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City Sightseeing: Explore Cape Town and Joburg From the Top Deck

Advertorial | Mountain views, ocean air and city stories: discover two of South Africaโ€™s favourite destinations at your own pace aboard the iconic Red Bus.

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Red City Sightseeing open-top bus beside a red-and-white lighthouse in Cape Town
Cape Townโ€™s iconic Red Bus makes the journey part of your city adventure.

When the sun is out, thereโ€™s no better way to soak it all in than from the top deck of a red City Sightseeing bus, whether youโ€™re in Cape Town or Johannesburg. With the breeze in your hair and an ever-changing view around every corner, these open-top buses turn getting around into a relaxed, scenic experience.

The hop-on, hop-off system means you set your own pace. Stop for a beach walk, lunch, a museum visit or a shopping break, then climb back aboard the next bus on your route. Itโ€™s sightseeing without the stress of driving, parking or navigating an unfamiliar city.

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City Sightseeing in Cape Town: Mountain, Ocean and More

In Cape Town, the iconic Red Bus glides between mountain, ocean and city streets, giving you access to the Mother Cityโ€™s biggest drawcards. Start at the V&A Waterfront, where shops, restaurants and harbour views set the tone for the day. From there, roll past historic buildings, colourful streets and lively markets as onboard commentary fills in the stories behind the landmarks.

Hop off at the Table Mountain cableway for panoramic views over the City Bowl and beyond, weather permitting. Continue along the Atlantic Seaboard to Sea Point and Camps Bay, watching palm-fringed promenades and beach life pass by. Alternatively, choose a route towards Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden and the Constantia winelands for a greener, more tranquil side of Cape Town.

Plan your stops around the route map and timetable, and budget separately for attraction admission and extras unless your chosen package includes them. For more ideas, explore our Cape Town City Guide.

Passengers taking photographs from the open upper deck of a City Sightseeing bus
A seat on the open top deck offers a fresh perspective as the city passes by.

โ€œStop for a beach walk, lunch or a museum visit, then climb back aboard. The day unfolds at your pace.โ€

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Discover Joburg From the Top Deck

The Red Bus experience doesnโ€™t stop at the coast. In Johannesburg, City Sightseeing offers a more urban-focused journey through the countryโ€™s economic heart. The route links cultural and historical landmarks, including Constitution Hill and the inner city. From the top deck, you get a sweeping sense of Joburgโ€™s energy, street art, architecture and changing skyline.

Leave time to explore the stops that interest you, checking opening hours and admission requirements before you go. Our Joburg City Guide offers more inspiration for extending your day out.

Plan Your City Sightseeing Day Out

Book online at R375 per adult for a one-day bus ticket via City Sightseeing. Check the latest ticket options, prices and timetables before booking. Attraction admission, meals, drinks and other extras are not included unless your selected package states otherwise.

#HelloRecommends: Pick a few must-see stops rather than trying to fit everything into one day. Pack sunscreen, water and a hat, and keep the last bus time in mind. One brand, two iconic cities, and a scenic way to experience them both from the top deck.

For more travel inspiration, click here.

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