Bo-Kaap
The Cape Malay neighbourhood at the foot of Signal Hill, with candy-coloured houses and cobbled streets. It is Cape Town's most photogenic district and has a 300-year Muslim history.
Bo-Kaap sits on the slopes of Signal Hill, west of the city centre. From the eighteenth century, it was home to enslaved people and craftsmen brought by Dutch colonists from Southeast Asia, including present-day Indonesia and Malaysia. Over time, it developed into the 'Cape Malay' community. The Auwal Mosque, South Africa's oldest mosque, dates from 1794 and stands on Dorp Street. The houses were originally white. According to local accounts, in the 1990s residents began painting them in bright pink, lemon yellow and sky blue, to celebrate Eid and after gaining property ownership. This created the colourful streetscape seen today. The main photo spot is the junction of Wale Street, Chiappini Street and Rose Street. The Bo-Kaap Museum at 71 Wale Street explains the community's history. Adult entry costs ZAR 20, and it is open Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 17:00. This is still a residential neighbourhood, so do not stand in doorways or enter private courtyards when taking photos. Residents have mixed feelings about tourism, so respect is essential. A better way to visit is a walking tour led by a local, which costs about ZAR 300 to 400 and may include a Cape Malay cooking class or koeksister dessert. The neighbourhood is a five-minute walk from Long Street. It feels reasonably safe by day, but it is not recommended after dark. Nearby, Atlas Trading spice shop, which opened in 1946, sells curry spices. The Biesmiellah restaurant serves bobotie and Cape Malay curry.
Opening hours
All day (museum Mon–Sat 10:00–17:00)
Nearby sights
- Greenmarket Square
- Company's Garden
- Signal Hill
- District Six Museum
- Two Oceans Aquarium
- Castle of Good Hope
- Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa
- V&A Waterfront