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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Between the towering mountains and its picturesque beaches, Cape Town’s magic is endless. ⛰️
What is on your Mother City bucket list for the upcoming long weekend?😎
📹: @danielc.lobato
#lovecapetown #thingstodoincapetown #capetown #placestogo #travel #kaapstad #lecap #kapstadt #ciudaddelcabo #kapstaden #africa #southafrica #südafrika
Cape Town sunsets hit different. 🌅
Tag someone you would like to share this sunset with?
📸: @nasreenroberts
Summer is loading. ☀️⛱️
Get ready for beach days, endless sunshine, ice cream strolls on the Prom, and epic water adventures. 🍦
What`s your go-to summer spot in the Mother City?
📸: @efoilsouthafrica
#lovecapetown #thingstodoincapetown #capetown #placestogo #travel #kaapstad #lecap #kapstadt #ciudaddelcabo #kapstaden #africa #southafrica #südafrika
Our @lovecapetown crew continues to spread cheer throughout Cape Town with our Freedom To Wish initiative. ✨
Congrats to our winners, who will experience some of the best Mother City attractions for the first time. 😁
If you haven’t entered yet, there’s still time!
All you need to do is nominate yourself or a loved one who resides in Cape Town and tell us the one thing you’d love to experience in our beautiful city and why. 😎
Whatsapp your 60-second voice note or video motivation to 072 662 0626 or email freedomtowish@capetown.travel.
Freedom To Wish continues until 26 September 2023. T’s and C’s apply.
Local has never been so lekker. 🫶
#freedomtowish #localhasneverbeensolekker #capetowntourism #lovecapetown #thingstodoincapetown #capetown #placestogo #travel #kaapstad #lecap #kapstadt #ciudaddelcabo #kapstaden #africa #southafrica #südafrika
Visiting Cape Town and want to know what to add to your bucket list? Check out @adamrikys kwaai (cool) suggestions...
#lovecapetown #thingstodoincapetown #capetown #placestogo #travel #kaapstad #lecap #kapstadt #ciudaddelcabo #kapstaden #africa #southafrica #südafrika
Our @lovecapetown crew is spreading cheer throughout Cape Town, granting wishes to all those who nominated loved ones and participated in Freedom To Wish. 🥳
Congratulations to our winners, who will experience some of the best Mother City attractions for the first time. These include trips up Table Mountain, Big 5 safaris, paragliding, Robben Island tours, Red Bus tickets, heliflips and overnight stays. 🚁🚠
Freedom To Wish continues until 26 September 2023.
To enter, nominate yourself or a loved one who resides in Cape Town and tell us the one thing you’d love to experience in our beautiful city and why. 😎
Whatsapp your 60-second voice note or video motivation to 072 662 0626 or email freedomtowish@capetown.travel between 1-26 September 2023. T’s and C’s apply.
Local has never been so lekker. 🫶
#freedomtowish #localhasneverbeensolekker #capetowntourism #lovecapetown #thingstodoincapetown #capetown #placestogo #travel #kaapstad #lecap #kapstadt #ciudaddelcabo #kapstaden #africa #southafrica #südafrika
Postcard perfect. ⛰️
Tell us, what are some of your favourite scenic locations in the Mother City?
Drop your suggestions in the comment section. 🥳
📸: @instacptguy
#lovecapetown #tablemountain #capetown #thingstodoincapetown #placestogo #travel #kaapstad #lecap #kapstadt #ciudaddelcabo #kapstaden #africa #southafrica #südafrika
Best of luck to our Springboks as they kick off their first Rugby World Cup game against Scotland tonight! 🏉
Our friends at @citysightseeingsa have created this incredible video to cheer on the Bokke and spread the gees around Cape Town. 🥳
Go Bokke! 🇿🇦
We would love to know your favourite spots to watch the game in Cape Town in the comment section.
#springboks #rugbyworldcup #strongertogether #bokke #rugby #citysightseeing #lovecapetown #thingstodoincapetown #capetown #placestogo #travel #kaapstad #lecap #kapstadt #ciudaddelcabo #kapstaden #africa #southafrica #südafrika
Excitement is in the air as the @rugbyworldcup kicks off this weekend, and there’s no better place to catch all the action than in the Mother City! 🏉
Whether you’re a die-hard rugby fan or just looking for a lively atmosphere to soak in the gees, we’ve got you covered. 🥳
Here are some places offering live viewings of the Rugby World Cup:
📍Union Bar, Table Bay Hotel
📍The Fireman’s Arms
📍DoubleTree by Hilton Cape Town
📍Makers Landing
📍V&A Waterfront
📍Mojo Market
Drop your suggestions for other spots where you can watch the rugby in the comment section. 😎
#RWC2023 #Springboks #rugby #unionbar #vandawaterfront #mojomarket #firemansarms #makerslanding #lovecapetown #thingstodoincapetown #capetown #placestogo #travel #kaapstad #lecap #kapstadt #ciudaddelcabo #kapstaden #africa #southafrica #südafrika
"Starin` at the sunset, babe." 🎶
Where do you love to end a day in Cape Town?
📸: @thewanderlustmovement
#sunset #taylorswift #wildestdreams #lovecapetown #thingstodoincapetown #capetown #placestogo #travel #kaapstad #lecap #kapstadt #ciudaddelcabo #kapstaden #africa #southafrica #südafrika #swifties
It`s flower season🌼
From expansive national parks to charming towns, Cape Town and surrounding attractions offer an array of floral wonders that will capture the hearts of both seasoned nature enthusiasts and casual wanderers. 😍
Here are some places to check out the flowers and canola fields:
📍Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
📍Blaauwberg Nature Reserve
📍Philadelphia
📍West Coast National Park
📍Morale Coffee, Wellington
Share your favourite spots in the comment section...
📸: @oceaneyes.za
#flowerseason #canolafields #flowerstagram #westcoastnationalpark #durbanville #kirstenbosch #lovecapetown #thingstodoincapetown#capetown #placestogo #travel #kaapstad #lecap #kapstadt #ciudaddelcabo #kapstaden #africa #southafrica #südafrika
Comedian and social media sensation @lancedrichards is excited about Freedom To Wish! 🥳
He believes the initiative is all about “spreading joy, creating lasting memories, and making dreams come true”.
And we are excited to give you the opportunity to be a tourist in your own city! 😁
To enter, nominate yourself or a loved one who resides in Cape Town and tell us the one thing you’d love to experience in our beautiful city and why. 😎
Whatsapp your 60-second voice note or video motivation to 072 662 0626 or email freedomtowish@capetown.travel between 1-26 September 2023. T’s and C’s apply.
Local has never been so lekker. 🫶
#freedomtowish #localhasneverbeensolekker #capetowntourism #lovecapetown #thingstodoincapetown #capetown #placestogo #travel #kaapstad #lecap #kapstadt #ciudaddelcabo #kapstaden #africa #southafrica #südafrika
