Neighborhood

Bo-Kaap

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Bo-KaapDietmar Rabich · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0
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Bo-Kaap is a historic neighborhood at the foot of Signal Hill, famous for its rainbow-colored terraced houses and cobblestone streets. Originally settled by Cape Malay slaves and free blacks, the area retains a rich cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the Bo-Kaap Museum, which details the local history, or take a cooking class to learn about Cape Malay cuisine. The streets are perfect for photography, especially in the morning light when the colors pop.

Don't miss

  • Photograph the colorful houses on Wale Street and Chiappini Street, each painted in bright hues like pink, green, and blue.
  • Visit the Bo-Kaap Museum, a restored 18th-century house that tells the story of the area's Muslim community.
  • Sample traditional Cape Malay dishes like bobotie or koeksisters at a local restaurant or cooking class.

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Bo-Kaap

You can usually visit on your own. A tour is worth it for transport, a guide, or combining nearby sights into one day.

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