Unlock Cape Town: discover the must-see spots you can access with MyCiTi

Cape Town has a way of surprising you. The salty ocean breeze and the vibrant energy of Bo-Kaap invite you to discover the city’s culture, beauty and history.

The best part is you can do it all without renting a car.

The MyCiTi bus system, once created for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, has quietly become one of the most underrated ways to see the Mother City.

Affordable, reliable and surprisingly scenic, this network of routes connects locals and travellers to the city’s most meaningful landmarks, from mountain trails to seaside markets.

And with summer just around the corner, there’s no better time to play tourist in your own city.

Here’s your local-approved list of must-stop destinations to explore with just your MyCiTi card, a good pair of sunnies, and a sense of curiosity.

1. Cape Town beaches 

Camps Bay (routes 106/107/108/109)

There’s no denying that Cape beaches, with Camps Bay as a poster child, are the pride of Cape Town. Flanked by the Twelve Apostles and Lion’s Head, this beach is a quintessential summer retreat.

No Cape Town summer list is complete without Clifton, where turquoise waves meet white sands and the sunsets are nothing short of cinematic.

Take a dip in the Camps Bay tidal pool, then grab a cocktail along the beachfront strip. It’s where locals and tourists blur together in one long, sun-soaked summer vibe.

2. Sea Point promenade

Bus route: Sea Point Pool or Three Anchor Bay (route 104)

The Sea Point Promenade is a true Cape Town experience, full of joggers, skateboarders and families out for a walk. You can rent a bike, grab a matcha and enjoy the sound of waves and laughter as the sun sets over the city.

3. Hout Bay

Bus Stop: Hout Bay Harbour (routes 108/109)

The scenic drive alone is worth the ticket. The road hugs the coastline past Camps Bay and Llandudno, giving you cinematic views of the Atlantic before descending into Hout Bay, a fishing village turned must-visit seaside spot

Fish on the Rocks is a well-known spot here. Pick up some fried hake and chips to go, find a place to sit, and enjoy the sea air.

Afterwards, visit the Bay Harbour Market for live music and local crafts. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can take a boat trip to Duiker Island to see the seal colony, or drive along Chapman’s Peak Drive, which is known for its beautiful scenery.

4. Table Mountain MyCiTi Stop:

Kloof Nek, then transfer to the free 110 Table Mountain shuttle

No matter how many times you’ve done it, Table Mountain never loses its wonder. Hop off the MyCiTi shuttle at the Lower Cableway Station, and you’ll understand why it’s one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature.

If you’re feeling brave, hike it. If not, take the cable car and let your jaw drop at the views. Either way, it’s the ultimate selfie moment.

5. Lion’s Head

MyCiTi Stop: Kloof Nek (routes 106/107)

Forget fancy gyms, Lion’s Head is the Mother City’s favourite fitness trail. A moderate 5km hike with a 500m rise, it rewards you with a panoramic sunrise that could make even the most seasoned traveller tear up.

Locals love hiking it at dawn or dusk, but fair warning: pack water, wear sturdy shoes and get there early. The trail gets busy, especially in summer.

6. Iziko Slave Lodge MyCiTi Stop:

Adderley Street

Nestled in the heart of the city, the Iziko Slave Lodge is one of Cape Town’s oldest buildings and one of its most powerful.

Once a holding site for enslaved people during the Dutch East India era, today it’s a museum that tells South Africa’s untold stories through interactive exhibits and hauntingly beautiful artefacts.

📍 Open daily 10am to 5pm | Contact: 021 405 2880.

7. Green Point Lighthouse

MyCiTi Stop: Beach Road or Green Point Circle

If Clifton is Cape Town’s beach club, Green Point Lighthouse is its nostalgic postcard. Built in 1824, it’s the oldest working lighthouse in South Africa, painted in bold red-and-white stripes that make it instantly recognisable.

Even if you don’t go inside, it’s a perfect spot for sunset selfies and people-watching. On a clear evening, you might just catch dolphins dancing offshore.

📍 Open weekdays 10am to 3pm | Contact: 021 449 5171.

Exploring Cape Town doesn’t need to break the bank sometimes; all it takes is a MyCiTi card, a sense of adventure and your curiosity switched on.