Hardened travellers believe the best way to learn about a city is to explore it on foot. We certainly agree, which is why we offer several walking tours in Cape Town and outlying areas.
Our city walks will appeal to budget-conscious travellers as they are completely free! Yes, you read that correctly – these tours operate on a tip-only basis.
We offer two free walking tours – the Historic City Tour and the Vibrant Bo-Kaap Tour. Both tours start at the City Sightseeing ticket office at 81 Long Street (stop 5) – just look out for the bright red umbrellas – and take approximately 90 minutes. Tours depart daily at 10am, 1pm and 4pm and are led by knowledgeable local guides.
On the Historic City Tour, you'll hear interesting stories about the city's rich history and heritage – from slavery to the apartheid era and the present day. Tour highlights include Greenmarket Square (where slaves were once sold), City Hall (where Nelson Mandela made his first speech as a free man) and the Company's Garden (home to the Cape's oldest living "citizen").
The Vibrant Bo-Kaap Tour explores the historical neighbourhood famed for its brightly coloured houses – think pink, green, blue and orange. Other tour highlights include the Auwal Masjid (the first and oldest mosque in South Africa), the Bo-Kaap Museum and the spicy delights of Cape Malay food.
Another off-the-beaten-track experience is our Township Walking Tour of Imizamo Yethu. The tour is unique as you weave in and around the township homes and learn about the history of Hout Bay's informal settlement from its residents.
To experience the Township Walking Tour, simply hop off at stop 23 on our Mini Peninsula Tour. You can buy tickets for the Township Walking Tour either online or from the bus driver. Your guide will meet you at the drop-off point and return you approximately 40 minutes later.