The 7 Best Things To Do and See in Bo-Kaap, Cape Town

The Bo-Kaap Museum was established in 1976 as an extension as the South African Cultural History Museum. In order to depict the lifestyle of a traditional 19th-century Muslim family residing in Bo-Kaap, the museum is set up and furnished as if it is a family’s home. Although the museum is small, it offers visitors a look into the past, culture, and socio-political climate of the Bo-Kaap neighborhood. Entry costs the equivalent of just $2 too, so taking this quick stop at the Bo-Kaap Museum is definitely worth it!

As a hub of Cape Town’s Muslim population, the Bo-Kaap district boasts numerous mosques. However, the best known of these is unquestionably the Auwal Mosque. Commissioned by an Indonesian prince and built in 1794, the Auwal Mosque is the first mosque built in all of South Africa. Interestingly, the first Imam, or Muslim worship leader, is thought to have written several copies of the holy Quran completely from memory in this spot.

Seating over 220 guests, Marco’s African Place is a huge restaurant with an enormous spirit to match. Encompassing many facets of African culture, from food to music and even art, Marco’s African Place is popular among locals and visitors alike. The restaurant features daily live entertainments and also hosts jazz events from time to time. The décor is truly African, with ceramic pots from around the continent and pieces of traditional art and African instruments on the walls.

After the English occupation of the Cape in 1795, Dutch guns were taken and replaced by a bigger English cannon. Ever since 1806, a shot has been fired from the cannon at noon as a time signal. Today, the tradition is still held and the shot is loaded by the South African Navy and heard by residents daily. The noon day gun is Cape Town’s oldest lasting tradition and visitors are able to visit the site to watch the process of shooting the gun, learn about its history and gaze out at the views of the city.

Bo-Kaap Kombuis is one of the best Malay restaurants in the Bo-Kaap neighborhood. The restaurant’s owners, Yusuf and Nazli Larney, pride themselves on reflecting the customs and traditions of Bo-Kaap’s original inhabitants. The food here is the epitome of classic Cape Malay cuisine: traditional, flavorful and occasionally spicy. Start with the savory platter, which includes samosas and other tasty finger foods. Then, try any of the restaurant’s Cape Malay curries and pair it with a side of roti.

Located just next door to the Bo-Kaap Museum, the Monkeybiz boutique specializes in unique African beads. Monkeybiz aims to renew African historical and traditional beadwork with a modern twist. Their beads and jewelry have been massively successful, with pieces being picked up for an exhibition by Sotherbys Contemporary Decorative Arts. What makes this shop even more astonishing is that it doubles as a non-profit organization, providing basic income to local families, employing disadvantaged women, and setting up funeral and burial funds for every beader in their registrar.