The Bo Kaap

Bo Kaap, situated just off Buitengracht Street against the slopes of Signal Hill has always been home to the Cape Malay people. Today it is a vibrant multicultural area, popular amongst tourists for the brightly painted houses that can be seen, when walking around.

A walk around on the cobble stoned streets reveals a lively and suburb filled with the brightly colored houses.

Chiappini Street, Bo-Kaap © Iziko Museums (Photo Carina Beyer)

There are also Muslim saint's shrines ("kramats") and many beautiful Mosques including the first established Muslim Mosque in South Africa.

Tana Baru Kramat © Iziko Museums (Photo Carina Beyer)

Cape Malay Cuisine is very popular. It is the use of very aromatic spices and herbs that makes Cape Malay cooking so unique.
Malay culture influenced South African food by adding foods like bobotie (curried mince meat) denningvleis (lamb stew) and blatjang (fruit chutney).

The museum, furnished as a house that shows the lifestyle of a nineteenth-century Muslim family, tells the story of the local Islamic culture and heritage.

Bo-Kaap Museum © Iziko Museums (Photo Carina Beyer)

What to do:

• Enjoy a meal at Biesmiellah Restaurant (021 423 0850)


• Buy spice at Atlas Trading (021 423 4361)


• Visit the Bo Kaap Museum at 71 Wale Street


• See the Noon gun in action

Noon Gun:
The Noon Gun have been used to signal noon (12pm) since 1902.
The gun is fired daily from Monday to Saturday.

Enjoy a lovely meal at Noon Gun Tea Room afterwards.

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