Cape Town: City Cycling Tour with Bo-Kaap & Greenpoint

Summary

Cycle Cape Town’s stories from Bo-Kaap to Company’s Garden

You’ll pedal Cape Town’s lively streets with a local guide, stopping at places like Bo-Kaap’s rainbow houses and Company’s Garden. Expect stories that stick with you, quick tastes of local life, and small surprises (like fynbos scents or cathedral light) along the way. It’s less about racing around and more about seeing Cape Town as its people do.

What’s the experience like?

We rolled up outside the Castle of Good Hope, legs still a little wobbly from the first few minutes on the bikes. Our guide, Siya, grinned and waved us over — he had this way of making you feel like you’d known him for ages, even though we’d just met. There was a bit of mist in the air (Cape Town weather does what it wants), and I could smell something faintly earthy from the gardens nearby. Siya started talking about how old these walls were — oldest building in South Africa, he said — and I caught myself running my hand along the rough stone while he told us about soldiers and secret tunnels. It’s funny how history feels different when you’re actually touching it.

We pedaled through Company’s Garden next, dodging squirrels and listening to Siya point out statues — some names I recognized, others not so much. He stopped by this old pear tree (I didn’t expect to care about a tree on a city cycling tour but here we are) and told us it’s been there since 1652. The city noise faded for a second; all I could hear was birds and someone laughing across the lawn. Then suddenly we were back in traffic, weaving down Adderley Street past flower sellers waving at us like they knew we’d never manage their bouquets home on our bikes.

Bo-Kaap hit me harder than I thought it would — those houses really are every color you can imagine. Kids chased each other along Chiappini Street while an older man nodded at us from his stoop. Siya explained a bit about Cape Malay history and pointed out where his aunt used to live (he swears her samosas are still the best). At Greenpoint Eco Park, we stopped to breathe in fynbos — honestly, I’m not sure what I expected fynbos to smell like but it was sharp and sweet at once, almost peppery? We didn’t go inside (not included), but just sitting there for a minute felt good after all that cycling.

I still think about that moment outside St George’s Cathedral — sunlight bouncing off stained glass while Siya talked about Desmond Tutu and hope. Someone handed me a bottle of water with a wink (“You look like you need it!”) and yeah, maybe I did. The city cycling tour ended before I was ready for it to be over. If you’re after something real in Cape Town — not just photos — this is probably it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Cycle tour of Cape Town highlights

• Cycle through main street of Cape Town
• Cycle and stop at Company's Garden
• Cycle down Chiappini Street in Bo-Kaap
• Stop outside Castle of Good Hope walls
• Stop at St Georges Mall to admire cathedral
• Cycle past Cape Town Stadium
• Stop at Greenpoint Biodiversity Garden

Top questions

How long is the Cape Town city cycling tour?

The tour lasts approximately three hours from start to finish.

Is bike rental included in the city cycling tour?

Yes, use of bicycle and helmet are included in your booking.

What are some stops on this Cape Town cycle route?

The tour includes stops at Bo-Kaap, Company’s Garden, Castle of Good Hope, St George’s Cathedral area, Adderley Street, Cape Town Stadium, and Greenpoint Eco Park (entry not included).

Is lunch or food included during the cycling tour?

No meals or food tastings are included on this tour.

Can children join the cycling tour?

Yes, children can join if accompanied by an adult; specialized infant seats are available upon request.

Does the tour operate in bad weather?

The city cycling tour operates in all weather conditions; dress appropriately for rain or sun.

Are guides multilingual on this Cape Town bike tour?

Your guide may be multilingual depending on availability; check when booking if you have language preferences.

What’s included

Your day includes use of a bicycle and helmet plus guidance throughout by a knowledgeable local who shares stories as you cycle past landmarks like Bo-Kaap and Company’s Garden—just bring comfy shoes and curiosity.