Last Updated on March 20, 2026 by Hannah Stephenson
If you’ve ever googled Cape Town, the chances are that you’ve seen photos of Bo Kaap’s brightly-coloured cottages. So if you’re thinking about checking out the area, then I don’t blame you!
As well as being aesthetically pleasing, Bo Kaap is actually Cape Town’s oldest surviving neighbourhood and is steeped in tradition and culture. Visiting this Cape Malay enclave actually taught me a lot about the history of Cape Town as a whole.
I have lived in Cape Town for a few years now, and I love exploring this area. In fact, I always bring friends who come to visit, as I consider checking out Bo Kaap a real must-do! Now, I’m going to share all of my tips for visiting with you.
Quick note: this is a complete guide to Bo Kaap, so I’ve included an overview of its history and culture. However, you can click here to jump to the best things to do in Bo Kaap.
Where is Bo Kaap?
Bo Kaap is smack dab in the middle of Cape Town. It’s on the slopes of Signal Hill, right near the city centre, so it’s super easy to get to. In my experience, it only takes 15 minutes (maximum!) to get there from any of the city’s central neighbourhoods.
History of Bo Kaap
Where to begin?
Bo Kaap started out in 1760 when Dutch colonist Jan de Waal built some small houses in the area which he leased out to slaves.
These slaves were mostly Muslims from the Dutch East Indies. These included Malaysia and so they became known as “Cape Malay” people – term that is still used today.
The area began to grow, especially after the abolition of slavery in 1834. Although slavery had officially ended, people here were still poor and unable to move elsewhere.
Thus, Bo Kaap became even more established and over time it was cemented as a quintessential part of Cape Town.
To this day, Bo Kaap remains a very working-class area, although it is now experiencing some gentrification.
Apartheid
When I took a tour of Bo Kaap, my guide taught me that the area still exists because residents were allowed to remain here during apartheid.
This was unusual because people in other areas, like District Six, were displaced and forced into informal settlements under the Group Areas Act. This act was introduced 1950 and forbade different racial and religious groups from co-existing.
However, since Bo Kaap had always been a Muslim enclave, it was designated a Muslim-only area. This meant that most Cape Malay people were able to remain. However, there were Christian Cape Malay families who were sadly forced to leave.
The Colourful Houses
Before I took this local-led tour of Bo Kaap, I heard SO many different stories about why the houses were so brightly painted.
Some said said it was to celebrate the end of slavery. Others say that it was to celebrate Eid in the 1950s. Another story is that it was to help different businesses distinguish themselves from one another.
However, on the tour I discovered the REAL answer from my guide, Sedick. He saw the neighbourhood becoming increasingly colourful and actually painted his own house when he got the chance!
The truth is that historically, Bo Kaap’s houses were leased by white owners and had to be painted white. The Cape Malay tenants were not allowed to customise their own houses, so when Bo Kaap residents began buying their houses, they painted them because they could! It was a sign of independence and ownerhip. Sedick told me that he painted his house green when bought it!
What to See and Do in Bo Kaap
Check out the colourful houses
Bo Kaap’s brightly coloured houses are so eye-catching! Probably the most iconic one is the pink house that usually has a vintage blue car parked out front. It’s hard to miss as it’s right where two of Bo Kaap’s main streets (Rose and Wale) intersect, but you can get the exact location here.
However, please do remember that Bo Kaap was not created for Instagram. These brightly coloured cottages are people’s homes and businesses, so be respectful.
Try not to block doorways, give residents their personal space, and dress modestly.
If you want to get great photos, then I’m a fan of this photoshoot tour of Bo Kaap! It’s run by three talented South African photographers who know all the best spots to snap photos without disturbing anyone.
Eat Cape Malay Food
Cape Malay cuisine is absolutely delicious, and I recommend eating some while you’re in the area!
When I took a tour of Bo Kaap, my guide recommended checking out Faeza’s Home Kitchen afterwards. My friend, Liam, and I shared their 3-course special. We got a roti, a delicious curry, and some koeksisters – it was delicious.
Alternatively, the Bo Kaap Deli is also really popular. They recently renovated and are looking better than ever these days. I LOVE the Meixcan burrito bowl!
You can also take this cooking class to really immerse yourself in Cape Malay culture. I haven’t done this myself, but I know it’s a really popular tourist activity, and it has over 350 glowing reviews! It’s likely to sell out, though, so take advantage of the free cancellation policy and book your spot ASAP!
Check out the art galleries
There are a couple of small, independent art galleries around Bo Kaap. We checked out a few of them after our tour ended, and they had some interesting pieces.
I’ll be honest, I’m not a huge art lover, but I still thought the galleries were worth seeing!
Visit the Bo Kaap Museum
The Bo Kaap Museum is housed in one of the area’s oldest cottages, and tells the story of the neighbourhood and the plight of the Cape Malay people under colonialism and apartheid.
It’s only R80 for international visitors (and R50 for South Africans) so it’s definitely worth checking out while you’re in the neighbourhood.
Catch dinner and a show at Marco’s African Place
I know, I know – you’re probably thinking “Really? MORE food?”
But Marco’s African Place is about more than just food, although it is undoubtedly one of the best places in the city to chow down on African cuisine.
It’s also known for its nightly music and dance shows, so if marimba bands, home-brewed beer, and Kudu and crocodile meat sound like your idea of a good time, don’t miss this place.
Oh, and did I mention? Marco was the first black restaurateur in Cape Town, so this place is a really important part of the city’s history, too.
Best Tours of Bo Kaap
Bo Kaap: Walk with a Local
As I mentioned earlier, I took this local-led walking tour of Bo Kaap with my mum and sister when they came to visit. We absolutely loved it and we learned SO much about the area.
I had actually done a free walking tour before, but that only scratched the surface! On this small group local tour, we truly saw the heart and soul of Bo Kaap.
Our guide, Sedick, was born and raised here. He knew basically everyone and showed us the homes of his friends and neighbours, from a Springboks rugby star he once coached to a 100-year-old lady!
We loved hearing all of Sedick’s anecdotes about his childhood, and he took us off the main drag to streets that few tourists venture to. Sedick’s pride in his community was infectious, and I truly think that nothing beats exploring this area with someone who was born and raised here.
If you’d like to know more, you can actually read my in-depth review of this tour here. I think it’s a great way to support the locals, too. The area is really being gentrified these days and lots of big tour groups come here, but really, I think that the locals are the ones who should be telling the story of Bo Kaap and benefiting from tourism.
Plus, at R480 per person, I think that this tour is really well-priced, and you get a delicious koeksister at the end.
Read the glowing reviews and book this local-led tour here!
Bo Kaap Local Food Tour
My friend and ex-housemate, Marianne, often leads this Cape Town food tour! And while it doesn’t focus exclusively on Bo Kaap, it visits several foodie hotspots in the area, including some of the ones I talked about above. And it has over 400 5-star reviews, so you know it’s good!
Marianne really knows her stuff (trust me, I lived with her when she was doing her guiding exams!) and the tour includes so much food, as well as beer at Marco’s African Place and a glass of wine, of course. This is South Africa, after all!
After exploring Bo Kaap, the tour continues onto De Waterkant, which is my favourite neighbourhood in Cape Town. I used to live here and it’s home to so many cute eateries, as well as pastel-coloured buildings and cobbled streets. Basically, it looks like a postcard!
I always say that the best way to get to know a place is through its stomach, and this tour is perfect for exactly that. It costs R1,975, including all food and drinks, and lasts for 4 hours, so it’s an ideal way to spend an afternoon in the Mother City. It’s super popular though, and I recommend booking ASAP to avoid missing out.
Grab your spot on this top-rated food tour here, with free cancellation!
Photoshoot experience
I mentioned this Bo Kaap photoshoot experience earlier, but I’m giving it the full breakdown now!
Basically, it’s an hour-long photoshoot led by South African photographers, who are passionate about Cape Town and its history. They’ll take you to the most photogenic spots and capture you in your best light, then professionally edit the photos before sending them to you a few days later.
I always feel a bit silly doing photoshoots at first, but you soon get into it, and these guys really know how to put you at ease. Then, at the end you get 35 – 50 amazing digital photos. Plus, you get a Polaroid picture to keep – and shake! (Sorry, couldn’t resist.)
The tour is an awesome way to support Cape Town creatives, while ensuring that you get some amazing photos that will fill your ex with regret.
Book your Bo Kaap photoshoot here!
Is Bo Kaap safe?
Mostly!
During the day, you should be fine walking around Bo Kaap. Just employ common sense: don’t wave your phone and wallet around, and don’t wear anything too flashy.
If you feel worried, joining a guided tour is a safe bet as there’s safety in numbers. The guides know the area very well, and big groups are less likely to be targeted by muggers.
I wouldn’t recommend walking around after dark, though. If you go to Marco’s for dinner, for example, I would recommend Ubering there and back rather than walking.
And be aware that the baby formula scam is a popular hustle around here. It’s basically where someone claims to need baby formula or nappies, then sells them back to the shop owner. For more detail, check out my guide to scams to avoid in Cape Town!
Can I stay in Bo Kaap?
Yes, you can! However, there aren’t THAT many options.
A lot of places say they’re in Bo Kaap but are actually in nearby areas like the CBD or Dewaterkant. I think Dewaterkant is amazing, but if you want to stay IN Bo Kaap itself then I think your best bet isLa Rose B&B or Dorp Hotel.
However, I always recommend that travellers stay in De Waterkant, which is just over the road from Bo Kaap. I mean this literally – Strand Street divides the two neighbourhoods!
De Waterkant is generally quieter than Bo Kaap, and lots of streets here have security guards on patrol, which really helped me to feel safe when I lived here. For more on where to stay in Cape Town, check out this guide!
My family and I have been planning a trip to Cape Town for the past 6 months. It’s been overwhelming to say the least. As the day of departure approaches and final plans are being made, my nerves have been a bit jangled. So many things to think about. It’s such a treat to have your guidance, and the pictures are captivating. On the day we arrive, a whole day’s easygoing activities can revolve around the exploration of Bo Kaap and set the tone for the rest of the trip. Thank you so much for your blog!
Hi Antonio!
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave me such a lovely comment. I hope that you and your family have an amazing time in Cape Town, and I’m glad that my content has helped you with planning it all. You’re going to love the Mother City, I promise!
All the best,
Hannah