Embark on a captivating journey through the heart of Johannesburg, with the City Sightseeing Red Bus Hop-on-Hop-off Tours. From the city’s illustrious history of gold mining to its vibrant urban landscape, Johannesburg beckons with a tapestry of culture, heritage, and adventure. The journey takes you through Johannesburg’s past and present, where every street corner reveals a story, and adventure awaits at every turn. Here’s what you need to know.
How do the City Sightseeing Red Bus tours work?
The tours operate on a Hop-on-Hop-off basis, which means you can climb off the bus at any of the stops along the route and then get back on to a later bus when you are ready – so this is tailor made sightseeing which is safe, reliable, affordable, convenient, informative, educational and fun.
You can also choose to stay on the bus for the full circular route – meaning that in just a few hours you can experience the best that Joburg has to offer – accompanied by the on-board commentary which explains the story behind the sites and is available in 10 different languages – including a fun kid’s channel.
Discover Johannesburg’s iconic landmarks
The journey commences with an exploration of Johannesburg’s most iconic landmarks, offering insights into the city’s storied past and dynamic present. Marvel at the striking architecture of the Nelson Mandela Bridge in Newtown, a bustling district pulsating with creativity and urban energy. Visit major attractions including an immersive experience at the renowned Gold Reef City Theme Park, where the allure of mining and gold pouring awaits.
Soweto is also offered with an extension with a red bus tour and unique Soweto Combo. The tour departs from Gold Reef City every hour. No visit to the city of Johannesburg is complete without a trip into its largest and most vibrant township, Soweto.
City Sightseeing Red Bus tour highlights
Stops on this tour include Rosebank from which the bus departs, a visit to Melrose Arch, Mandela Foundation, and Monroe Drive (viewpoint).
Then, the tour dives into South African history with stops at significant landmarks including Constitution Hill, the mining district, and the Apartheid Museum. This is followed by stops at some entertainment hotspots in the city, such as Gold Reef City, Newtown, and The Playground. Passengers will also get to see the Johannesburg Zoo and the Military Museum.
Need to know before you go + City Sightseeing specials
Each person buys one ticket and chooses at which of the stops they’d like to hop on or off for the period that the ticket is valid. With a tour office at stop 1 at The Mall at Rosebank and Gold Reef City Casino Hotel – you can be assured of safe and secure departure points.
Although your City Sightseeing ticket gets you a discount at several of the stops, entrance and tour fees at the individual stops are not included. However, you can purchase attractions tickets for Johannesburg Zoo and Gold Reef City prior online or at the kiosks.
If you’re in the mood for an amusement park adventure after your tour, you can present your original City Sightseeing Johannesburg ticket at the Gold Reef City kiosk and get R100 off the entrance fee. If food is what you’re after, for every two people who present their tour tickets at the Johannesburg Zoo Stages restaurant, you can get a free large margarita pizza.
How to book
Cost: Online Hop-on-Hop-off 1-day tour (Offer valid until August 2025)— R299pp for adults. R185 per child aged 4 to 17 years. City Sightseeing are also currently running a Sunday Special where you get a tour for R285 instead of R299 | Book online
When: Daily, with first departures at 9am and final departures at 3pm
Where: Rosebank, Outside Holiday Inn Hotel – Oxford Rd | There are also hotel shuttles that do pickups at Southern Sun Sandton, The Maslow, NH Johannesburg Sandton, Radisson Blu Gautrain, and DaVinci Hotel.
Website: citysightseeing.co.za
Tel: 021 511 6000
Email: [email protected]
Instagram: @citysightseeingsa
Facebook: @CitySightseeingSouthAfrica
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