Bo-Kaap

Cape Town

Bo\'Kaap showing a house
Bo-Kaap
Bo\'Kaap showing tranquil scenes
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

Things to do


Top hotels in Bo-Kaap

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 P9,320 per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
P9,320
P10,825 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
includes taxes & fees
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! (586 reviews)
"A well located Hotel with a fabulous operational team. Shout out to front reception and doormen in particular I would definitely stay here again."

Reviewed on Jun 3, 2025

Hyatt Regency Cape Town
Dorp Hotel

Dorp Hotel

273 Longmarket Street, Cape Town, Western Cape
Stay at this hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Popular attractions Long Street and Cape Town Cruise ...
10/10 Exceptional! (23 reviews)
"Beautiful gem in the heart of Bo-Kaap with magnificent views & gorgeous decor with attention to every detail."

Reviewed on Jun 22, 2025

Dorp Hotel
ONE26 ON M - Fluent Serviced Apartments

ONE26 ON M - Fluent Serviced Apartments

2.5 out of 5
126 Main Rd, Cape Town, Western Cape
Stay at this aparthotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Long Street and Cape Town Cruise Terminal ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2 reviews)
ONE26 on M
"ONE26 on M, was ideally situated, well appointed, luxury apartments, with full on kitchenette and also within walking distance of many good restaurants, shops, and the beach. Within easy reach of business appointments."

Reviewed on Jul 25, 2025

ONE26 ON M - Fluent Serviced Apartments
Taj Cape Town

Taj Cape Town

5 out of 5
1 Wale Street, corner St Georges Mall, Cape Town, Western Cape
The price is P11,032 per night from Aug 8 to Aug 9
P11,032
P12,813 total
Aug 8 - Aug 9
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,004 reviews)
"Great food and location"

Reviewed on Aug 2, 2025

Taj Cape Town
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 P7,283 per night from Aug 9 to Aug 10
P7,283
P8,460 total
Aug 9 - Aug 10
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,001 reviews)
"A bit far from the action, but staff made up for it with friendly service and advice."

Reviewed on Aug 2, 2025

Hotel Verde Cape Town Airport
The Onyx Apartment Hotel by NEWMARK

The Onyx Apartment Hotel by NEWMARK

4 out of 5
57 Heerengracht Street, Cape Town, Western Cape
The price is P5,604 per night from Aug 16 to Aug 17
P5,604
P6,445 total
Aug 16 - Aug 17
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (523 reviews)
"Our 2 bedroom apartment was very spacious with excellent furniture and all amenities including a washer even though I was told there wouldn't be one."

Reviewed on Jul 31, 2025

The Onyx Apartment Hotel by NEWMARK
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 ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Table Mountain National Park and Cape Quarter Lifestyle Village while in the area.

De Waterkant
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Cape Town City Centre

1/5(1 area review)

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
Lions Head

Tamboerskloof

Mountain views, gardens, and bars are some highlights of Tamboerskloof. Make a stop by Lions Head or Table Mountain National Park while you're exploring.

Tamboerskloof
Cape Town featuring 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 which includes 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 Cape Town Cruise Terminal or Two Oceans Aquarium might round out your trip.

Victoria and Alfred Waterfront

Bo-Kaap