Cape Town City Sightseeing
Cape Town City Sightseeing
Move over, London. There are two cities in South Africa that have made big red bus travel their own. The Johannesburg and Cape Town City Sightseeing Tours are a favourite amongst tourists, and even locals when the mood takes them.
Today, we are focusing on the Cape Town experience. It provides everything from inner-city sojourns to an adventure through the winelands. The breeze rushes through you on the open-top double decker, allowing for an immersive sightseeing tour.
It’s a lovely way to explore the city, or even rediscover what you already know. Getting a ticket isn’t rocket science, but we’re here to prepare you for your whole experience so you can cut a few corners.
You can either do it online via the website, pick up your tickets as you hop on the bus (credit/debit card required) or buy from one of these three locations:
That all depends on what package you go for, which we will be listing underneath. But if you’re staying in and around the city, it’ll cost you R180 per adult and R100 per child (aged 5-17). Children aged four and under get on for free.
There are plenty of stops along the way, and it’s simply a case of remembering where you got off. But the most popular places to catch the bus are as follows:
City Tour to Table Mountain:
You’ll snake through the city streets, make your way up to the wonder of the world that is Table Mountain, and swing through the cosmopolitan areas of Camps Bay and Seapoint. Sea views, breathtaking panoramics, and downtown vibes. This 11-stop route is a favourite among tourists.
Cape Town Downtown Tour:
More of a culture vulture? Then this is where you need to be. This seven-stop tour visits the city’s most engrossing museums, and sites of the most historical importance. South Africa’s past is as immersive as it is conflicted.
Cape Town Mini Peninsula Tour:
Fancy jumping out your comfort zone just a little bit? The Mini Peninsula tour climbs through the outstanding greenery of Kirstenbosch and Constantia, then takes you down to Hout Bay for stunning views of Chapman’s Peak, before returning to town the long way round, exploring the seafronts of Camps Bay and Seapoint.
It’s also worth mentioning that buying a ‘Blue Route’ pass entitles you to the same travel, but you get free entry to three establishments of your choice along the way!
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, World of Birds wildlife sanctuary and monkey park, Cape Wheel – priority entrance with a Blue Route Pass (V&A Waterfront), Groot Constantia – wine estate tour and tasting, Imizamo Yethu Township Walk, Drumbeat Charters – Seal Island cruise (Hout Bay), Circe Launches – seal colony cruise (Hout Bay), Café Caprice – free cocktail at the bar (Camps Bay), Springbok Experience Rugby Museum (V&A Waterfront), City Sightseeing Waterfront Harbour Cruise (V&A Waterfront), City Grill Steakhouse – cheeseburger and chips (V&A Waterfront), The Greek Fisherman – calamari starter and chips (V&A Waterfront), Meloncino – Sorbetti Mist dessert (V&A Waterfront).
Is it wine o’clock already? Hop on the Mini Peninsula tour, then when you’re in Constantia, there’s a minibus service that takes to four different wine farms. Whether your a connoisseur or a piss artist, this is the journey you need to take.
Cape Town Sunset Bus:
Are you more of a romantic? Then get on the Sunset tour. It’s a two-to-three hour journey taking in the most dramatic scenery Cape Town has to offer. Whilst cruising past the beaches, you’ll see the sun sink into the Atlantic, rounding off your day in the most spectacular fashion. Passengers are advised to get to the stop half an hour before departure, between 17:00 – 18:00.
Cape Explorer Winelands Tour:
If the city just doesn’t cut it for you, then get out on this all-day excursion. Departing from the V&A Waterfront at 09:00, you’ll be swanning about the Cape until you return by 17:30. Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Bloubergstrand are all welcome changes of paces, and these wine towns will ply you with food and ale until your heart’s content.
A full timetable for each route can be accessed here. But here’s the long and short of what you need to know for the tours.
(Based on one ticket for an adult)
City Tour, Mini Peninsula Tour, Downtown Tour, Constantia Wine Tour:
Classic: R180 – Provides standard ‘hop-on, hop-off’ service for one day
Premium: R280 – Includes free walking AND sunset tour. Valid for two days
Deluxe: R380 – Includes free walking AND sunset tour. Valid for three days
Sunset Bus:
Ticket: R110 – Journey up Signal Hill to view the City Bowl at twilight
Cape Explorer:
Ticket: R530 – Provides travel, two free wine tastings and a free cheeseboard.
Tel: 021 511 6000 (08:00 – 17:00)
Email: info@citysightseeing.co.za
Via the website: https://www.citysightseeing.co.za/cape-town
Via Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CitySightseeingSouthAfrica