Bo-Kaap

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 neighborhood 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 color 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 neighborhood 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 neighborhood of Bo-Kaap is just north of the city center 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 neighborhood.


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Bo-Kaap Hotel Deals

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 ¥6,478 per night from Apr 6 to Apr 7
¥6,478
per night
Apr 6 - Apr 7
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 our ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,003 reviews)
Thanks
"Short, everything we need before our long flight"

Reviewed on Mar 28, 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 ¥15,907 per night from Apr 1 to Apr 2
¥15,907
per night
Apr 1 - Apr 2
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 our 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 Mar 22, 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 ¥22,319 per night from Apr 4 to Apr 5
¥22,319
per night
Apr 4 - Apr 5
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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (999 reviews)
"Great stay!"

Reviewed on Mar 19, 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 ¥18,040 per night from Apr 20 to Apr 21
¥18,040
per night
Apr 20 - Apr 21
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a fitness center. 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 Mar 20, 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 ¥11,431 per night from Apr 1 to Apr 2
¥11,431
per night
Apr 1 - Apr 2
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 our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (686 reviews)
Great hotel.
"Was let down by the hotel I had previously booked so managed to book City Lodge at the last minute. From check-in right through my stay I felt very welcome and the staff were amazing. The restaurant was also very nice and food was amazing."

Reviewed on Mar 27, 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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥22,611 per night from Apr 20 to Apr 21
¥22,611
per night
Apr 20 - Apr 21
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 Mar 3, 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 neighborhoods around Bo-Kaap

The barista taught me the process of Yama siphon at Origin Coffee Roasting's headquarters. The selection of regional coffees is superb, and the knowledgeable staff will expertly pair the brewing method best suited to your choice. The breakfast menu is great, with plenty of local farm-fresh produce and house-made bagels and sauces. Apparently there is an upstairs courtyard, I would definitely check it out!  #coffee #CapeTown

De Waterkant

De Waterkant is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Cape Quarter Lifestyle Village and Table Mountain National Park while in the area.

De Waterkant
Cape Town City Centre

Cape Town City Centre

4/5(484 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
The Devils pool of Victoria Falls!!! Rainbows and waterfalls #africa #zimbabwe #wonderoftheworld

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 captivating mountain views and ample 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 which includes a city and a sunset

Green Point

4.5/5(67 area reviews)

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

Green Point

Bo-Kaap