Formerly known as the Malay Quarter, the Bo-Kaap neighbourhood in Cape Town has a long and rich history rooted in Malaysian, African, Indian and Sri Lankan culture, largely a result of the descendants of the slaves who were brought over by Dutch imperialists in the 16th and 17th centuries. Today, the district is known for its unique blend of cultures, subcultures, and vibrant attractions. We’ve compiled a list of what to do to immerse yourself in this fascinating district.
Bo-Kaap Walking Tour
Embark by foot on this free walking tour around the Bo-Kaap neighbourhood to take in its diverse and vivid heritage and culture. Starting from Greenmarket Square on Shortmarkrt Street, the walk will lead you through some of Bo-Kaap’s well-known landmarks, such as its colourful houses, where to find local beers and historical mosques, restaurants and stores. These tours commence three times a day and are completely free!
Bo-Kaap Museum
Established in 1978 as an extension of the South African Cultural History Museum, and managed by Iziko Museums, the Bo-Kaap museum depicts the life of a traditional 19th-century Muslim family living in Bo-Kaap. The museum is furnished and styled to be authentic – what you see and experience is exactly what it was like for the family in the 19th century. Although the museum is small, it offers visitors a look into the past, culture, and socio-political climate of the Bo-Kaap neighbourhood. Colourful houses, steep cobbled streets, the muezzin’s calls to prayer, and children traditionally dressed for Madrassa, add to this unique Cape experience.
Hours:
Open between 09h00 and 17h00
Monday to Saturday
Closed on Christmas Day and Workers’ Day
Fees:
Adults: R20.00
Children aged 6 to 18: R10.00
Children aged 5 and under: Free
South African pensioners and students (with valid cards): R10.00 / Free entry on Fridays School groups: Booked: R5.00; Unbooked: R8.00
Free entry on commemorative days
The Noon Day Gun
Ever since 1806, a shot has been fired from the cannon at noon as a time signal, making it Cape Town’s oldest tradition. Furthermore, the guns that are loaded (one to be fired and one as a backup) are the oldest guns that are in daily use in the world. Nowadays, the tradition is kept alive by the South African Navy and is heard by Cape Town residents every day. Visitors flock to the site daily and are able to watch the process of loading and firing the gun and are able to learn about its history and take in the vistas of the Mother City.
Bo-Kaap Kombuis
Bo-Kaap Kombuis is one of the best and most well-known Malay restaurants in the Bo-Kaap neighbourhood. The restaurant’s owners, Yusuf and Nazli Larney, pride themselves on reflecting the customs and traditions of Bo-Kaap’s original inhabitants. Expect classic Cape Malay cuisine: traditional, bursting with flavour, and occasionally spicy.
A Cultural Timecapsule That Should Not Be Missed
The vivid streets of the Bo-Kaap are one of Cape Town’s oldest and most fascinating multicultural areas and are located at the foothills of Signal Hill, at the edges of the CBD. Thus, it’s only a few minutes away from The O’Two Boutique Hotel. Forgot your phone at your suite? Don’t stress! You can fetch it and be back in Bo-Kaap in no time!
