Cape Town: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus, Wine & Harbour Cruise Options

Summary

Open-top city tour Cape Town with wine stops & flexible routes

You’ll ride Cape Town’s open-top bus past Table Mountain and Kirstenbosch Gardens, hopping off wherever curiosity pulls you—maybe for wine tasting in Constantia or a stroll through Bo Kaap’s bright streets. Audio guides keep you grounded in each story. Whether you add a harbour cruise or just soak up city sounds from above, this tour leaves you feeling part of Cape Town’s rhythm.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to feel so much wind in my hair on the upper deck—Cape Town’s air is sharper than I thought, almost salty. We started at the City Sightseeing office, headphones in hand (mine tangled as usual), and it was a relief not worrying about parking or which turn to take. Our driver grinned when I nearly missed the first stop—Zeitz Mocaa Museum is right there but somehow I was too busy gawking at Table Mountain looming over everything. The commentary switched to Afrikaans for a second before I found English again; honestly, it made me smile.

The best part of this hop-on hop-off Cape Town tour? You can just follow your mood. At Kirstenbosch Gardens, the air smelled green—like wet leaves after a short rain—and we wandered under huge trees for an hour. Then back on the bus, past Sea Point where kids were eating ice cream and a street vendor waved at us like he knew half the passengers. There’s something comforting about hearing snippets of stories in fifteen languages around you. Someone behind me was planning their day trip from Cape Town to Camps Bay just based on what they could see from up top.

We tried the Purple Wine Tour loop too—Groot Constantia had this earthy scent inside the cellars that stuck to my jacket for hours (not complaining). Li laughed when I tried to say “Beau Constantia” with any kind of French accent—probably butchered it. The staff poured us a glass and talked about how old these vines are; it felt like time slowed down for a bit there. If you want, you can add a V&A harbour cruise or even catch sunset from the bus itself—I skipped the cruise because I got caught up chatting with a local couple about rugby scores instead. So yeah, maybe next time.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Cape Town by Hop-On Hop-Off Bus

• Board open-top double-decker bus
• Visit Zeitz Mocaa Museum
• Stop at Cape Town International Convention Center
• Explore Table Mountain Lower Cableway station
• See Bay Hotel area
• Visit Sea Point and Beach Road
• Stop near Winchester Mansions Hotel
• View next to the Lighthouse

Top questions

How many routes are included in the Cape Town hop-on hop-off bus?

The ticket covers three main loops: Red Route City Tour, Blue Mini Peninsula Tour, and Purple Wine Tour.

Is there an option to add a harbour cruise to this tour?

Yes, you can choose a Premium ticket that includes access to the V&A Seal and harbour cruise.

Does the bus stop at Table Mountain?

Yes, one of the designated stops is right at the Table Mountain Lower Cableway station.

Are audio guides available in multiple languages?

Audio commentary is available in 15 languages plus a special kids’ version.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options are wheelchair accessible throughout all routes.

Can children join this hop-on hop-off city tour?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult; infants may sit on an adult’s lap or use a stroller.

What attractions are included on the Purple Wine Tour loop?

The Purple Wine Tour stops at Groot Constantia Wine Estate and Beau Constantia Wine Estate.

Are walking tours included with my ticket?

Yes, free walking tours of Downtown and Bo Kaap are included with your pass.

What’s included

Your day includes frequent open-top bus departures across three flexible loops with free WiFi onboard, audio commentary in 15 languages (plus kids’ version), discounted Urban Safari access, all walking tours of Downtown and Bo Kaap, direct drop-offs at major attractions like Table Mountain cableway and Kirstenbosch Gardens, plus easy voucher redemption at any official stop. You can also add a V&A harbour cruise or sunset tour if you want more time out on the water or road.