Formerly known as the Malay Quarter, the Bo-Kaap neighbourhood in Cape Town has a long and rich history rooted in Malaysian, African, Indian and Sri Lankan culture, largely a result of the descendants of the slaves who were brought over by Dutch imperialists in the 16th and 17th centuries. Today, the district is known for its unique blend of cultures, subcultures, and vibrant attractions. We\u2019ve compiled a list of what to do to immerse yourself in this fascinating district.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Embark by foot on this free walking tour <\/strong>around the Bo-Kaap neighbourhood to take in its diverse and vivid heritage<\/a> and culture. Starting from Greenmarket Square on Shortmarkrt Street, the walk will lead you through some of Bo-Kaap\u2019s well-known landmarks, such as its colourful houses, where to find local beers and historical mosques, restaurants and stores. These tours commence three times a day <\/strong>and are completely free!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Established in 1978 as an extension of the South African Cultural History Museum, and managed by Iziko Museums, the Bo-Kaap museum depicts the life of a traditional 19th-century Muslim family <\/strong>living in Bo-Kaap. The museum is furnished and styled to be authentic – what you see and experience is exactly what it was like for the family in the 19th century. Although the museum is small, it offers visitors a look into the past, culture, and socio-political climate <\/strong>of the Bo-Kaap neighbourhood. Colourful houses, steep cobbled streets, the muezzin\u2019s calls to prayer, and children traditionally dressed for Madrassa, add to this unique Cape experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hours: Fees: Ever since 1806, a shot has been fired from the cannon at noon as a time signal, making it Cape Town\u2019s oldest tradition<\/strong>. Furthermore, the guns that are loaded (one to be fired and one as a backup) are the oldest guns that are in daily use <\/strong>in the world. Nowadays, the tradition<\/a> is kept alive by the South African Navy and is heard by Cape Town residents every day. Visitors flock to the site daily and are able to watch the process of loading and firing the gun and are able to learn about its history and take in the vistas of the Mother City.<\/p>\n\n\n\nBo-Kaap Museum<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Open between 09h00 and 17h00
Monday to Saturday
Closed on Christmas Day and Workers\u2019 Day<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Adults: R20.00
Children aged 6 to 18: R10.00
Children aged 5 and under: Free
South African pensioners and students (with valid cards): R10.00 \/ Free entry on Fridays School groups: Booked: R5.00; Unbooked: R8.00
Free entry on commemorative days<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe Noon Day Gun<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Bo-Kaap Kombuis<\/h4>\n\n\n\n