Bo-Kaap Travel Guide

Cape Town
Bo\'Kaap
Learn about the rich Malay culture and history in this lively and quirky area of museums and brightly painted buildings.

Bo-Kaap is a remarkable district known for its rows of brightly colored houses and joyful ambiance. On the slopes of Signal Hill, this former township is made up of cobbled streets and some of the city’s oldest buildings. Stroll down the narrow alleys and maze-like roads of this quaint neighbourhood to get a glimpse into the local culture.

The highlight of the district is the Bo-Kaap Museum, which dates back to the 1760s. Peruse the intriguing displays to find out about the early Muslim settlers who were exiled here from Indonesia and Malaysia centuries ago. Learn how the region became a refuge for freed slaves.

Visit the Auwal Mosque, which is the oldest in Cape Town, having been built in the late 18th century. Inspect the exhibit of the Quran written from memory by the mosque’s first imam while imprisoned for political reasons.

Stroll down the cobbled streets and marvel at the bright coatings of every conceivable colour covering the homes. The houses were initially white, before locals began painting them in celebration of Eid, the end of Ramadan. Gaze up at the green peak of Signal Hill and capture photos of the iconic mountain.

Dine at one of the restaurants to enjoy traditional Bo-Kaap dishes, such as tomato bredie stew, sosatie meat skewers and koeksisters, which are syrup doughnuts.

Learn of the gradual gentrification of the neighbourhood and the conflicts that have arisen as wealthier families have moved in, replacing long-time residents. Many of today’s inhabitants are descendants of slaves imported by the Dutch from Sri Lanka, India, Malaysia, Indonesia and parts of Africa. Note that many locals refer to this district as the Malay Quarter, while the people are known as Cape Muslims.

The neighbourhood of Bo-Kaap is just north of the city centre of Cape Town. It is sandwiched between the De Waterkant area and the picturesque grounds surrounding Signal Hill. Reach Bo-Kaap by riding a bus to the Old Fire Station on the northern border of this quaint neighbourhood.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in Bo-Kaap

Road Lodge Cape Town International Airport
Road Lodge Cape Town International Airport
2 out of 5
Adjoining BP Service & Filling Station, at Cape Town International Airport, Cape Town, Western Cape
The price is £39 per night from 20 Apr to 21 Apr
£39
per night
20 Apr - 21 Apr
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,007 reviews)
Great stay.
"Great hotel for an overnight stay after a long international flight. Its got all of the basics and the staff is very friendly. We checked in after midnight and still had a laugh with Mbu before we went off to our room. He was also very considerate, saw that my wife was tired after the flight and ..."

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2024

Road Lodge Cape Town International Airport
Hyatt Regency Cape Town
Hyatt Regency Cape Town
5 out of 5
BUITENGRACHT STREET, CAPE TOWN CITY, CENTRE, 126, Cape Town, Western Cape
The price is £97 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
£97
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (495 reviews)
"Phenomenal property with a staff that went above and beyond to ensure a perfect family reunion. Could not recommend it more. Absolutely perfect!"

Reviewed on 22 Mar 2024

Hyatt Regency Cape Town
Taj Cape Town
Taj Cape Town
5 out of 5
1 Wale Street, corner St Georges Mall, Cape Town, Western Cape
The price is £127 per night from 4 Apr to 5 Apr
£127
per night
4 Apr - 5 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (999 reviews)
"Great stay!"

Reviewed on 19 Mar 2024

Taj Cape Town
AC Hotel by Marriott Cape Town Waterfront
AC Hotel by Marriott Cape Town Waterfront
4 out of 5
Dockrail Road, Foreshore, Cape Town, Western Cape
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is £129 per night from 19 Apr to 20 Apr
£129
per night
19 Apr - 20 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (387 reviews)
"Excellent service, friendly staff, and excellent food in the restaurant!"

Reviewed on 20 Mar 2024

AC Hotel by Marriott Cape Town Waterfront
City Lodge Hotel Victoria And Alfred Waterfront
City Lodge Hotel Victoria And Alfred Waterfront
3 out of 5
Cnr Dock And Alfred Roads, Cape Town, Western Cape
The price is £68 per night from 24 Apr to 25 Apr
£68
per night
24 Apr - 25 Apr
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and breakfast. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (683 reviews)
"One of the best decisions I made was staying at The City Lodge at the V and A Waterfront. Location is perfect. It is an attractive looking place about a 10 to 15 minute walk from the V and A Waterfront (where there are tons of resturants (try La Prada. Food is delicious), souvenir shopping, grocery ..."

Reviewed on 22 Mar 2024

City Lodge Hotel Victoria And Alfred Waterfront
Radisson RED V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Radisson RED V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
3.5 out of 5
Silo 6, South Arm Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, Western Cape
The price is £129 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
£129
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (412 reviews)
"The staff are awesome! Friendly and very helpful. They indulged me with amenities, kindness & service. They could not do enough. It was a fun place to stay and is centrally located near so many activities. Amazing!!"

Reviewed on 3 Mar 2024

Radisson RED V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Bo-Kaap

Default Image

De Waterkant

De Waterkant is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Cape Quarter Lifestyle Village and Table Mountain National Park while you're in town.

De Waterkant
Default Image

Cape Town City Centre

4/5(237 area reviews)

Known for its majestic mountain landscape and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Cape Town City Centre. Check out top attractions like Cape Town City Hall and Houses of Parliament, and jump on the metro at Woodstock Station or Esplanade Station to see more of the city.

Cape Town City Centre
Cape Town which includes a city and night scenes

City Bowl

The majestic mountain landscape and popular shops are just a few highlights of City Bowl. Make a stop by South African Museum and Planetarium or Kloof Street while you're exploring the area.

City Bowl
Default Image

Gardens

The picture-perfect mountain views and lively bars are top of the list for many visitors to Gardens. A stop by Kloof Street or Bree Street might round out your trip.

Gardens
Victoria and Alfred Waterfront featuring a marina

Victoria and Alfred Waterfront

The picture-perfect mountain views and abundant dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. A stop by Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa or Cape Town Cruise Terminal might round out your trip.

Victoria and Alfred Waterfront
Cape Town Stadium featuring a sunset and a city

Green Point

4.5/5(29 area reviews)

Travellers like the cocktail bars in Green Point, and Greenpoint Market is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Green Point

Bo-Kaap Travel Guide

Choose two or more items and save on your trip: