Cape Town is a city that dazzles with its natural beauty, diverse cultures, and vibrant history. Exploring it, however, can sometimes be a challenge, but there’s one option that makes it easy and fun: the Hop On Hop Off Cape Town bus tour.

These bright red buses allow you to see the city at your own pace, hopping on and off at a range of stops that showcase the very best of what Cape Town has to offer.

In this article, I’ll talk you through some of these amazing stops on the Red Route, from the glistening fish at the Aquarium to the stunning views from the Table Mountain Cableway.

Whether you’re a fan of sandy beaches like Camps Bay, or prefer a stroll along the vibrant Long Street, there’s something for everyone.

I’ll also touch upon the historical Clock Tower at V&A Waterfront, the important Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), and the charming promenade at Sea Point with quaint spots like the Winchester Mansions Hotel. Plus, I can’t leave out the lush area of Green Point.

Stick with me as I share the charms that await at each Hop On Hop Off stop on this delightful journey through Cape Town.

Key Takeaways

• The Hop On Hop Off bus tour is an ideal way to discover the best of Cape Town at your own pace.
• Each stop on the tour offers a unique experience, from marine life at the Aquarium to history at the Clock Tower.
• Enjoy breathtaking views of the city from the Table Mountain Cableway.
• Camps Bay and Sea Point Promenade offer beautiful beaches and a chance to relax by the sea.
• Long Street and Green Point are perfect for experiencing Cape Town’s urban vibe and nightlife.

Hop On Hop Off Cape Town Red Route Map

You can use this handy map to see exactly where the bus will stop on this route, and then you can plan your trip accordingly.

Hop On Hop Off Cape Town Red Route Timetable

Make sure to check the timetable below so that you don’t miss out on any of the Cape Town magic on this route.

And now, let’s look at the various stops and what you can expect along the way.

Aquarium

This is the main starting point of this tour and for the Blue Route. You can purchase a ticket at the ticket office infront of the aquarium. The ticket office is open from 08:00 to 18:00.

When the Hop On Hop Off bus stops at the Aquarium, you’re in for a treat. The Two Oceans Aquarium is a window into the incredible marine life found around Cape Town.

This is where you can get up close with everything from tiny colorful fish to big scary sharks. They even have a place where you can touch some of the animals, like starfish! It’s not just for kids, though – I’m sure you’ll find it super interesting too.

The aquarium does a great job of teaching visitors about the creatures living in our oceans and what we can do to keep them safe. It’s a cool place to visit, especially on a hot day, since it’s nice and cool inside.

After learning about all that sea life, you might feel hungry, and the good news is there are lots of places nearby to grab a bite to eat.

The aquarium is open daily from 09:30 to 18:00.

Clock Tower at V&A Waterfront

Next up, let’s talk about the Clock Tower at V&A Waterfront. This bright red tower is not just pretty to look at, it’s also a piece of Cape Town’s history.

Back in the day, it was used as the office for the guy in charge of the harbor.

Now, it stands out as a special landmark right in the middle of one of the most exciting spots in town, the V&A Waterfront. This area is always busy with people enjoying themselves, shopping, eating, and watching live music or street performers. There’s also a big wheel you can ride to get a fantastic view of the city and the ocean.

Plus, the waterside is full of boats and there are sometimes seals playing in the water! If you’re into history or just love a lively place with lots to see and do, then hopping off the bus here is a must.

CTICC (Cape Town International Convention Centre)

The CTICC, short for the Cape Town International Convention Centre, is a spot you might zoom past if you’re not here for a conference, but it’s quite an important place in Cape Town.

This massive building hosts all kinds of big events, from business conferences to fancy banquets and big expos where people show off all sorts of cool stuff. If you’re visiting and there happens to be an event open to the public, it could be worth checking out.

The CTICC is also one of the reasons why Cape Town is known as a top city for doing business in Africa. It brings in people from all over the world, which is good for shops, hotels, and restaurants in the city.

Even if you’re not going inside for an event, the area around the CTICC is worth a wander because there are some interesting art pieces and cool spots to take a rest or snap a photo.

Here you can visit the SKY-Hi Ride on the 28th floor of Hotel Sky, towering 35 meters above the Cape Town City Bowl. This attraction is open from midday to 20:00 and booking is essential.

Long Street

If you’re looking for fun, then Long Street is your stop. This place is famous for being loud, busy, and jam-packed with life any time of the day or night.

The buildings along Long Street are old with cool balconies, and each has its own story. During the day, you can shop in funky stores, check out art in galleries, or grab a coffee at a hip cafe.

But it’s when the sun goes down that Long Street really comes alive. Music pours out of clubs and bars, and you can find some great spots to eat, from fancy restaurants to easy-going places that serve food from all over the world. Some folks think Long Street can get a little too wild at times, but if you’re up for a good time and some friendly faces, it’s definitely worth a visit.

Just remember to watch your stuff and stay safe.

Table Mountain Cableway

Taking a ride on the Table Mountain Cableway is something you can’t miss. Did you know that Table Mountain is one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature?

The cable cars that take you to the top are pretty fancy because they spin around, so everyone gets a good look at the amazing views while going up and down. Once you reach the top, the view just blows you away.

You can see all of Cape Town, the ocean, and even Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was held prisoner. There are paths to walk and lookouts to take the perfect photo. If you’re into plants, you’ll be happy to see lots of different kinds you won’t find anywhere else in the world.

The weather up there can change super fast – it could be sunny one minute and then cloudy the next, so make sure to bring a warm jacket. It’s always a bit cooler on the mountain than down in the city.

Camps Bay

Now, let’s drive over to one of the prettiest beaches around, Camps Bay. As soon as you hop off the bus here, you’ll see the white sand and the big blue ocean that make this place so special.

Camps Bay is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and just chilling out with an ice cream or a cold drink. The palm trees along the road make you feel like you’re somewhere super exotic.

And if you like snapping pictures, the views of the Twelve Apostles mountains are amazing. When you’re ready for a break from the sun, there are lots of restaurants and cafes right across the street from the beach. Some of them are pretty fancy and have yummy seafood.

The vibe in Camps Bay is relaxed during the day, but it can get lively at night with some cool spots to listen to music and have a dance.

It’s a favorite place for both locals and visitors, and I think you’ll see why once you’re there.

Sea Point (Queens Road, St. Johns Road, Winchester Mansions)

Picture yourself walking along the Sea Point Promenade, with the Atlantic Ocean on one side and a bustling neighborhood on the other.

This place is perfect for a nice long walk, a run, or a bike ride while you take in the ocean air. There’s art to check out, play areas for kids, and lots of benches to sit and watch the waves. Along Queens Road, St. Johns Road, and by Winchester Mansions Hotel, you’ll see cool old buildings that have been around for a long time.

The Winchester Mansions Hotel itself is a spot that looks like it came straight from an old movie, with its classic style. If you get hungry, there are places to grab a quick bite or have a fancy meal with a view of the sea. Sea Point gets pretty lively when the sun starts to set because everyone comes out to see the colors in the sky.

Whether you’re in the mood for some exercise, a lazy day by the water, or a taste of local life, this stretch along the coast has it all.

Green Point Lighthouse

Lastly, we’ve got Green Point, which is a cool mix of outdoorsy stuff and city vibes. Green Point is known for its big park with lots of space for picnics, a walk, or a game of soccer.

There’s also a market there on some days where you can find local crafts, yummy food, and pretty plants. Near Beach Road, you can see the pretty Green Point Lighthouse, which has stripes on it like candy. It’s been helping ships stay safe for hundreds of years.

If you’re into sports, the Cape Town Stadium is here, and sometimes there are big concerts or games to check out. Plus, the area has lots of nice spots to eat that are super popular with people who live here. Green Point is the kind of place where you can hang out all day, having fun and relaxing without getting bored.

It’s super close to the city center and the V&A Waterfront, so if you want to keep exploring after, it’s easy to do just that.

Conclusion

Now that we’ve explored the Hop On Hop Off Cape Town Red Route, I hope you’re excited to hop onto one of those red buses and see these places for yourself.

Each stop has its own magic, from the colorful fish at the Aquarium to the cloudy peaks of Table Mountain and the sandy shores of Camps Bay. You’ve heard about the mix of history and fun at the Clock Tower at V&A Waterfront, the cool events at the CTICC, and the non-stop energy of Long Street. Don’t forget the relaxing walks along the Sea Point Promenade and the blend of green spaces and urban charm in Green Point.

Cape Town is a city with a heart as wide as the ocean, and there’s a place here that will make you fall in love with it, no matter what you’re into. Trust me, once you start exploring, you’ll want to keep coming back for more.

So, grab your hat and sunscreen, and let’s hit the road to discover the amazing sights of Cape Town, one hop-off at a time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to use the Hop On Hop Off bus in Cape Town?

The best time to ride the buses is during the warmer months from September to April. That’s when the weather is nice, and you can really enjoy being outside. But remember, during December and January, it gets super busy because everyone is on holiday. If you like it quieter, try going in the Spring or Autumn.

How much does a ticket for the Hop On Hop Off bus cost?

The price of tickets can change, so it’s best to check the latest prices online or at one of the Hop On Hop Off offices. They offer different kinds of tickets, like a one-day pass or a two-day pass, and sometimes there are special deals, especially if you’re a kid or you’re traveling in a group.

Do I need to book Hop On Hop Off bus tickets in advance?

It’s a good idea to book your tickets ahead of time, especially in the high season when lots of people want to use the bus. You can book online or buy your ticket at any of the stops. But even if you didn’t plan ahead, you can usually buy a ticket right on the bus.

Can I visit all the Hop On Hop Off stops in one day?

It’s tough to visit all the stops in one day because there’s so much to see and do at each place. If you want to really enjoy each stop, perhaps pick a few that you like the most and spend more time there. A two-day pass could be a better choice if you want to see everything without rushing.