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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Welcome to the world’s most beautiful city! 🎉
Cape Town has officially been named #1 on Time Out’s 2026 list of the World’s Most Beautiful Cities.
The ranking was based on a global survey of more than 24,000 people, with 86% of Capetonians describing their city as beautiful.
What do you love the most about the city?
📹: @flyskywings
#lovecapetown
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Donovan Goliath, the Eastern Cape-born, Joburg-based creative, has wrapped up his Cape Town adventure.
From world-class art galleries and unforgettable bucket-list experiences to incredible local food and award-winning wines, he made the most of his time in the Mother City.
Inspired by his journey? Here’s your guide to recreating the experience on your next visit:
📍 Take the cable car to the top of Table Mountain.
📍 Ride a Cobra through the city.
📍 Find a scenic spot and indulge in a Gatsby.
📍 Explore Cape Town’s art scene at Zeitz MOCAA, RESERVOIR, and 99 Loop Gallery.
📍 Explore A33 Cape Town.
📍 Sip award-winning wines at Seven Sisters Vineyards.
Special thanks to @aroundaboutcars, a car hire company in Southern Africa, for ensuring Donovan explored the city in style.
You Don’t Need a Holiday. You Need My Cape Town
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We’re halfway through the year, but the epic events in Cape Town is only getting started. 💃🏻
July is packed with world-class children’s entertainment, food and wine events, and theatre and creative art experiences across the city. 🦪🛼
We’ve rounded up some of the must-attend events you won’t want to miss…
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Chommies, meet Caitlin Hood 👋✨
This Durban girlie is all about chasing thrills and saying "yes" to new adventures. And where better to do that than Cape Town? 🌊⛰️
Armed with running shoes, a sense of adventure, and a camera roll that`s about to be very full, the content creator and runner is on a mission to uncover Mother City gems worth the hype, chase adrenaline-fuelled experiences, and bring a few familiar faces along for the ride.
To kick off her Mother City trip, Caitlin took to the skies on a paragliding flight from Signal Hill.
The vibes? Unreal. The views? Absolutely elite.
“It was insane. Put this on your bucket list,” Caitlin says.
And trust us, she`s only just getting started.
Caitlin`s Cape Town story continues. Follow Love Cape Town to see what she gets up to next. 👀
You Don`t Need a Holiday. You Need My Cape Town.
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Fancy tea… on a moving bus? 🚍
Step aboard the Lorea High Tea Bus and experience Cape Town a little differently. Sip on tea, enjoy delicious sweet and savoury treats, and watch the views as you roll along some of the most breathtaking coastal routes.
Your journey winds through the Atlantic Seaboard towards Hout Bay as the team tends to your every need.
Open from Wednesday to Sunday. Priced from R795 pp.
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In Cape Town, wellness is more than an escape, it’s a city of quiet rituals, shared calm, and moments that allow the world to slow down.
A world of Wellness, all in one city!
Featured:
📍Radisson Collection Hotel, Waterfront Cape Town
📍Janet’s Planet
📍Cape Town Fynbos Experience
📍Eat Like a Local – Cape Town Food Tours
📍Rise Beach Yoga
#1SmallWorld
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Postcard-worthy views, all year round.🌅
Here are some of our favorite videos and images that you shared with us:
1 and 2: @louisa_pollard_photography
3: @destinationroamer
4: @anastasia.galk
5: @madeye_photography
Tag us in your photographs/reels using #lovecapetown. The best content will feature on our social media accounts.
#capetown #lovecapetown #thingstodoincapetown
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Are you looking for cosy restaurants to visit in Cape Town? Places where you can enjoy the warmth of the fireplace and indulge in hearty meals with good company?
If so, you should add these restaurants with cosy fireplaces to your list:
📍Simon’s Restaurant, Groot Constantia (featured in the reel)
📍Foxcroft Restaurant, Constantia Nek
📍Kloof Street House, Garden
📍Azure Restaurant, Twelve Apostles Hotel
📍Rick’s Cafe Americain, Gardens
📍 The Wild Fig Restaurant, Mowbray
📍Damhuis, Melkbosstrand
📍The Thirsty Oyster Tavern, Gordan’s Bay
📍Café Paradiso, Gardens
📍Asoka, Gardens
📍Chocolat Bistro, Durbanville
What are some of your favourite restaurants in the comments section…
#Capetown #foodie #thingstodoincapetown
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Looking for a fun way to explore the city this winter? Why not hop on the City Sightseeing bus and discover some of Cape Town’s best attractions along the way! 📍🚏
We recently enjoyed the Blue Mini Peninsula Tour, with stops at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, World of Birds & Monkey Jungle, and a scenic drive along the beautiful Atlantic Seaboard. 🦜🌊
Winter Specials for SA residents:
• Kids Special: R65 per child (ages 4–17)
• Family Winter Special: R780 for 2 adults + 2 juniors (ages 4–17)
Offer valid until 23 September 2026.
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In Cape Town, dining is more than what’s on the plate; it’s a lively ritual that brings people together to share stories around the table.
A world of dining, all in one city!
Featured:
📍Chefs Warehouse (Beau Constantia)
📍Cape Town Walking Tours
📍Groot Constantia
📍Beyond Restaurant
📍Kloof Street House
📍Bobo’s
📍Origin Coffee (de Waterkant)
📍The Gin Bar
📍Truth Coffee
📍Fyn
📍Cassia Restaurant / Nitida Wine Farm
📍Klein Roosboom Boutique Winery
#1SmallWorld
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Planning a road trip from Cape Town? @whereisyorick shares some of his favourite locations, a drive from the city.
📹: @whereisyorick
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Winter days in Cape Town 🥰
Here are some of our favorite videos and images that you shared with us:
1 and 2: @nazreenessack
3: @dylansage84
4: @scottparryphotography
5: @catherine_y_liang
6: @maher.rezguii
Tag us in your photographs/reels using #lovecapetown. The best content will feature on our social media accounts.
#capetown #lovecapetown #thingstodoincapetown
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