Four coast pubs, one trike, six hours. This Booze Cruise Trike Tour strings together Cape Town sea views and well-loved pubs, from Hout Bay to Kalk Bay and then into the leafy Newlands area.

What I like most is how the stops feel like named places locals actually talk about, not random bars. And I like the comfortable trike ride with Willem’s easygoing, local storytelling that makes the route more than just transportation.

One thing to plan for: the tour includes only one beer or glass of wine per person, and lunch is on your own dime. Also, line up transport back to your home or hotel, because driving after drinking is dangerous and illegal.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Workshop pub in Hout Bay, often described as the smallest pub in Africa, sets a fun tone early
• One included drink per person keeps the day simple, with time to choose what you want after
• Scenic marine drive viewpoints give you big photo moments between pub stops
• Kalk Bay Harbour at The Brass Bell delivers classic coastal pub atmosphere
• End at Foresters Arms in Newlands Forest, a relaxing finish with a long-standing local feel
• Hosted by Willem, with lots of Cape Town context and stories as you ride

Why a trike pub crawl works better than a bar hop

A regular pub crawl can turn into a shuffle, long waits, and way too much standing still. This one flips the script. You’re on a trike, so the day naturally includes motion, fresh air, and coast views that change every few minutes.

The format is also smart. You get a guided route with set time blocks at each stop, so you are not constantly asking, Where is the next place? That helps you enjoy the day instead of managing it.

And because the tour includes one beer or glass of wine per person, you start with something satisfying without the pressure of ordering first. Then, if you feel like staying longer at a favorite pub, you can make that call yourself.

Starting from V&A Waterfront at 11:00, then returning there

The tour meets at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town and starts at 11:00 am. That’s handy, because it’s a central place with lots around it if you want to grab a coffee before you meet up.

You’ll ride to the coast and return to the same meeting point at the end. It’s the kind of “round trip” plan that makes your day feel contained, which is great if you have limited time in the city.

One more practical point: you’ll get a mobile ticket, so have it ready on your phone when you meet. Also, since this is a private tour for your group, you avoid the awkward energy that can come with mixing with strangers who all have different pace and priorities.

Stop 1 in Hout Bay: Workshop pub and the smallest-pub vibe

Your first stop is in Hout Bay at the Workshop pub. It’s known for being rated as the smallest pub in Africa, and that alone makes it a fun first landing. Instead of a huge venue where you feel like a number, you get that compact, chat-friendly pub feel right away.

You’ll have about 30 minutes here. That’s enough time to take a seat, have your included drink, and do the “first impressions” moment. It also sets up the rest of the day, because you’re not starting with a long, slow stop.

The best part is the contrast. Early on, Hout Bay gives you that coastal town energy. Then you’re back on the trike, heading toward big views again. It keeps the day moving and keeps the mood light.

The scenic marine drive ride between pubs

Between stops, you’ll ride along a route described as the second most scenic marine drive in the world. Even if you only catch pieces of it through your peripheral vision, the payoff is in the way the coast keeps unfolding.

This is where the trike matters. You are not stuck in traffic in a standard car, and you are not walking the whole time. You can take in the views without the fatigue that can come from trying to do “photo stops” the hard way.

My advice: treat these segments like your main sightseeing time. Keep your phone accessible for quick shots, but don’t forget to look up and actually watch the water. These are the views that make you understand why people come back to Cape Town year after year.

Stop 2 Glencairn Beach: drinks at Hotel Glencairn

Next up is Glencairn Beach, where you’ll pop into the Hotel Glencairn for a drink or two. Like the first stop, you get about 30 minutes. That short-and-sweet structure is great if you enjoy social time but don’t want to lose the whole day to slow service.

Glencairn is a different flavor from Hout Bay. It feels more relaxed and coastal, and it’s a good pause between the bigger ride views. You’ll be able to cool down, reset your legs, and decide if you want your included drink and then keep moving, or if you want to stretch the mood a bit with an extra order.

If you like places that feel part of the local rhythm instead of a tourist conveyor belt, this is the stop that often clicks for people.

Stop 3 Kalk Bay Harbour: The Brass Bell, classic and iconic

Then you roll into Kalk Bay Harbour and head to The Brass Bell, one of Cape Town’s most iconic pubs. Harbour towns have a certain character, and Brass Bell fits it. Think salt air, activity, and that pub energy that feels tied to the sea.

You’ll get about 30 minutes again. This is usually where you feel the day’s momentum most clearly. Earlier stops helped you settle in, and now you are in the middle of the route with a stronger “we’re really doing this” feeling.

I also like this stop because it gives you a chance to slow down the pace for a moment. After several ride segments, you’ll likely want that seated, people-watching break. Kalk Bay delivers that.

Stop 4 Newlands Forest: Foresters Arms, Cape Town’s oldest pub

Your final stop takes you toward Newlands Forest and The Foresters Arms, which is described as Cape Town’s oldest pub. Ending here is a smart choice, because the mood changes from coastal brightness to a more tucked-away, forest-side calm.

You’ll have about 30 minutes for the final drink and a relaxed finish. By now, you’ve already had the best of the views, plus a taste of different pub atmospheres. This last stop feels more like closure than a “one more place” sprint.

If you want a day that ends without rushing, Newlands is a solid way to do it. It’s also a nice reminder that Cape Town is not only beaches and mountains, it’s also these older, character-filled corners.

Drinks, lunch, and the real value of the $265.78 per group

Let’s talk money in a grounded way. The listed price is $265.78 per group (up to 2), and it includes one beer or glass of wine per person.

For two people, that included drink part matters because it offsets some of the “tour add-ons” that can quietly inflate costs on other excursions. You are also paying for a guided route with a trike experience, not just for the drinks. The value is in the combination: transport, timing, and curated stops that you might not string together efficiently on your own.

But do plan for two gaps:

• Lunch is not included, so you’ll want to budget for food.
• Only one alcoholic drink per person is included, so if you want more, you will pay for it.

This tour is best when you treat the included drink as your anchor, then decide what you want to do after.

Also, a big practical value point: the tour explicitly encourages you to arrange transport back since you should not drive after alcohol. That’s not just a legal note. It’s peace of mind, and it can prevent your day from turning into a stress session.

Willem as host: why the talk changes the ride

In the best tours, the route matters, but the host makes it memorable. Here, the host is Willem, and you can feel from the way people describe the experience that he is the kind of driver you enjoy talking to.

What stands out is the mix of easy conversation and local perspective. People note his willingness to share information, plus a sense of humor and stories, sometimes described with old war story energy. That kind of storytelling works well on a trike day, because the road already has motion and scenery. The commentary gives you something to connect to while you’re riding.

Another practical thing: people mention Willem was waiting ahead of schedule and the trike was clean and comfortable. That matters more than it sounds. You start relaxed, not stressed.

If you like tours where the guide feels like a friendly expert, this one fits.

Who this tour suits, and who should think twice

This is a great fit if you want:

• a half-day style plan without the hassle of figuring out the route
• a pub crawl that includes serious scenery, not just bar interiors
• a comfortable way to see multiple neighborhoods in a single outing
• a guide who can give context while you enjoy the ride

It might not be the best fit if:

• you expect a full meal plan, because lunch is not included
• you want multiple included drinks, because you only get one per person
• you dislike riding on a trike or prefer quiet, slow walking over movement

And a weather note matters. This experience requires good weather. If conditions are poor, it may be canceled and you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That’s normal for coast and outdoor riding, so check the forecast close to your day.

Practical tips for enjoying the coast ride without hassles

A few small moves make a big difference on a trike outing like this:

• Wear comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting a little wind-rubbed. The ride is part of the fun.
• Bring sunglasses and sunscreen. Coastal Cape Town sun can be sneaky even when the weather feels mild.
• Keep a light layer handy. Sea air can feel cooler than you expect.
• Plan your day around the 11:00 start so you arrive calm, not rushed.
• If you plan to order extra drinks, pace yourself. You’re doing multiple stops, and it’s a long enough day that you want your energy for the ride segments.

Should you book the Booze Cruise Trike Tour Cape Town?

Book it if you want an efficient, scenic pub crawl with a real sense of place, and you like the idea of seeing Cape Town by trike instead of on foot or in a car. The included one beer or glass of wine per person plus the four named pub stops make it feel like a complete outing, not a vague “tour of pubs.”

Skip it if you want a food-focused day, unlimited drinks included, or a low-motion experience. And always plan your transport back in advance, because the whole point is fun without risk.

FAQ

What is the duration of the Booze Cruise Trike Tour Cape Town?

The tour runs for approximately 6 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town and ends back at the same meeting point.

What time does the tour begin?

The start time is 11:00 am.

What drink is included in the price?

One beer or one glass of wine per person is included.

Is lunch included?

No, lunch is not included. Food and drinks are for your own account.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.