The Red City Tour in Cape Town offers tours of the city and significant tourist attractions all around the CBD in an open air bus.

Visitors to Cape Town can expect to learn all about the history of the city and do sightseeing at some of the most popular stops in Cape Town such as Greenmarket Square, The Waterfront and Camps Bay.

The bus trip is a favourite among those who want to understand the culture behind the cosmopolitan city and explore Cape Town while on a open air bus with Table Mountain as a backdrop.

Hop-on, hop-off Cape Town tours allow you to explore the best of this city, at your own pace. With over 30 stops across 3 different routes, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to hop off the bus and explore the Cape Town landmarks and attractions that appeal to you most.

Where does red bus start in Cape Town?

Guests can board and start their City Sightseeing tour from the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront and are advised to check which dock the ship will be berthing into when arriving at Cape Town.

Where can I buy a ticket for the tour?

The cheapest tickets will always be found right here on our website, but you can also purchase tickets from one of our tour offices (at the V&A, in front of the Aquarium or in downtown Cape Town at 81 Long Street) or on our buses, and from most hotel concierges.

How long does a red bus tour take?

Red Route: 2 hours, 30 minutes (approx.) Blue Route: 3 hours, 30 minutes (approx.) Green Link: 1 hour (approx.)

Where are the different bus stops?

• Two Ocean’s Aquarium

• The Clock Tower

• Cape Town International Convention Centre

• Cape Town Tourism

• St George’s Cathedral

• South African Museum

• Mount Nelson Hotel

• SA Jewish Museum

• District Six Museum

• The Castle of Good Hope

• Gold Museum

• Jewel Africa

• Table Mountain Cableway

• Camps Bay

• President Hotel

• Sea Point

• Winchester Mansions

• Green Point Light House

How often do the busses pass the bus stops?

Every 15 minutes.

Is there a commentary available in my language?

Tune in to our fantastic, pre-recorded commentary on all our open top bus tours and our boat trips. Discover facts and stories about Cape Town from our entertaining virtual guide, available in 15 languages including: Afrikaans, English, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Manderin, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, Turkish, Zulu & the kids channel in English

Listen in via a pair of new headphones, which you get free (and keep) when you board the bus – or feel free to bring your own.

Are the buses wheelchair-friendly?

Yes. 10 new buses come with easy wheelchair access.

Do the buses have air-conditioning?

Yes. The lower level is fully air-conditioned whereas the top level is an open-air experience.

Can I buy snacks on the bus?

No. But at most stops there are cafés, restaurants or kiosks nearby.

Are the buses Kids Friendly?

Yes. Kids receive an activity pack that can keep them busy for hours. Children also have their very own commentary channel with talks from Blatjan Baboob, Salty Seagull, Mandisa the Mongoose or Abie from the Cape.

What else should I know about the Red City Tour?

Apart from the fact that it’s awesome, City Sightseeing Cape Town’s Hop On Hop Off service also offers a Blue Mini Peninsula Tour with a Wine Bus Tour, Night Sunset Tours to Signal Hill and Canal Cruises from and to the Waterfront.

Content and Images | Ed Beukes