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Bo-Kaap

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.

Travel Inspiration

Looking for some travel inspiration for your next trip to Bo-Kaap? Here are some ideas to get you started:

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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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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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Cape Town, we’ve got a few rainy days ahead! ☔️

Don’t let the weather stop you from exploring as the city’s full of indoor attractions that are worth stepping out for. 🌂

Take a little inspiration from @daynacatherinepipe, who embraced the chill and spent the day discovering some of Cape Town’s cosy attractions. ☕️🖼️

Remember to stay warm and travel safe over the next few days.

📹: @daynacatherinepipe

#capetown #winter
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Can you believe we’re already halfway through the year? 😲

Here’s your reminder of how Cape Town will look in 3 months...😉

Rotate your phone for best viewing 😍

📹 + 📸: @ryanwarneke
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