June 2020
Among Cape Town’s many attractions, characters and icons, City Sightseeing’s Big Red Buses have become their own familiar and beloved feature of the city. With 4 city routes and almost 30 stops, 10 various day tours and some alternative modes of transportation - the City Sightseeing’s system may seem daunting to you, but - in fact - it’s as easy as 1, 2, 3.
Name: Map
Our main city tour offices can be found at the V&A Waterfront (Stop 1) and at the Tour Depot on Long Street (Stop 5). From these 2 points, the city is your oyster.
STOP 1:
Stop 1 is in itself an interesting destination as it sits in the hub of the famous V&A Waterfront, is just outside the Two Oceans Aquarium, and within walking distance to the harbour, Watershed Market, Cape Town Comedy Club, and so much more.
V&A Waterfront
This stop is also the point where our Mini Peninsula and City Tour routes begin, and, of course - intersect. The Mini Peninsula Tour or Blue Route takes just over 2 hours to complete and takes you past the likes of Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, the World of Birds and Imizamo Yethu Township. The City Tour or Red Route takes approximately 90 minutes, and stops at the Clock Tower, the Cape Town International Convention Centre, and most importantly, Cape Town’s headline attraction - Table Mountain.
From here you can hop on your preferred route, just be sure to choose the correct bus. If you are unsure, our friendly staff are always happy to help, and point you in the right direction.
Slap-bam in the hub of the inner-city, and surrounded by the lively ambience of one of Cape Town’s most popular streets, our Long Street ticket office is definitely a vibey experience. Located inside the Long Street Travel Depot, here you can shop for souvenirs, order specialised coffees, buy tour tickets and enquire after a number of awesome activities around the city. Both our Blue and Red Routes stop here, and it is the only converging spot with our Downtown Tour or Yellow Route.
Travel Depot
The Yellow Route is only about a 30-minute route, but has many interesting stops where you may find yourself spending hours. Some of these highlights include the Mount Nelson Hotel, District 6 Museum, and the stalwart that is the Castle of Goodhope.
At this point along the route, the Red and Blue route join after coming from Hout Bay and Table Mountain respectively. From here, the two routes keep the same stops all the way along the coast and back to the ticket office at the V&A Waterfront. Here you are welcome to change tours, or use which ever bus arrived closest to your schedule, just remember that if you wish to move past Stop 1 again, just be sure to board the correct bus.
Coastal views
From Stop 21 along the Blue Route you will have the opportunity to hop on the Constantia Valley Wine Bus or Purple Route. This short 20-minute loop consists of only 3 stops, but is perfect for you to spend your time wining and dining at your own leisure.
Wine tours and Vineyard picnics
Stopping at three of the region’s top wine estates, you can stroll around South Africa's oldest vineyard, visit historical monuments, go on a cellar tour, taste world-class wines, order a picnic or dine at an award-winning restaurant.
DAY TOURS
Got something else you want to see? An extra day in the city? Want something off the beaten track? City Sightseeing also offers a variety of day tours to add to your itinerary, from safaris, to adrenaline adventures, scenic road trips and gastronomic tours. All of our tours leave from either Stop 1 at the V&A Waterfront, or Stop 5 in the CBD which are both accessible on the Red or Blue Route, and additional shuttling is also available directly between them according to any day tour schedules.
Day Trips
Check out one of these great day tour ideas to add to your ticket:
HOW ABOUT A WATER TAXI?
Our Cape Town Canal Cruise is a unique opportunity to see the foreshore from a new and more intimate angle, but also as a great way to get from point A to point B. Your Canal Cruise ticket works an all-day hop-on hop-off ticket that can get you around between the city (STOP 3) and the V&A Waterfront (Stop 1).
Canal Cruise between One and Only and CTICC
Tickets are included when purchasing a Premium Hop On-Hop Off ticket, or are available separately. Cruises depart every 20 minutes, and includes the following stops and attractions:
- CTICC (Stop 3)
- Harbour Bridge Hotel & Suites
- City Lodge Hotel Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
- One&Only (300m from Stop 1)
When you visit any of our ticket offices, be sure to grab one of our city maps which will directly through all these routes and tell you all you need to know. And don’t forget, if you still have any questions or need some assistance, just approach one of our friendly and experiences members of staff you are willing to point you in the right direction.
When you visit any of our ticket offices, be sure to grab one of our city maps which will directly through all these routes and tell you all you need to know. And don’t forget, if you still have any questions or need some assistance, just approach one of our friendly and experiences members of staff you are willing to point you in the right direction.
Pop in and say Hi at our Long Street office : Stop 5
