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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Wander into Khayelitsha, a township filled with history, culture, and adventure!

Gather your friends and meander through vibrant art, plant a community garden, cycle through the neighbourhood, and indulge in a traditional meal with Juma Art Tours.

There’s something for everyone in Khayelitsha 🙌

#lovecapetown #khayelitsha #township #townshiptour #thingstodoincapetown #capetown #placestogo #travel #kaapstad #lecap #kapstadt #ciudaddelcabo #kapstaden #africa #southafrica #südafrika #arttour #bicycletour #cycle #foodies
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Soak Up Simon’s Town’s history and art scene!

Sip an aromatic cup of coffee while paging through a gripping novel, wander through the past and present at the South African Naval Museum, or enjoy a scenic walk to the Just Nuisance statue.

📍 @willets_hotel_spa  
📍 South African Naval Museum
📍 Warrior Toy Museum and Shop
📍 Just Nuisance Statue

#simonstown #soakupsimonstown #capetown #lovecapetown #findyourfreedom #coffee #advenure #urbanadventurer #thingstodoincapetown #placestogo #travel #kaapstad #lecap #kapstadt #ciudaddelcabo #kapstaden #africa #southafrica #südafrika
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Richard Yeomans is among many persons with disabilities who have the opportunity to experience the thrilling rush of the ocean through adaptive surfing lessons. 🌊

Surf Emporium, the only officially ‘Surfing South Africa’ accredited Adaptive Surf School in South Africa, has made great strides within this space through regular surf clinics and group or private adaptive surfing lessons.

The organisation, together with the Roxy Davis Foundation and Adaptive Surfing Cape Town, aims to show people with disabilities that surfing is possible.

Adaptive Surfing Cape Town also hosts monthly Adaptive Surf Clinics throughout the year.

#responsibletourism #adaptivesurfing #capetown #lovecapetown #surfemporium #surfing
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Hundreds of Capetonians (and visitors to the Mother City) celebrated @capetowncarnival during its iconic parade this evening.

The mega-annual event did not disappoint visitors, showcasing incredible floats, dramatic costumes, and high energy dancers and entertainment. 💃

#capetowncarnival #lovecapetown #capetown #placestogo #travel #kaapstad #lecap #kapstadt #ciudaddelcabo #kapstaden #africa #southafrica #südafrika
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The Cape Wheel is back in action at The V&A Waterfront at its new location at Breakwater Boulevard! 🥳🎡

Visitors will now get picturesque views of Table Mountain, Granger Bay, and Signal Hill.

The popular Cape Town activity is open daily and should be included in any traveller's bucket list.

And, if you are a SA citizen, you get to enjoy The Cape Wheel for free on your birthday when you show proof of ID!

Ticket sales are currently open. Visit http://www.capewheel.co.za/ for ticket prices and opening times.

#lovecapetown #thingstodoincapetown #capetown #placestogo #travel #kaapstad #lecap #kapstadt #ciudaddelcabo #kapstaden #africa #southafrica #südafrika #vandawaterfront #capewheel
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Soak Up Simon’s Town’s foodie scene! 🍲

Enjoy mouth-watering fish n chips by the seaside, tuck into a freshly prepared organic meal with a scenic view, or treat yourself to a luxurious fine dining experience during sunset. 

📍 @berthas_restaurant 
📍 @rocklands_farm
📍 @tintswalo_at_boulders 

#simonstown #soakupsimonstown #capetown #lovecapetown #findyourfreedom #foodie #instagramfoodie #fearlessfoodie #thingstodoincapetown #placestogo #travel #kaapstad #lecap #kapstadt #ciudaddelcabo #kapstaden #africa #southafrica #südafrika
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Soak up Simon’s Town’s exhilarating experiences! 🤿

Opt for a swim with penguins at Boulders Beach, a diving adventure at the Great African Sea Forests, or a thrilling shark cage diving experience at Simon’s Town. 

📍 @the_boulders_beach_penguin 
📍 @piscesdivers_ct 
📍 @africansharkeco_charters 

#simonstown #soakupsimonstown #capetown #lovecapetown #findyourfreedom #nature #naturewarrior #penguins #diving #sharks #sharkcagediving #beach #bouldersbeach #bouldersbeachpenguins #thingstodoincapetown #placestogo #travel #kaapstad #lecap #kapstadt #ciudaddelcabo #kapstaden #africa #southafrica #südafrika
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Happy Pride! 🌈✨

The streets of Cape Town came alive with Pride festivities.

Hailed the biggest ever Pride event the city has ever seen, this year’s festivities saw a bigger stage, larger grounds, more stalls, and captivating entertainment.

#lovecapetown #pridemonth #pride #capetownpride #lqbtqia #inclusivetravel #travel #travelling #destination #capetown
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Happy World Wildlife Day! 🐆

The day celebrates and raises awareness about the importance of protecting wild animals and plants around the world. 

Attractions like @aquilasafaris and @inverdoornsafari have been at the forefront of conservation and anti-poaching.  

From Aquila's fight against rhino poaching to Inverdoorn's cheetah conservation efforts-these two reserves are making an indelible mark for wildlife conservation. 

#worldwildlifeday #aquila #inverdoorn #rhinopoaching #cheetahconservation #lovecapetown #conservation #wildlife #travel #kaapstad #lecap #kapstadt #ciudaddelcabo #kapstaden #africa #southafrica #südafrika
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A successful first E-Prix in Cape Town! 🥳 Congratulations to @afelixdacosta and @porsche.motorsport on the win 🏆

#capetowneprix #formulae #motorsport #lovecapetown
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