Bo-Kaap is a historic Cape Town neighbourhood characterized by brightly painted houses and a unique local culture. Most easily accessed on foot, follow Wale Street in the direction of Signal Hill, to the narrow cobbled streets and brightly painted Cape Dutch-infused Edwardian style houses. Some of Bo-Kaap’s homes date back to the period 1763 to 1768. The oldest original house (at 71 Wale Street) is now home to the Bokaap museum. Another historic building is the Auwal Masjid mosque (est. 1794) in Dorp Street.
In the 18th and 19th centuries (before the abolition of slavery in 1834), the Dutch imported slaves from Mozambique, Madagascar, Zanzibar and especially the Indonesian Islands. Today, significant numbers of people of Malaysian descent live in the Cape with their own unique “Cape Malay” food, culture and traditions.
If you’re a “foodie”, look out for an opportunity to savour some of the traditional Cape Malay recipes in Bo-Kaap. The food is spicy and very tasty.
Visitors to Cape Town in early January should not miss the Cape Minstrel Carnival, traditionally held on the second day of January (Tweede Nuwe Jaar). The origin of the Cape Minstrel Carnival can be traced back to the old slave traditions and is renowned to be Cape Town’s longest running street party
Historic Bo-Kaap Houses in Cape Town, South Africa
When visiting Bo-Kaap, don't miss Jewel Africa at 170 Buitengracht St. The spectacular manufacturing outlet and showroom carries over 3,000 pieces of hand made jewellery and a vast range of loose diamonds, tanzanite and gemstones.
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Getting AroundRide the open-top bus for an easy and safe way to get around Cape Town's major attractions. Take the Red City Tour and get off at stop twelve for Bo-Kaap and for Jewel Africa jewellery manufacturing outlet and showroom. |
Cape Town Attractions
| Highlights of Cape Town | Bo-Kaap | Cape Town and Peninsula Beaches |
| Camps Bay | Clifton Beaches | Cape Peninsula Attractions | Castle of Good Hope |
|
Groot Constantia Wine Estate | Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens |Robben Island |
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Table Mountain | V&A Waterfront | Winelands and Wine Routes |
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