Tour operator
Coffeebeans Routes
Coffeebeans Routes runs storytelling-led cultural experiences in Cape Town, from jazz nights and food walks to history routes, connecting visitors with local musicians, artists and hosts.
City Sightseeing Cape Town
City Sightseeing runs Cape Town's red hop-on hop-off buses, plus free 90-minute walking tours from its Long Street office and day tours to Cape Point and the winelands.
At a glance
- Type
- Hop-on hop-off bus and walking tours
- Area
- City Centre, Cape Town, South Africa
- Official site
- citysightseeing.co.za
Good to know
- Hop-on hop-off routes
- Commentary in 15 languages
- Free walking tours
- Wine and peninsula day tours
Why we recommend it
City Sightseeing operates the red open-top hop-on hop-off buses that are a familiar sight around Cape Town, and for many first-time visitors they are the easiest way to get an overview of the city. The buses run on several routes, with recorded commentary available in 15 languages, and stop at major sights such as the V&A Waterfront, the Table Mountain cableway, Camps Bay and Kirstenbosch.
Tickets come in several forms. The Classic one-day ticket includes the Red City Tour, the Purple Wine Tour through the Constantia valley, a mini peninsula tour and a free walking tour, while the two-day Premium ticket covers three hop-on hop-off routes and adds a sunset bus tour and a harbour or canal cruise. Combination tickets with the Table Mountain cableway are also available, which can save time queuing.
The company also runs free walking tours from its ticket office at 81 Long Street, which is Stop 5 on the bus route. The Historic City Walk passes Greenmarket Square, the Company's Garden, City Hall, the Slave Lodge, the Castle of Good Hope, the South African Jewish Museum and the District Six Museum, while the Bo-Kaap walk explores the coloured streets and visits the Auwal Masjid. The walks last about 90 minutes and leave at 10:30, 13:30, 15:00 and 16:00; sign up at the office and arrive a little early. Guides on free tours usually work for tips, so bring some cash.
Further afield, City Sightseeing offers guided day tours to Cape Point and the penguins at Boulders Beach, to the winelands of Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek, including the Franschhoek Wine Tram, and to Hermanus for whale watching in season. Several include complimentary pick-up from many central hotels.
The buses suit families, older travellers and anyone without a car, and they are a practical way to reach sights that are awkward by public transport. Buy tickets online in advance for the best prices, start early to make the most of the day, and remember that the open top deck can be cold and windy, so bring a jacket and sun protection. Wind can also affect cableway operations, so keep plans flexible.
City Sightseeing Cape Town FAQs
Where do the free walking tours start?
At City Sightseeing's ticket office at 81 Long Street, Stop 5 on the bus route.
What times do the walking tours leave?
At 10:30, 13:30, 15:00 and 16:00.
How long are the walking tours?
About 90 minutes.
In how many languages is the bus commentary?
15 languages.
What does the Classic ticket include?
The Red City Tour, the Purple Wine Tour, a mini peninsula tour and a free walking tour.
Are there day tours outside the city?
Yes, including Cape Point and Boulders, the winelands and Hermanus.
Do day tours include hotel pick-up?
Several include complimentary pick-up from many central hotels.
Is there a combined ticket with the cableway?
Yes. A bus and Table Mountain Cableway ticket is available.