South Africa is a country so rich in cultural diversity and you never cease to learn a new thing about a different group of people each day. The Bo Kaap is situated on Signal Hill just above the Cape Town city centre and was formerly known as the Malay quarter.

The Bo Kaap is a collection of residential houses painted in a wide array of pastel colours. From pink to purple to blue to green the happy colours are a guaranteed mood-lifter to anybody to decides to take a stroll through the cobbled streets.

If you live in Cape Town then I recommend you take a walk up to the upper section of Wale Street next time you’re in Town enjoying a treat at Honest Chocolate or shopping in Long Street. If you’re a tourist then please do yourself a favour and add the Bo Kaap to your itinerary. It won’t take much time out of your day and can easily be combined with a walk-about the city centre.

What to do in the Bo Kaap

Wander along the cobbled colourful streets and take some pretty pictures

Visit the Bo Kaap Museum (on Wale street) to learn about the history of the area

Partake in the local culture by enjoying a koeksister or a dish of babootie (Ahmed’s Tikka House on Rose street looks amazing!)

Join in on a Bo Kaap Cooking Tour for a true immersion in the delicious flavours of Malay cooking

 

Practical tips:

If you’re driving then park along Wale Street or Rose Street and take a wander to the Bo Kaap from there.

If you’re taking the bus then the closest MyCiti bus stops are Dorp and Leeuwen on the City side or Fire Station on De Waterkant side.

You are very safe up there so you can definitely take your camera, but like in all areas in South Africa, one should be aware of ones surroundings at all times.

Looking for more to do in Cape Town?

Visiting Cape Town, South Africa? Why not check out my Top 10 Hikes in Cape Town, the best sunset spots in Cape Town, Cape Town Cafes That’ll Give You All The Bali Vibes, go on a District Six history and coffee tour with Honest Travel Experiences or do a day trip to Baylonstoren in Franschhoek.

Where to stay in Cape Town?

Planning a trip to Cape Town and need a place to stay? For budget travellers check out Never at Home, Kloof Street. Book a stay at Gorgeous George for beautiful interiors and a funky rooftop bar. Or stay at or Kloof Street Hotel to be in the heart of the city.

If you’d like to stay right in the heart of the Bo Kaap then check out Rouge on Rose Boutique Hotel.

Book your stay through booking.com: