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Bo-Kaap

Bo-Kaap - About the Neighbourhood

The Bo-Kaap is one of Cape Town’s most distinct neighbourhoods known for its vibrant, predominantly Muslim, Cape Malay community and its equally bold flat-roofed colourful houses and cobbled stone roads.

Situated at the foot of Signal Hill, on the fringe of the city centre, and formerly known as the Malay Quarter, the Bo-Kaap’s origins date back to the 1760s when numerous “huurhuisjes” (rental houses) were built and leased to slaves and political exiles brought here from other Dutch colonies in the east including Indonesia’s Batavia, Sumatra, Java and also East Africa. Most of these groups spoke some Malay, hence this new community becoming known as the Cape Malays.

The houses in the area are a mix of Cape Dutch and Georgian architecture and the bright colours, it is said, is attributed to the fact that while on lease, all the houses had to be white. When this rule was eventually lifted, and the slaves were allowed to buy the properties, all the houses were painted bright colours by their owners as an expression of their freedom.

When visiting this area be sure to go see the oldest mosque in South Africa – the Auwal Mosque in Dorp Street and the oldest building in the Bo-Kaap in Wale Street which currently houses the Bo-Kaap Museum. This is the best place to discover the real history of the area and to get a glimpse into the life of a typical Malay family.

Be sure to try a local cooking tour specialising in traditional Cape Malay treats and visit one of the eateries owned and run by families who are historically rooted in the area

Explore by interest in Bo-Kaap

Popular Attractions in Bo-Kaap

From Kirstenbosch Gardens, to Table Mountain Forests and home to Western Cape Rugby and Cricket, Newlands has so much to offer.

Places to Stay in Bo-Kaap

Newlands is one of the most affluent and beautiful neighbourhoods in Cape Town resting on the slopes of Table Mountain. There is a wide range of accommodation available. 

Places to Eat & Drink in Bo-Kaap

Newlands is home to some of the best restaurants and bars in the city. Whether you’re looking for a casual meal or a night out on the town, there’s something for everyone on offer.

Travel Inspiration

Looking for some travel inspiration for your next trip to Bo-Kaap? Here are some ideas to get you started:

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Are you a wine lover and looking for lesser-known wine estates in and around Cape Town to visit? We got you!

Here are some hidden gem wine farms around the Mother City to add to your bucket list:

📍Hillcrest Estate, Durbanville
📍Maastricht Wines,Durbanville
📍Constantia Royale, Constantia
📍Villiera Wines, Stellenbosch
📍Ayama Wines, Paarl

What are some of your favourite wine farms?

#capetown #winefarm #travel #thingstodoincapetown
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Ahoy! With MSC cruise season on the horizon, it’s time to set sail for adventure.🚢

If you’ve been dreaming of cruising into an African sunset or savouring delicious cuisine in the middle of the Indian or Atlantic Ocean, this is your sign to plan a MSC Cruise. 🌊

Departing from either Cape Town or Durban, @msccruisesofficial offer thrilling ports of call.

We compiled a guide featuring essential tips for first-time MSC cruisers. View the full article on www.capetown.travel
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Visiting Cape Town and not sure what to add to your bucket list? 🤔

Travel influencers @27travels, who recently visited our beautiful city, share their top things to do in Cape Town…🍷

Attractions featured:

📍Cape of Good Hope

📍Boulders Beach

📍Muizenberg Beach

📍Cape Sidecar Adventures

📍Camps Bay for sunset

📍Cape Town Winelands

📍Jeep Tours Cape Town

📹: @27travels

#capetown #thingstodoincapetown #goallout
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Happy World Cocktail Day! 🍸🍾

Cape Town is home to a slew of cocktail bars where you can sip on some innovative and indulgent drinks. 🥂

From lavish cocktails to those that celebrate Cape Town, the Mother City boasts a variety of cocktail bars that you should add to your bucket list. 🍹

These include:

📍Aperitif

📍Tobago’s Restaurant, Bar and Terrace

📍VUE Shortmarket

📍The Drinkery

📍Fable

📍The Gin Bar

📍The Art of Duplicity

What are some of your favourite cocktail spots in Cape Town?

#lovecapetown #cocktails #capetown #thingstodoincapetown #travel
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Come with us to Franschhoek 🍷

Franschhoek, often called the “Valley of Dreams”, is a Cape Winelands gem known for its one-of-a-kind wine farms, thrilling food experiences, and luxury accommodations.😍

Here are some attractions you can visit:

📍 Smitten

📍 Café Beignet, Franschhoek Terminal

📍 Franschhoek Wine Tram

📍 Rickety Bridge

📍 La Petite Ferme

📍 Colmant Cap Classique and Champagne

📍 Huguenot Fine Chocolates

📍 The Hoek Espresso Bar

📍 Gerart Exclusive Art gallery

📍 Franschhoek Motor Museum

📍 Ludus Magnus

#Franschhoek #capetown #lovecapetown #thingstodoincapetown #kaapstad #lecap #kapstadt #ciudaddelcabo #kapstaden
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Urban adventurers, Cape Town is home to a diverse range of experiences for you, from art, fashion, culture, history, and nightlife experiences.

Here are some pocket-friendly experiences to enjoy in the Mother City:

📍 Groot Constantia’s Visitor Route Experience: R155

📍 Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa: From R250

📍 Guga S’thebe Cultural Centre: Free entry, but costs may apply for events or other activities

📍 Sample bespoke cocktails at Fable: From R95

📍 Live music at The Athletic Club & Social: From R100

#capetown #findyourfreedom #pocketfriendly #thingstodoincapetown
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Competition closed! 💃

Stand a chance to win a Table Mountain Experience with @tablemountainca this Mother’s Day. 🚠

The prize includes 4 Fast Track Cableway tickets and a R1000 voucher from TEN67 Eatery.

To win, follow @lovecapetown and @tablemountainca, then complete the online entry form at the link in our bio. The competition ends on Friday, 10 May 2024, at 12 pm. The winners will be announced on the same day. 🏃💨

Please read the terms and conditions carefully before entering this competition:

⛰️The prize is valid for 1 month, from 12 May – 11 June 2024.

⛰️The prize includes a meal voucher worth R1000 from TEN67 Eatery.

⛰️The prize excludes transport to and from the venue.

⛰️The winners will be selected at random from all eligible entries.

#tablemountaincableway #tablemountain #competition #capetown
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One more night for the epic @capetownjazzfest, which was last held in the Mother City four years ago. 🎺

The 21st edition comes jam-packed with an all-star music lineup featuring international and local acts, including Matt Bianco (UK), The Yussef Dayes Experience (UK), Zoë Modiga (SA), Jimmy Dludlu (SA), Ami Faku (SA), and Judith Sephuma (SA).🕺

If you missed out on last night’s action, here’s a sneak peek...

#capetown #capetownjazzfestival #thingstodoincapetown
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Your Ultimate Cape Town Itinerary ✅

If you’re planning a trip to Cape Town and not sure how to kickstart your adventure, here is a guide on where you can experience the best of the best in the Mother City. 🤩

These include:

📍V&A Waterfront

📍Hout Bay

📍Muizenberg

📍Bloubergstrand

📍Kalk Bay

📍Durbanville

Read the full article here: www.capetown.travel/the-ultimate-cape-town-itinerary-6-bucket-list-destinations/

#lovecapetown #capetown #thingstodoincapetown
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New confectionery experience in Cape Town 🥐🍫

Rapt - The Art of Indulgence

📍39 Buitenkant Street, located opposite Truth Coffee

This new chocolate cafe serves sudden nitrogen ice-cream, decadent warm (and cold drinks), fresh pastries, chocolates, and a chocolate bar where you can create your own chocolate slab. 🥐🍫🍦

Will you try it?

#capetown #thingstodoincapetown #lovecapetown
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Cape Town is the girl she thinks she is. 💃

@chrisrogers captured the Mother City above the clouds, and the results are, well, see for yourself. 😍

📹: @chrisrogers

#capetown #lovecapetown #thingstodoincapetown
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It’s a short-ish week with South Africa commemorating Workers’ Day on Wednesday, 1 May. 🥳

Make the most of the holiday by planning an epic trip in and around Cape Town. From wine farms and family-friendly parks to hikes and sunset cruises, the options are endless.🍷⛵️

Where will you be spending the holiday? 👀

📹: @onewanderingblonde
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