Nowhere is the culture in Cape Town more vivid than in the neighborhood of Bo Kaap. Located at the base of Signal Hill, Bo Kaap is one of the Cape’s oldest residential areas.

Its locals are inviting, its background is fascinating, and its character will make you feel like you’re walking through a cartoon.

A Colorful History

Bo Kaap’s history is as vibrant as its colorful exteriors. Predominantly a Muslim community, ancestors of Bo Kaap arrived from 1658 onward as exiles, slaves, and convicts from Southeast Asia and East Africa. Known as Cape Malays (even though not all were of Malaysian descent) there are roughly 6,000 people living in Bo Kaap today.

During Apartheid, Bo Kaap became an exclusively Muslim community amid the 1950 Group Areas Act. This forced all other ethnicities and groups of differing religious beliefs out of their homes. Interestingly, the neighborhood includes the first mosque at the Cape, the Auwal Mosque of 1804, which is still in use today.

At the time the area was segregated, the buildings were mandated to be painted a uniform white. However, after the institutionalized racial segregation of Apartheid ended in 1991, the residents were free to live as they wished. Consequently, residents of Bo Kaap began to paint their houses every color of the rainbow both in celebration of their freedom and Eid (a Muslim religious holiday). To avoid clashing, residents would often get together to agree on what colors to use.

However, the neighborhood is beginning to go through changes. Some long-term residents are moving away and properties are being snatched up by people from outside the area. This troubling trend could transform the close-knit community into something completely different in the years to come.

Prismatic Places

Bo Kaap’s homes are painted every color imaginable. The bold palette and colorful attention to detail make it a photography paradise!

Wander paved and cobblestone streets for a chromatic delight around every corner. The neighborhood’s striking exteriors make everyday objects seems like a scene from National Geographic. Address markers become works of art, cars and plant pots become intriguing subjects, and even windows and doorways come alive with personality.

Tips for Visiting Bo Kaap

A stroll through Bo Kaap is a must when visiting Cape Town. Here are a few things to know before you go!

What to Wear

To stand out amongst the colorful buildings, I suggest wearing solid, bold colors. Unless a pattern is bold and simple (like stripes), it may look distracting next to your background.

In addition to standing out against differing hues, you can also take shots next to colors you’re wearing for an Insta-worthy portrait!

Safety

The people of Bo Kaap are warm and inviting, so it’s certainly not a “bad neighborhood”. But, like any major city, know where your belongings are and don’t make yourself an easy target.

Wear your purse in front, don’t keep your wallet or cell phone in your back pocket, and be aware of your surroundings.

Be Courteous

While the colorful facades of Bo Kaap are a draw for tourists visiting Cape Town, be aware that people do live here. As such, be respectful of their homes and make sure you leave things as you found them. The locals are happy to allow visitors to take pictures, but jumping gates or sitting on outdoor furniture isn’t polite.

Enjoy Some Local Flavor

There are a number of great eateries around Bo Kaap, so indulge! One I highly recommend is Harvest Cafe and Deli, located on Wale Street. Not only does it have a great view of Bo Kaap from its rooftop, but it also has some delectable dishes!

Their ingredients are so fresh, they even have the mushrooms they cook with growing right in the entryway! The staff is friendly, the recipes inventive, and their smoothies are a cool treat after walking around the warm streets.

It’s easy to see why Bo Kaap has become such a popular destination for those visiting Cape Town. Its colorful history, welcoming locals, and prismatic facades are unforgettable.

Visiting Bo Kaap quickly turns the everyday into the extraordinary! I highly encourage you to experience it for yourself!

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