Bo-Kaap Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Bo\'Kaap
Bo-Kaap
Bo\'Kaap
Bo\'Kaap
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.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best Bo-Kaap Hotel Deals

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 AU$419 per night from 23 Feb to 24 Feb
AU$419
includes taxes & fees
23 Feb - 24 Feb
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (560 reviews)
"Very convenient location close to all amenities,the breakfast was very good,the most outstanding part of the stay was the staff everyone went out of the way to assist in any matters that we had."

Reviewed on 3 Feb. 2025

Hyatt Regency 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
The price is AU$402 per night from 1 Mar to 2 Mar
AU$402
includes taxes & fees
1 Mar - 2 Mar
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (524 reviews)
Enjoyed my stay
"The hotel was very clean."

Reviewed on 14 Feb. 2025

AC Hotel by Marriott Cape Town Waterfront
Hotel Verde Cape Town Airport
Hotel Verde Cape Town Airport
4 out of 5
15 Michigan Street, Airport Industria, Cape Town, Western Cape
The price is AU$242 per night from 8 Mar to 9 Mar
AU$242
includes taxes & fees
8 Mar - 9 Mar
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,005 reviews)
"It was perfect!"

Reviewed on 15 Feb. 2025

Hotel Verde Cape Town Airport
Road Lodge Cape Town International Airport
Road Lodge Cape Town International Airport
3 out of 5
Adjoining BP Service & Filling Station, at Cape Town International Airport, Cape Town, Western Cape
The price is AU$85 per night from 23 Feb to 24 Feb
AU$85
includes taxes & fees
23 Feb - 24 Feb
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,006 reviews)
"We stayed there 12 years ago when it was very basic- this time it was very much improved. If you are looking for a convenient, good value and clean place to stay before an early morning flight you can’t go wrong😀"

Reviewed on 15 Feb. 2025

Road Lodge Cape Town International Airport
Hotel Sky Cape Town
Hotel Sky Cape Town
3.5 out of 5
Lower Long St, Cape Town, Western Cape
The price is AU$205 per night from 18 Feb to 19 Feb
AU$205
includes taxes & fees
18 Feb - 19 Feb
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Cape Town Cruise Terminal ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (211 reviews)
Excellent hotel - in a great location
"Excellent hotel just 5/10 minutes walk to marina. Room was very comfortable- the coffee machine on each floor - superb. A great bar area and drinks were very reasonably priced. Service was excellent from everyone."

Reviewed on 9 Feb. 2025

Hotel Sky Cape Town
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 AU$357 per night from 1 Mar to 2 Mar
AU$357
includes taxes & fees
1 Mar - 2 Mar
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 helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (540 reviews)
"Check in. They offer you drinks and snacks. The front staff are extremely friendly"

Reviewed on 15 Feb. 2025

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

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De Waterkant

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

De Waterkant
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Cape Town City Centre

4/5(48 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 District Six Museum and Cape Town City Hall, 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 National Gallery or Kloof Street while you're exploring the area.

City Bowl
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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 Cape Town Cruise Terminal or Two Oceans Aquarium might round out your trip.

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

Green Point

4.5/5(15 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

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