If you are short on time, then this has to be one of the best and budget-friendly ways to see the City of Cape Town -The City Sightseer Bus. Like most major cities in the world, the City Sightseer offers travellers several options to take in all the attractions, over several different routes.
The Blue Route in Cape Town sees the iconic double-decker 'topless' red bus, cruise from the City, out to the seaside town of Hout Bay and back around the scenic Victoria Road to Camps Bay. We took our journey one typical June day; four seasons in one day. Due to the many hop on hop off points, we chose to jump on at Kirstenbosch Gardens to embark on our journey. Travelling over the Constantia Nek Pass to the town of Hout Bay, where a guided tour of Imizamo Yethu was included. Our guide was a local resident so we got to see and hear first-hand what living in this township is like.
The bus then winds its way through town to the main harbour and then up and over Suikerbossie, out of Hout Bay. Victoria Road runs parallel with the scenic coastline on the left, with views out over the Atlantic Ocean and on your right, up into the 12 Apostles of Table Mountain National Park. We stopped off in Camps Bay for a much-needed coffee and of course a walk on the beach (even getting in a few games of beach volleyball).
The Blue Route follows the road all the way along the coast to the Sea Point Promenade and onward to the V&A Waterfront. We chose to stay on board and just enjoy the sights as the Mother City changed into the afternoon light. But there are any number of stops from here to hop on hop off.
If you're looking to get in the Cable Car at Table Mountain, you need to be on the Red Route and of course, if you just want a Winelands experience, the Purple Route through the Constantia Vineyards is perfect. You can also get a pass to travel by boat on the canals through the Foreshore and Waterfront areas of the city. And although no longer a 'human' guide on board the bus, the guided tour is still commentated in 15 different languages!
NB: we took this day out as part of a family birthday, it's a great day out for kids and of course it’s the perfect way to get oriented with this stunning city.
Cape Town Sightseeing Bus by Uyaphi.com
- Mount Nelson Hotel
The Mount Nelson Hotel, the most legendary luxury hotel in Cape Town located inside an expansive, gorgeous garden residence within the heart of the city's exciting social hub as well as near to the bustling V&A Waterfront. - More Quarters
The More Quarters apartments are situated just a few minutes walk from the hotel reception. Conveniently located just off fashionable Kloof Street, some of Cape Towns’ finest restaurants are a leisurely stroll away.
- Radisson Blu Hotel
Just off the V&A Waterfront located in Granger Bay, The Radisson is famed for her sunsets and views across to Robben Island. Positioned right on the Oceanfront with 177 rooms and suites on offer.
- Queen Victoria Hotel
The Queen Victoria with her sophistication and luxury is the ideal base from which to explore everything that Cape Town has on offer including the surrounding waterfront. 35 modern rooms all enjoy stunning vistas over the waterfront and up to Table Mountain.
- The Dock House
Something a little different within the Waterfront area, the hotel offers manicured lawns and a private relaxing bar and pool are away from the crowds below. With only six rooms available The Dock House a fantastic alternative to the surrounding big hotels.
- Welgelegen Boutique Hotel
Welgelegen Boutique Hotel consists of 2 Victorian residences and seven suites all combined joined by a fantastic cobbled patio with plunge swimming pool, encased by balconies of iceberg roses and also star jasmine.
