As well as being aesthetically pleasing, Bo Kaap is actually Cape Town’s oldest surviving neighbourhood and is steeped in tradition and culture. Visiting this Cape Malay enclave actually taught me a lot about the history of Cape Town as a whole. 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. The Bo-Kaap region of Cape Town (also called the Malay Quarter) is known for its impressive multi-colored buildings, spice shops, and delicious Cape Malay food. Bo-Kaap is one of Cape Town’s most iconic and colourful neighbourhoods. Originally known as the Malay Quarter, Bo-Kaap is steeped in history, culture, and a sense of community. The area is renowned for its pastel-painted houses, narrow cobbled streets, and the rich influence of Cape Malay culture. A five-minute walk from the City Centre and De Waterkant and a 20-minute walk to the V&A Waterfront, the Bo-Kaap is best accessed by foot along Wale Street. Explore the Islamic “ kramats ” (shrines), mosques and food and craft markets, and discover the delicious Cape Malay cooking style! The Bo-Kaap is one of Cape Town’s most historically rich neighbourhoods, with so much to see, taste, and experience that we highly recommend adding a visit to your Cape Town itinerary. Here’s our guide to what you simply cannot miss while visiting the Bo-Kaap. The Bo-Kaap (lit. above the Cape in Afrikaans) is an area of Cape Town, South Africa, formerly known as the Malay Quarter. It is a former racially segregated area, situated on the slopes of Signal Hill above the city centre, and is a historical centre of Cape Malay culture in Cape Town. The Bo-Kaap is one of the most interesting and vibrant areas in Cape Town, with many restaurants and shops to discover. The following are some of our top picks for must-see attractions in the Bo-Kaap neighborhood. We head down to the multicultural reaches of the Bo-Kaap neighborhood in Cape Town, where Malay, Indian and Dutch traditions coalesce between the sights. Bo-Kaap is Cape Town's oldest surviving residential neighborhood, perched on the slopes of Signal Hill above the city center. This historic district began in the 1760s as a home for skilled Muslim laborers and has become one of South Africa's most culturally layered spots.