Bo-Kaap

Cape Town

Bo\'Kaap
Bo-Kaap showing a house and heritage elements
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.


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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 ₩180,552 per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
₩180,552
₩209,712 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
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! (585 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
ONE26 ON M - Fluent Serviced Apartments
ONE26 ON M - Fluent Serviced Apartments
2.5 out of 5
126 Main Rd, Cape Town, Western Cape
The price is ₩113,384 per night from Jul 21 to Jul 22
₩113,384
₩215,034 total
Jul 21 - Jul 22
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this aparthotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions Long Street and Cape Town Cruise Terminal are ...
"I stayed here for 10 days and the location was perfect. The staff was very nice and polite. Rooms was good and just perfect for my stay."

Reviewed on Sep 11, 2024

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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₩233,127 per night from Jul 14 to Jul 15
₩233,127
₩270,777 total
Jul 14 - Jul 15
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)
Taj Hotels lives up to its top reputation in SA
"Amazing hospitality that Taj is known for. Comfortable rooms. Great service. Friendly staff. Good food choices (incl, vege friendly)."

Reviewed on Jul 7, 2025

Taj 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 ₩171,794 per night from Jul 19 to Jul 20
₩171,794
₩199,539 total
Jul 19 - Jul 20
includes taxes & fees
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! (640 reviews)
"Excellent location. Friendly staff!"

Reviewed on Jul 8, 2025

Radisson RED V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
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 ₩119,750 per night from Jul 25 to Jul 26
₩119,750
₩137,713 total
Jul 25 - Jul 26
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! (515 reviews)
"We stayed at the Onyx for 6 days and enjoyed it very much. Staff were very helpful and housekeeping were very good. It is in a good location, felt quite safe and the Concierge was very helpful in organising additional tours. Close to Big Red Bus stop, which allowed us to take in Cape Town. Also visited ..."

Reviewed on Jul 5, 2025

The Onyx Apartment Hotel by NEWMARK
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 ₩155,424 per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
₩155,424
₩180,525 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
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! (1,000 reviews)
"Lovely hotel"

Reviewed on Jul 1, 2025

Hotel Verde Cape Town Airport
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.

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