Colorful and lively neighborhoods are scattered all around the world, and one of the most vibrant ones just happens to be situated in Cape Town. The rainbow-colored neighborhood Bo-Kaap is one of the city’s must-see attractions, and it comes with a long and rich history.
Bo-Kaap was originally founded in 1760, and it’s the oldest surviving residential neighborhood in Cape Town. It was previously known by the name the Malay Quarter, and it’s home to the oldest mosque in the city – the Auwal Mosque.
Bo-Kaap is best known for its brightly colored homes and cobblestoned streets, and they come with an interesting backstory. The homes used to be painted white while on lease, and the new homeowners used vivid paint on the walls as an expression of freedom.
This colorful neighborhood was declared National Heritage Sites in 2019, and it’s one of Cape Town’s most popular tourist attractions. Despite the fact that travelers from foreign lands come here on a regular basis, Bo-Kaap still has a strong community spirit, and many families have been living here for generations.
