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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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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Meet Bheki Ndamase, a content creator, podcaster and storyteller with a love for discovering the people, places and experiences that make a city special.
The Joburg local is spending a few days in Cape Town, ready to uncover everything the city has to offer, from vintage finds and local spots to authentic experiences that go beyond the usual tourist trail.
High on his bucket list is exploring the townships of Langa and Khayelitsha. Hosted by ABCD Concepts, Bheki spent the day discovering the people, culture and history that make these communities so special.
On his itinerary:
📍Guga S’Thebe Cultural Centre
📍The Langa Dompas Museum
📍Shisanyama at Kwa Amanda
📍Mteto’s Child Villa
📍Spade Boutique Hotel
📍Rands Cape Town
You Don’t Need a Holiday. You Need My Cape Town.
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Melkbosstrand, just 30 km north of Cape Town, is a relaxed seaside town with spectacular beaches, a buzzing restaurant scene and plenty to see and do. Named after the indigenous milk bush that grows across the surrounding dunes, Melkbosstrand’s natural beauty is part of what makes it so special.
Here’s everything you can do in Melkbosstrand on your next visit:
📍Melkbosstrand Beach
📍Grab an ice cream (or coffee) at Tube Wave
📍Enjoy a meal at Damhuis
📍Meet friendly animals at Melkbossie
📍Play golf or padel at Atlantic Beach Links
📍Make a pitstop at Ou Meul
What are some of your favourite places in Melkbosstrand?
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Meet Bheki Ndamase, a content creator, podcaster and storyteller with a love for discovering the people, places and experiences that make a city special. ✨
The Joburg local is spending a few days in Cape Town, ready to uncover everything the city has to offer, from vintage finds and local spots to authentic experiences that go beyond the usual tourist trail. 🤿🌊
This week, Bheki is heading on a coastal adventure with Guardians of the Deep, exploring some of the experiences featured on the Cape Kelp Forest Trail.
The Trail Passport unlocks a world of things to see and do along the city’s coastline, including adventure, nature, foodie experiences and marine activities.
Bheki’s journey takes him through Simon’s Town, Noordhoek and Kommetjie, where he’s ticking off some of the trail’s must-try experiences, including:
📍Snorkelling and learning about marine conservation with Cape RADD
📍Enjoying a kelp-inspired lunch at the Kelp Shack
📍Soaking up the sounds of Music from the Sea
📍Pottery session at Noordhoek Creative Studio
The Cape Kelp Forest Trail features 12 unique stops, giving you plenty of reasons to get out and explore.
You Don’t Need a Holiday. You Need My Cape Town
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Cape Town is turning up the energy this August with an exciting lineup of events, from the legendary Springboks vs All Blacks rugby showdown and world-class performances to wine experiences, film festivals, and comedy shows. 🏟️🏉🍷
We’ve rounded up some of the must-attend Cape Town events you won’t want to miss…
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Cape Town never misses. 🎯
We hope you’re enjoying Cape Town’s beautiful winter weather.
Here are some of our favourite videos and images that you shared with us:
1: @jakenethercott
2: @traveleatrepeatwithus
3: @photography_by_leeanne
4: @7assaant
5: @shaqct
6: @madeye_photography
Tag us in your photographs/reels using #lovecapetown. The best content will be featured on our social media accounts.
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A Cape Town sunset never disappoints. 🌆
What are some of your favourite places to watch the sunset in the city?
📹: matthewravell
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@uhcaitlin, a Durban content creator and runner, has officially wrapped up her Cape Town adventure. 💃🏻
From catching her very first waves in Muizenberg and learning to make traditional koesisters in the Bo-Kaap, to paragliding off Signal Hill, Caitlin embraced everything the Mother City had to offer.
Feeling inspired? Here’s how you can recreate her itinerary on your next Cape Town trip:
📍 Learning to surf with Surf Emporium in Muizenberg.
📍 Koesister Making Class with The Bo-Kaap Cooking Tour.
📍 Spa and overnight stay at the Radisson Collection Hotel, Waterfront Cape Town.
📍 Paragliding off Signal Hill.
📍 Explore Kalk Bay.
📍 Muizenberg Beach Huts.
Special thanks to @aroundaboutcars, a car hire company in Southern Africa, for ensuring Caitlin explored the city in style.
You Don’t Need a Holiday. You Need My Cape Town
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Looking for the perfect winter activity in Cape Town?
Head to HintHunt at the @vandawaterfront to try Africa’s first Mission Room.
Gather your team and put your problem-solving skills to the test as you take on logic puzzles, skill games, and challenges that will keep you guessing until the very end.
Ideal for 2–4 players
Time: 60 minutes
From R320 per person
#capetown #thingstodoincapetown
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Meet Bheki Ndamase, a content creator, podcaster and storyteller with a love for discovering the people, places and experiences that make a city special. ✨
The Joburg local is spending a few days in the Mother City, ready to uncover everything the city has on offer, from vintage finds and local spots to authentic experiences that go beyond the usual tourist trail.
To kick off his Cape Town adventure (and survive those chilly winter days), Bheki’s first mission is to find the perfect thrifted jacket. 🧥✨
He hits the streets of Observatory, digging through rails and hunting for a hidden gem with a story of its own.
His thrift trail takes him to:
🛍️ Nevernew
🛍️ St Luke’s Combined Hospices Charity Shop
🛍️ Maids of Honour
Follow along as he explores the Mother City, one adventure at a time.
You Don’t Need a Holiday. You Need My Cape Town
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Mother City magic ✨
What’s on your Cape Town bucket list, and who are experiencing our beautiful city with?
📹: bia._.mar
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