Bo-Kaap

The Bo Kaap, on the shadow of Signal Hill, is definitely the heart of the Cape Malay inhabitants in Cape Town. Scents of scrumptious foods fill up the air and also the call to prayer rings out 5 times each day in the beautiful tune of penance. The first people of the ethnic group recognized now as Cape Malay came as slaves and were taken to Cape Town coming from Southeast Asia by Dutch. Future generations such as Indonesian Muslim leaders ended up sent into exile and pushed to resettle around South Africa. Cape Malays have also a South Asian or Indian historical past, and it had been their influence which introduced Islam to South Africa. As time passes, their cultural and culinary modifications started to be ingrained to their everyday life in South Africa, mainly the food and particularly in Cape Town.

The vibrant colors which are now emblematic of the neighborhood is a newer trend, beginning on the 90s right after the ending of apartheid. Ideas for painting the houses in vivid, cheerful colors was a method to show joy and happiness and it has progressed into a tradition through the entire neighborhood. Owners could color their houses when they wish to, so long as there’s an assortment of colors on the street.

Regardless if you are based close by, or just passing across the city, we suggest taking a little while to discover this local gem.

Bo Kaap hosts numerous art galleries, lots of which are found around Rose and Wale Streets, like Brundyn+, that is modern art gallery featuring artists work coming from all over the world, such as Nigeria, Angola as well as the USA.

Explore Local Galleries

Search the Spice Market

Indulge in a Cape Malay dish

Located on August Street, there is a Bo Kaap Kombuisrestaurant, a veritable establishment in the community which not just provides a variety of renowned Cape Malay food to satisfy everyone, and also have magnificent views looking over the city. No matter if you go to for lunch or dinner, it’s the best spot to savor traditional dishes, like sosati, bobotie, dhal, butter chicken, roti as well as malva pudding.

Know the Historical Past

In Wale Street, there is a Bo Kaap Museum that offers an amazing peek into the history of the place as well as its people. Although there’s a little entry fee, beginning from R20 each adult and R10 each pensioner or child, it’s a little investment for a glimpse into a time of history.

See the Renowned Cottages

No trip to the Bo Kaap is complete if you don’t explore the streets which are layered with their renowned, vibrantly colored cottages. Placed on steeply sloped, cobble-stone streets, those cottages are available in every single color you could think of – purple, pink, blue, green, yellow, red and even neon shades. Not surprisingly, such cottages make for several amazing travel photos.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE VISITING BO KAAP, CAPE TOWN

BO KAAP IS THE OLDEST LIVING NEIGHBOURHOOD IN CAPE TOWN

Constructed around the 1760s by Dutch Colonialist Jan de Waal as homes for the Cape Malay slaves, the terraced Cape Dutch homes of the Bo Kaap are a few of the oldest around Cape Town. The fact is, these streets are the place to find the biggest amount of pre-1850 South African architecture, and also the suburb is the earliest residential community still living these days.

YOU SHOULD DRESS CONSERVATIVELY IN BO KAAP

It is still a primarily Muslim area, and thus, all visitors must dress conservatively when visiting. For both women and men, it’s advisable to keep the chest, legs, as well as shoulders covered pleasantly, specifically if you intend to go to some of the Mosques. For females, bring a headscarf on your bag in case you want to go into the Mosque, as well.

BO KAAP ISN’T YOUR INSTA-PLAYGROUND

Sure, the street is incredibly vibrant and also a real photography playground… however although the facades are becoming a major attraction for tourists these days, please keep in mind that it’s still a living community having a complicated past as well as a wealthy Muslim culture. It’s certainly not only a background for your next Instagram post! They’re people’s homes and livelihoods, so consider that whenever you are exploring.

It is not necessary to waste lots of cash to have a fun time in a new country. While South Africa offers numerous things to do for tourists in its treasure chest, but if you’re simply not having enough cash then the city also offers a few fascinating things that won’t require any cash. Everybody loves free things- it in some way boosts the fun two times and so here are a few free things that one could do in Cape Town. You can find loads to see and do in South Africa’s most well-known location that won’t cost you a penny.

Hike Up Lion’s Head

If you’d prefer hiking and other exciting outdoor activities, then you could ensure that Cape Town won’t fail on that front too. You will find 2 areas which you could showcase your trekking and hiking power- one is at the Table Mountain and the other is in Signal Hill. The two mountains are a few of the best places to take your family and have an excellent outdoor dining experience. It’s best that you climb up just before sunset to relish a picnic while appreciating the gorgeous panoramic views of Cape Town and Camps Bay lying under the cold and the stunning moon.

Take a Walking Tour

Numerous companies provide free walking tours of the city. A few tours enjoy well-known sights such as Greenmarket Square, Company’s Gardens, Bo Kaap and Grand Parade; some others give you a different view of the town, like the Taste of Cape Town tour, that samples traditional treats and visits art galleries and street performers. Even though the tours are charged as free, a tip for the guide is anticipated. The history of the various places is interesting and you could even discover new things.

Get On Board at Nelson Mandela Gateway

Located at V&A Waterfront, the Nelson Mandela Gateway is the starting point for ferries to Robben Island. In case you’re saving money, without sea legs or your trip has been restricted by the weather, the free-to-enter visitor center is definitely worth a glimpse. Right here you’ll learn more about the history and get insight into the fight against apartheid, with a specific focus, of course, on Nelson Mandela.

Taste Local Wine

The Cape Winelands are becoming a famous mecca for wine connoisseurs and lovers, as well. Fortunately, you don’t have to spend cash in a winery tour to experience a few tastes of the great grapey things. A number of locations in and around Cape Town now provide free of charge daily wine tastings, such as Wine Concepts on Kloof Street. They provide free daily tastings coming from participating wine makers. The tastings are mondays to fridays from 16:00 to 19:00 and 11:00 to 15:00 on Saturdays.

Stroll Around Sea Point Promenade

Sea Point is really a must visit, however your visit is not complete if you don’t take in some of the awesome, crisp and cold ocean air along with the gorgeous seaside promenade. The promenade is a typical haunt of bicyclists, walkers, and skaters, if you’re into fitness and jogging then it is best to go for a sunset jog over there. It is a wonderful alternative for a theme park since you can draw out your inner child in here and soar high among the grassy parks there.

Go to Green Point Urban Park

Green Point Urban Park is definitely an incredible place in which nature thrives. It’s an ideal and spacious world of the natural enclosure for you to learn about the plant beauties surrounding you. You’ll step into a perfect landscape greenway that is a haven for both young and old. It is an ideal spot for you to relax, unwind and drift off in the lap of nature. You could even enjoy a picnic with your friends and family on its sprawling lawns.

Go Surfing At Muizenberg Beach

On Muizenberg, the surfing culture is full of life and flourishing for years.

This stunning, small coastal community is filled with welcoming people and chill vibes. The waves are perfect there regardless of the season. So whether the summer sun is glowing high or if the winter cold is covering the sun, the waves will always be ready for you. In fact, the waves are the best while in winter. If you wish to experience the wonder of this spot, then arrive early on in order to miss the traffic jam, making the best out of your day.

Go To Boulders Beach in Simons Town

This can be a perfect stop going to Cape Point! Spend time with Cape Town’s most adorable residents… African Penguins! This penguin colony is called the Boulders Beach in Simons Town home. Take a lot of pictures and watch them waddle around within their natural habitats. Whenever you are done capturing so many pictures of the lovable tuxedoed friends, stroll all around Simons Town, a charming resort town in between Cape Town and Cape Point, full of cafes and shops.

Cycle at Full Moon

Once a month, bicycle spokes glimmer in the moonlight as cyclists and bike-lovers ride casually through the streets. You can be a part of the Critical Mass event for free while making a statement about the benefits of using environmentally friendly transportation. It’s also a great way to have fun while admiring Cape Town’s beauty at dusk. The starting point is Green Point Circle and the cycle event is from 20:00 to 23:00.

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Bo-Kaap

Explore Local Galleries

Search the Spice Market

Indulge in a Cape Malay dish

Know the Historical Past

See the Renowned Cottages

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE VISITING BO KAAP, CAPE TOWN

BO KAAP IS THE OLDEST LIVING NEIGHBOURHOOD IN CAPE TOWN

YOU SHOULD DRESS CONSERVATIVELY IN BO KAAP

BO KAAP ISN’T YOUR INSTA-PLAYGROUND

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