Bo-Kaap - About the Neighbourhood
The Bo-Kaap is one of Cape Town’s most distinct neighbourhoods known for its vibrant, predominantly Muslim, Cape Malay community and its equally bold flat-roofed colourful houses and cobbled stone roads.
Situated at the foot of Signal Hill, on the fringe of the city centre, and formerly known as the Malay Quarter, the Bo-Kaap’s origins date back to the 1760s when numerous “huurhuisjes” (rental houses) were built and leased to slaves and political exiles brought here from other Dutch colonies in the east including Indonesia’s Batavia, Sumatra, Java and also East Africa. Most of these groups spoke some Malay, hence this new community becoming known as the Cape Malays.
The houses in the area are a mix of Cape Dutch and Georgian architecture and the bright colours, it is said, is attributed to the fact that while on lease, all the houses had to be white. When this rule was eventually lifted, and the slaves were allowed to buy the properties, all the houses were painted bright colours by their owners as an expression of their freedom.
When visiting this area be sure to go see the oldest mosque in South Africa – the Auwal Mosque in Dorp Street and the oldest building in the Bo-Kaap in Wale Street which currently houses the Bo-Kaap Museum. This is the best place to discover the real history of the area and to get a glimpse into the life of a typical Malay family.
Be sure to try a local cooking tour specialising in traditional Cape Malay treats and visit one of the eateries owned and run by families who are historically rooted in the area
Explore by interest in Bo-Kaap




Popular Attractions in Bo-Kaap
From Kirstenbosch Gardens, to Table Mountain Forests and home to Western Cape Rugby and Cricket, Newlands has so much to offer.
Places to Stay in Bo-Kaap
Newlands is one of the most affluent and beautiful neighbourhoods in Cape Town resting on the slopes of Table Mountain. There is a wide range of accommodation available.
Places to Eat & Drink in Bo-Kaap
Newlands is home to some of the best restaurants and bars in the city. Whether you’re looking for a casual meal or a night out on the town, there’s something for everyone on offer.
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If you’re visiting the Mother City or simply looking to explore some pocket-friendly spots in Cape Town, here are a few cool places worth checking out.
Creator @msafiri_lifestyle shares some of her favourite affordable experiences in Cape Town from her recent trip.
Please note: All prices mentioned below are local South African rates.
📍City Sightseeing Bus: City Sightseeing Cape Town 1 day bus ticket
Winter Kids Special: R49 (aged 4–17), and Winter family package: R675 for 2 adults and 2 kids (aged 4–17). Available until 12 September 2025
📍Table Mountain Aerial Cableway: From R130 return
📍Two Oceans Aquarium: From R195
📍Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden: From R100
📍Hout Bay: Free entry
📍Bo-Kaap: Free entry
📍Iziko Planetarium and Digital Dome: From R90
📍Wine tasting: From R100
📍Chapman’s Peak Drive
📍Boulders Beach: From R50
📍Cape Point and Cape of Good Hope: From R105
📍V&A Waterfront: Free entry
📍Camps Bay: Free entry
📍Cape Wheel: From R175
#capetown #lovecapetown #thingstodoincapetown #capetownsouthafrica #budgetfriendly
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ICYMI! @tablemountainca will temporarily close for annual maintenance from Monday, 28 July to Sunday, 3 August 2025.
During this time, all commercial activities at both the Upper and Lower Stations will be closed to the public.
Each year, the Cableway undergoes routine inspections and essential upgrades to ensure the system continues to operate to the highest international safety standards.
Hikers can still enjoy a trek up Table Mountain, with many routes and walkways accessible. However, all facilities at the summit and base stations will be closed during the shutdown.
#tablemountain #tablemountaincableway #capetown
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Winter in Cape Town offers the perfect opportunity to explore exciting activities despite the chilly weather.❄️
Here’s Part 3 of our “100 Things to Do in Cape Town This Winter” series...
📍 Hop on a City Sightseeing tour bus
📍Explore Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
📍 A night out at a jazz venue in the city: Incognito at The Alphen Boutique Hotel, The Blue Room, The Athletic Club & Social
📍Unwind on the Franschhoek Wine Tram
📍 Escape a room in 60 minutes at HintHunt Cape Town
📍 Go on a kayak adventure with Kayak Adventures Cape Town
📍Delve into Simon’s Town’s best-kept secrets
#winter #capetown #thingstodoincapetown
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Winter nights, mid-July, in the best city in the world. 😍
📹: @travel_blogged
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We have some exciting news to share...🎉
Cape Town has officially been named Best City in the World by readers of The @telegraph in its 2025 Telegraph Travel Awards! 🏆
More than 20,000 UK travellers cast their votes, placing Cape Town on top once again. This is the seventh time the city has claimed this coveted title, and the second time this year it has been crowned the world’s best. 🥳
Earlier this year, Time Out named Cape Town #1 City in the World. The Mother City topped the publication’s annual list of the Best Cities in the World, with 82% of Capetonians describing the city as beautiful, and 97% of locals saying it makes them happy. 😁
To celebrate, tell us what you absolutely love about the Mother City in the comments below! 🎉
#capetown #lovecapetown #worldbest
📸: @7assaant
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Pretty in winter 😍
Here are some of our favourite images you shared with us. 📸
1. Standing Tall: @dean_lock
2. In bloom: @manieboy.za
3. Shadows: @nasreenroberts
4. Sailing away: @miragecatamaran
5. Aerial landscape: keagzcpt
Tag us in your photographs/reels using #lovecapetown. The best content will feature on our social media accounts.
#capetown #thingstodoincapetown #winter
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Craving a fragrant, flavour-packed curry or something rich, creamy, and comforting? 🍛
Cape Town’s got plenty of eateries to hit the spot. These are a few spots we think you’ll love👇
📍 Curry Club
📍 Bukhara Restaurant
📍 Sundoo Sea Point and Newlands
📍 Prashad Café: Rondebosch, Kloof Street, Constantia Village, UCT
📍Maharajah Indian Restaurant
📍 Vadivelu
Drop some of your favourite restaurants in the comments section...
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Who says winter has to be dull or drain your wallet? Cape Town is jam-packed with cool, cosy, and budget-friendly things to do that’ll keep you smiling all season long. 🤩
We’ve rounded up a bunch of cool activities for under R150pp. ☕️🎨🍿
These include:
📍Visit an Iziko museum: from R50
📍Go coffee shop hopping: from R25
📍Try Scratch Patch and Cave Golf at the V&A Waterfront or Simon’s Town: from R35
📍Catch a film at The Labia Theatre: from R90
📍Explore Guga S’thebe Arts & Culture Centre in Langa: free entry
📍Visit the South African Astronomical Observatory: from R50
Got any budget-friendly gems of your own? Share your favourites in the comments below!
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Grab a front-row seat to one of nature’s most awe-inspiring spectacles as Southern Right whales return to the Cape’s shores between June and November. 🐋
We’ve rounded up some of the best spots in and around Cape Town where you can catch these majestic creatures in action:
📍False Bay
📍Hermanus
📍The West Coast
📍Gansbaai
📍The Whale Trail
📹: @carden_roberts__drones
#capetown #whalewatching #travel
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Winter in Cape Town offers the perfect opportunity to explore exciting activities despite the chilly weather.❄️
Here’s Part 2 of our “100 Things to Do in Cape Town This Winter” series...
📍Meet Colourful Amuki Characters at Wonderdal, Hazendal Wine Estate
📍Treat Yourself to a Spa Day: The Alphen Spa at Alphen Boutique Hotel, Verde Vita Spa at Hotel Verde, Amani Spa at The Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront, The Garden Spa at Babylonstoren, Heavenly Spa at The Westin, and Acai Spa & Wellness Oasis at Palm House Boutique Hotel
📍Visit Cape Point
📍Book a Hot Springs Getaway: Caledon Hotel & Spa, AKTV Goudini Spa, The Baths Natural Hot Springs, Montagu Springs
📍TimeOut Market Winter Wine Series
📍 Explore 8000 animals at the Two Oceans Aquarium
📍Take the cable car up Table Mountain
to watch the sunset
#winter #capetown #thingstodoincapetown
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Happy World Chocolate Day! 🍫
To celebrate, we’re shining the spotlight on responsibly sourced chocolate makers in the city. These Cape Town chocolatiers are redefining what it means to treat yourself, sourcing cacao responsibly, supporting farming communities, and creating each bar with respect for the planet.💝
These include:
🍫 Honest Chocolate: 64A Wale St, Cape Town City Centre, and 52 Main Rd, Kalk Bay
🍫 AFRIKOA Chocolate: Shop G11, Makers Landing, Cruise Terminal, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
🍫 Cocoafair Chocolatier: Vissershok Rd, Durbanville
#worldchocolateday #capetown
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This July, we’re bringing you Winter Magic in the Mother City – a chance to win the perfect mix of indoor adventures, foodie delights, and pampering experiences to warm up even the chilliest days! ❄️😎
This fantastic prize, valued at R15 000, includes:
🛏️ A luxurious one-night stay for 2 at de Private Villa at @thekilimafranschhoek (breakfast included!)
💆🏻♀️ @capegracehotel Spa & Dining Winter Package for 2, including three bespoke spa treatments and your choice of a two-course lunch or dinner-pure bliss.
🍷 2 Tickets to @timeoutmarketcapetown’s Winter Wine Series PLUS a R1000 food voucher.
🍇 A @citysightseeingsa Three Region Xplorer Wine Tour with tastings, a cellar tour, sweet pairings and more.
🎨 2 Silver Annual Memberships to @norvalfoundation art museum and sculpture garden.
🎭 Tickets to Chicago: The Musical at @artscapetheatre.
🤩 2 Tickets to the @museumofillusions_capetown – for quirky, indoor fun.
🏛️ Entry for two to @izikomuseumssa– including the Planetarium, National Gallery and more.
To enter, complete the entry form in the link in bio– it takes less than a minute! Entries close Wednesday 30 July 2025. Winner announced on Friday 1 August.
#LoveCapeTown #WinterMagic #CapeTownGiveaway #MotherCityMagic #WinterInCapeTown
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