In Photos: The Colours Of Bo-Kaap Cape Town

Cape Town’s Bo-Kaap occupies an interesting position in the city, both historically and in present-day Cape Town. It’s also one of the most vibrant and distinct neighbourhoods in South Africa, and is perfectly set up for exploration on foot.

Bo-Kaap is located on the slopes of Signal Hill and rises up above the Cape Town city centre. The suburb dates back to the 1760s, and was formally called the Malay Quarter – it was used by the government at the time to house slaves brought to the Cape from Malaysia and Indonesia.

Today, there’s a palpable sense of history in the streets of this mountainside suburb. Cobbled roads lead past corner stores and houses, many of which have been handed down from generation to generation and painted in an array of bright colours. Although today these Georgian and Cape Dutch style houses serve as fodder for the tourists seeking striking Instagram photographs, it’s a commonly held assertion that their colours are actually rooted in an expression of freedom following the fall of slavery.

The call to prayer still rings out at prescribed times throughout the day from mosques dotted throughout the neighbourhood. This includes Auwal Mosque, the first Muslim mosque in South Africa. Although gentrification and large developments are threatening to undermine the important cultural heritage of the Bo-Kaap and force out families who’ve lived here for generations, at the moment it remains a fascinating place to spend an afternoon respectfully observing one of the country’s warmest and most vibrant neighbourhoods.

Cobble stones meet brightly coloured houses and street art in Bo-Kaap, Cape Town

Auwal Mosque in the Bo-Kaap dates back to the 18th century

Others, such as Nurul Islam Mosque, which opened in 1834, are slightly newer

Classic architecture meets modern colours in Bo-Kaap, Cape Town

This vintage car is the perfect Instagram opportunity in Bo-Kaap, Cape Town

Many of the houses have been handed down from multiple generations

Mosque Shafie in B0-Kaap was established in 1847

Colourful houses on Chiappini Street, one of the most popular streets in Bo-Kaap

Cobbled streets and colourful houses off Chiappini Street, in Bo-Kaap

Neighbourly divisions are clear in Bo-Kaap, with most residents deliberately choosing clashing colours

Paint is meticulously applied and reapplied in order to keep up with the neighbours

Tourists walking through the suburb are a common sight

The steep slopes of Bo-Kaap, nearby Signal Hill, often catch tourists off guard

Modern stores, including coffee shops and boutiques, are starting to pop up through Bo-Kaap

Bo-Kaap presents dozens of striking photo opportunities, including this one on the upper reaches of Wale Street

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.