cape Town.

My son turned 15 on the 4th October and asked to go on the Blue Route as his birthday present. Eric is autistic and has a special interest in CitySightseeing. He knows all the times/wait periods etc (throughout the various lockdown levels) He loves the Bus, Canal and Harbour tours. We did not hop on hop off, but did a round trip, it was a fantastic birthday morning. Thank you for facilitating a Happy Birthday

It was a wonderful experience! Charles is a very good tourguide and have a lovely character. Will definitely book a tour on the red bus again ❤️

An experience worth doing,I enjoyed every moment of it. I would recommend taking a hike from Cape point to Cape of good hope, the views are amazing! Charles our tour guide was awesome , I give him a 5 star

The Cape Point Explorer bus

• January 1, 2017

Cape Point now has its own dedicated “Red Bus”.

The Cape Point Explorer is a full day’s excursion with an English-speaking guide aboard a luxury air-conditioned coach, featuring a drive through picturesque Muizenberg, Fish Hoek and a visit to Boulders Beach with its famous colony of African penguins. The tour then continues to Cape Point, with an optional hike to the Cape of Good Hope headland.

The return route takes in the pretty seaside villages of Scarborough and Kommetjie and the Ou Kaapse Weg mountain pass with spectacular vistas towards False Bay. Tours run daily, except for major race days like the Two Oceans Marathon and Cape Town Cycle tour (some roads will be closed).

The Cape Point Explorer will run daily with staggered departure times from 9.45am from select City Sightseeing bus stops in Camps Bay, Sea Point, Green Point and the city, as well as City Sightseeing tour offices at stop 1 (V&A Waterfront) and stop 5 (Long Street). The return time is approximately 5.30pm.

How to book: Book online at City Sightseeing or at City Sightseeing ticket offices.

Tickets are also available from bus drivers, subject to availability. When booking, make sure you state your pick-up point. For more information and to book your ticket, visit https://www.citysightseeing.co.za/cape-town/tours/cape-point-explorer

FinanceBuzz

16 Most Scenic Double-Decker Bus Rides in the World (#10 Is a Hidden Gem)

Posted: October 11, 2023 | Last updated: October 11, 2023

When you think of a double-decker bus, your mind may automatically jump to London's famed two-floor, red buses — and rightly so. But there are many other incredible double-decker bus tours, where guests can sit in an open-air top floor worldwide. 

You may not be aware of the fun things you can get up to and the amazing sights you can see on these tours all over the world. So step up your travel game and climb aboard these 16 famous double-decker bus tours from around the world.

Compare the best travel credit cards for nearly free travel

Barcelona Bus Turístic – Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona's Bus Turístic is one of several popular double-decker bus tours in the city that lets riders hop on and hop off at dozens of incredible sites.

Audio guides are available in more than a dozen languages (headphones are provided on the bus), and riders can take in everything from La Sagrada Familia to Camp Nou football stadium.

Booking with Bus Turístic on one of your first days in Barcelona can help save money on travel by narrowing down which spots you can devote more time to.

Get expert advice on making more money - sent straight to your inbox.

City Sightseeing Cape Town – Cape Town, South Africa

City Sightseeing’s Cape Town bus tours give passengers access to three different routes, with the hop-on, hop-off buses passing through several major tourist destinations.

Audio tours are available in 15 languages, and the bus loops stop at breathtaking attractions like Table Mountain’s cableway station and the Camps Bay Strip, where riders can check out the stunning beach.

Big Bus Chicago – Chicago, USA

Big Bus is not the only hop-on, hop-off double-decker bus option in the Windy City, but it’s one of the more popular choices.

The tour stops at major attractions throughout the city, like the Chicago Riverwalk, Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower), Millennium Park (home of The Bean), and Navy Pier.

6 ways to build a life where you can travel any time you want

Big Bus Dubai – Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Big Bus also has an option to explore Dubai on one of their double-decker buses.

Choose from a 24-hour, 48-hour, or five-day hop-on, hop-off ticket and visit the city's stunning landmarks, including Burj Khalifa (the world’s tallest building), Heritage Village, and Palm Jumeirah.

DoDublin – Dublin, Ireland

DoDublin’s hop-on, hop-off bus tour is one of the most popular in Ireland’s capital city. Riders can book 24- or 48-hour passes and check out several of the city’s famed landmarks.

A tour guide will give riders the low-down as they visit top tourist destinations like Trinity College and the Book of Kells, the Guinness Storehouse, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and more.

Edinburgh Tour – Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh Tour takes passengers on a big, green bus to many of Scotland’s capital city’s most stunning landmarks — from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

The tours begin at Waterloo Place and feature a live guide. Passengers are free to hop on and off at any time while their ticket is active or ride for the duration of the tour (about an hour).

13 legit ways to make extra cash

Big Bus Hong Kong – Hong Kong, China

Big Bus also offers hop-on, hop-off tours of Hong Kong that hit all the major sites — from Victoria Peak and Lan Kwai Fong to Victoria Harbour.

Riders can listen to pre-recorded commentary (available in 10 languages) and choose a 24-hour, 48-hour, or night tour ticket, which includes a stunning nighttime view of the Kowloon Peninsula.

Big Bus Las Vegas – Las Vegas, USA

Big Bus’s Las Vegas tours take riders to all the major sites — from the Strip and the Bellagio fountains to the Downtown District — in their open-air, two-floor buses.

These hop-on, hop-off tours also feature live guides, so riders can be entertained and educated about the area. Riders can buy 24-hour, 48-hour, or night tour tickets.

The Classic Tour – London, England

Naturally, there are many incredible bus tours in London, home of the famed red double-decker buses. The Classic Tour, which packs riders onto a vintage 1960s double-decker Routemaster, is a fan favorite.

The tours feature hilarious live guides and take riders through the city’s top tourist destinations — from Westminster Abbey and the Tower of London to St. Paul’s Cathedral.

9 nearly secret things to do if you fly Southwest

New York Iconic – New York, USA

There are many hop-on, hop-off bus tour options in New York City, but a relatively lesser known, yet still highly rated, option is the big, orange New York Iconic bus tour.

The company offers different tour options — like a Downtown tour, an Uptown tour, or an All City Express tour (that hits hotspots like Grand Central Station and the Plaza Hotel). Many tours also come with a live guide.

France Tourisme – Paris, France

A two-hour tour where riders can listen to commentary in one of five languages, France Tourisme’s Paris double-decker takes passengers to some of the City of Light’s most stunning landmarks.

Riders will be able to enjoy the beauty of the Eiffel Tower, Champs-Élysées, and the Louvre Museum — and learn about the city’s rich history while doing so.

I Love Rome – Rome, Italy

I Love Rome’s hop-on, hop-off bus tour takes passengers on a hot pink bus to some of the ancient city’s most popular and stunning landmarks.

The open-air bus stops at the Colosseum, the Spanish Steps, Vatican City, and more. And with buses running every 15 to 20 minutes, passengers can spend as long as they like at each stop.

5 signs you're doing better financially than the average American

Big Bus San Francisco – San Francisco, USA

Big Bus San Francisco offers several options for tour enthusiasts visiting the Bay Area.

They offer the classic 1- and 2-day hop-on, hop-off tours (which hit the city’s hot spots), options to add a visit to Alcatraz into the ticket price, or a wine tour that takes riders to several Napa Valley wineries.

FunVee – Singapore

Those looking for a fun weekend excursion in Singapore should consider the FunVee bus tour, which offers incredible views of Singapore’s skyline.

The double-decker bus tour runs on Saturdays and Sundays and takes riders past stunning sites like Sri Mariamman Temple, Merlion Park, Marina Bay Sands, and Gardens by the Bay.

Big Bus Sydney – Sydney, Australia

Big Bus also offers several packages for riders in Sydney. Each tour covers the city’s most well-known landmarks — like Darling Harbour, the Sydney Opera House, and Bondi Beach.

Some packages include extra excursions, like a pass for the company’s hop-on, hop-off harbor cruise, or admission to attractions like the Sydney Tower Eye.

City Sightseeing Toronto – Toronto, Canada

City Sightseeing offers a great Toronto double-decker bus tour where riders can hop off at more than a dozen prime locations throughout the city.

The bus stops at sites like the Royal Ontario Museum, the famed CN Tower, Queen’s Park, the Hockey Hall of Fame, and more. Consider booking your bus tour with a travel credit card to earn travel rewards while you explore.

Bottom line

A city bus tour is a smart way to get your bearings when visiting somewhere new since you’re paying for transportation to many top tourist destinations in one shot.

The great thing about many of these tours — aside from the very flexible hop-on, hop-off options — is that they’re one of the best smart travel hacks that can save you money. 

Visit one of the tours on this list next time you're visiting one of these terrific locations worldwide. 

More from FinanceBuzz:

• 6 genius hacks Costco shoppers should know
• 9 things you must do before the next recession.
• Can you retire early? Take this quiz and find out.
• 9 simple ways to make up to an extra $200/day

More for You

Trump Blames Biden For Strong Dollar—As US Currency Reaches New High Against Japanese Yen

Famous Roles That 16 Actors Never Want to Play Again

The Coolest Car From the Year You Were Born (1945-1995)

14 Things You Should Never Divulge to Anyone Else About Yourself

Storm Shadows Head to Ukraine as Ally Commits 1,600 Missiles in New Aid

Here is the true value of having a fully paid-off home in America — especially when you're heading into retirement

Charles Barkley slams Lakers for blaming refs after Game 2 loss

"Ungovernable": How Republicans willingly gave up their power in the House of Representatives

Frightening map shows the best parts of the United States to withstand a nuclear apocalypse

I’m a Car Expert: Here are 3 Reasons I’d Never Buy a Used Car From a Dealership

What Does It Mean if You Remember Your Dream When You Wake up

I moved my family from California to Austin, Texas, and regretted it. Here are 10 things to consider before making an expensive mistake.

Cops and Firefighters Earn Almost $800K a Year in Overtime in California, Sparking Outrage

You Are Too Old To Do These 12 Things After 55

Trump is taking a first step towards war with China

Sports Cars As Cool as the Porsche 911 But Way More Affordable

UAE Floods Shown in Incredible Before-and-After Satellite Photos

Final NFL mock draft roundup: Three teams trade into the top five for QB

New California bill would ban line skipping service Clear from airports in name of equity

I was too afraid to tell my boss 'no.' My burnout was so bad that one day I left the office on a stretcher.