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.
Instagram feed
Meet Kamogelo “Kamo” Motlhabane, a content creator, fashion lover, and proud daughter, as she embarks on a Cape Town adventure with two very special travel companions: her parents. ✈️🥹
For years, Kamo has dreamed of bringing her parents to the Mother City. Now, that dream is finally becoming a reality as the trio experiences Cape Town together for the very first time.
Introducing My Parents’ First Life – CPT Edition.
Over the next few weeks, join Kamo and her parents as they tick off iconic Cape Town bucket-list experiences and discover the city’s magic through fresh eyes.
After their flight, the trio checks into Southern Sun Waterfront Cape Town, their base for the next few days. Follow along as they explore the Mother City, one adventure at a time.
You Don’t Need a Holiday. You Need My Cape Town.
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Coffee, penguins and stunning views! 🐧☕️
The Coffee Fountain at SANCCOB serves up seriously good coffee with an incredible view. But the best part? You get to meet some adorable penguins and learn all about these little characters while you’re there.
📹: @the_coffee_fountain
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Sunset drives in the Mother City 🌅
📹: @bia._.mar
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Your West Coast Flower Guide 🌸🌺🌼
Every year from August to September, the West Coast bursts into colour as wildflowers transform the landscape into a spectacular display of pink, purple, yellow and white.
Here are some of the best places to see West Coast wildflowers in 2026:
📍West Coast National Park, featured in the video: R27, Langebaan
📍Blaauwberg Nature Reserve: Eerste Steen Resort, Otto du Plessis Drive, Bloubergstrand
📍Tienie Versfeld Wildflower Reserve: Darling Road, Malmesbury
📍Waylands Wildflower Reserve: Waylands Farms, Darling
📍Cape Columbine Nature Reserve: Tietiesbaai, West Coast Peninsula
📍Groenekloof Reserve: R315, Darling
Upcoming events:
📍Hopefield Fynbos Show: Hopefield Sports Club, Koperfontein Road, Hopefield
When: 27-30 August
📍Darling Wildflower Show: Darling Sports Club at Jakaranda St, Darling
When: 18-20 September
Save this guide for your next West Coast adventure!
📹: @familyearthtrek
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No Monday blues, just views. 😍
Make the most of the public holiday and go explore the Mother City today!
📹: @fragosoluciano.cpt
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It’s competition time!
Happy Women’s Day💃🏻
What better way to celebrate someone special than with an unforgettable safari escape and wine experience? One lucky winner will stand a chance to win an overnight safari getaway at Aquila Private Game Reserve, plus a wine experience for two at Dekkersvlei Vineyards in Paarl. 🐘🍷
The prize includes:
🦁Aquila Private Game Reserve safari experience for 2: welcome drinks, overnight accommodation, lunch, dinner, and breakfast, a morning safari experience, and a 30-minute spa treatment per person.
🍷Dekkersvlei Vineyards experience: “Taste the Original” Tour and Brandy Experience for two adults and two pizzas.
To enter, follow @lovecapetown, @aquilasafaris and @dekkersvlei on Instagram, then complete the entry form at the link in bio.
The competition closes on Sunday, 16 August 2026, at 23:59pm. The winner will be announced on Monday, 17 August 2026, at 10am.
Terms and Conditions apply.
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A day in Simon’s Town🐧🌊
Looking for budget-friendly things to do in Simon’s Town? From spotting the famous penguins at Boulders Beach to a hike at Admiral’s Waterfall, @lauretteyourhost shares her favorite affordable activities for a memorable day out.
📹: @lauretteyourhost
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Cape Town’s café scene is perfect for slow mornings, pretty plates, and catching up with your favourite people. ☕️🥞
Grab your girls and add these cute Cape Town brunch spots to your weekend list:
📍Rose Cottage Café: 24 Second Avenue, Harfield Village, Claremont
📍Four & Twenty: 23 Wolfe Street, Wynberg
📍Serendipity Creamery: Belvedere Square, Corner Keurboom & Belvedere Roads, Claremont
📍Mulberry & Prince: 12 Pepper Street, Cape Town City Centre
📍Ladurée: Shop 6244 – 6245, Breakwater Boulevard, V&A Waterfront
What are some of your favourite brunch spots in the city? Tag them in the comments section…
#capetown #thingstodoincapetown
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Bheki Ndamase, a content creator, podcaster and storyteller, has wrapped up his Cape Town trip, where he uncovered the city’s coastline, culture, and culinary gems.
The Joburg local went beyond the typical tourist spots, spending his days hunting for vintage treasures, connecting with local communities, and discovering authentic experiences in the city.
Want to experience Cape Town like Bheki? Add these stops to your next itinerary:
📍Thrift Shopping in Observatory
📍Explore the Cape Kelp Forest Trail
📍Langa Township Tour
📍Rands Cape Town
Special thanks to @aroundaboutcars, a car hire company in Southern Africa, for ensuring Bheki explored the city in style.
You Don’t Need a Holiday. You Need My Cape Town
...
Meet Kamogelo “Kamo” Motlhabane, a content creator, fashion lover, and proud daughter, as she embarks on a Cape Town adventure with two very special travel companions: her parents. ✈️🥹
For years, Kamo has dreamed of bringing her parents to the Mother City. Now, that dream is finally becoming a reality as the trio experiences Cape Town together for the very first time.
Introducing My Parents’ First Life – CPT Edition.
Over the next few weeks, join Kamo and her parents as they tick off iconic Cape Town bucket-list experiences and discover the city’s magic through fresh eyes.
Follow along as they explore the Mother City, one adventure at a time.
You Don’t Need a Holiday. You Need My Cape Town.
...
Finding new reasons to fall in love with the Mother City. 🏔️
Here are some of our favourite videos and images that you shared with us:
1 and 2: @bokehm0n
3: @travelling_gypsy
4: @theworldwefeel
5: @ofstudioz
Tag us in your photographs/reels using #lovecapetown. The best content will be featured on our social media accounts.
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The evidence speaks for itself. 🤷🏽♀️
Proof that Cape Town is one of the world’s most beautiful cities.
📹: @letsseewhere
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