🎒 Hop On, Hold On: Our Cape Town Double-Decker Bus Ride

As we continued exploring Cape Town, we planned to head up to the famous Table Mountain. At first, we thought about calling an Uber, then considered walking—but quickly realized that was a bad idea. The solution? Many locals and tourists highly recommend the bright red, double-decker Hop On Hop Off bus. We figured—why not join in?

When we arrived at the bus stop, we assumed it wouldn’t be too busy. We were wrong. Just as the bus pulled up, a lively group of young adults—who looked like a sports team—ran over to claim their seats. Although we had arrived first, we learned that tickets should be purchased only once on board. By the time we finished paying, the coveted top-deck seats were gone, leaving us below for most of the City Tour.

Still, the ride was fun. We listened as best we could to the guide describing the landmarks, imagining ourselves hopping off at Table Mountain. But one rookie mistake on our part—we hadn’t factored in how close the timing was between that stop and our Italian dinner reservations. In the end, we stayed on the bus and admired the views instead.

The sports team eventually hopped off, and a group of women on a “ladies’ day out” filled the seats upstairs. This gave us the chance to move to the open deck. The only problem? The wind! Our hats nearly took flight, and the women’s laughter and chatter drowned out our audio guides. But honestly, it added to the atmosphere.

From the top, the views were stunning. Sparkling blue waters stretched out before us, lined with gorgeous homes along the beaches—some of the most exclusive in South Africa. Behind it all, the mountains framed the perfect Cape Town skyline. It was one of those flawless days with clear skies, sunshine, and beauty at every turn.

As slow travelers, we picked up a few lessons worth sharing:

• 🌞 Avoid weekends if you can. Weekdays are less crowded and easier to enjoy.
  

• ⏰ Catch an early bus. You’ll have a better chance at snagging a quiet top-deck seat and hearing the guide.
  

• 👒 Skip the hat. Or tuck it away if you’re upstairs—trust us, the wind has a mind of its own.
  

• 🍝 Mind your timing. Don’t book dinner reservations too close to sightseeing stops—we missed Table Mountain for ours.
  

• 🏉 Big groups change the vibe. Sports teams or day-trip groups may take over the bus. You can either wait for the next one or join the fun.
  

In the end, it was a day full of surprises, laughter, and unforgettable views. After all, how upset can you be when you’re in sunny Cape Town, South Africa?

👉 Have you ever ridden a red double-decker Hop On Hop Off bus—maybe in Cape Town, London, or another city? Where, and how was your ride? We’d love to hear your story!

🛎️ Coming soon: A closer look at the Protea Hotel by Marriott Franschhoek—the delights, the unexpected moments, and the lasting impressions.