The Top Things To Do And See In Bo-Kaap

Bo Kaap Neighborhood Street Cars Houses

The Bo-Kaap is one of Cape Town’s most distinct neighborhoods and there’s so much to see, taste, and explore. Here’s The Top Things To Do And See In Bo-Kaap, Cape Town what you can’t miss while in the Bo-Kaap.

The Top Things To Do And See In Bo-Kaap, Cape Town

The Noon Day Gun

The Top Things To Do And See In Bo-Kaap, Cape Town

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.

No need for alarm or taking cover is required as this tradition has marked the end of the morning since 1806 with a sound sharp enough to signal time to set ships chronometers to and reliable enough to set your pocket watch by.

As the sun hits its mark at noon directly overhead in the sky two canons fire their salute skyward marking the international hour of lunch. The Cape’s oldest tradition was initially housed at The Castle of Good Hope but as the Cape population grew the proximity of the bang was relocated to Lion Battery on Signal Hill in 1902. Here the twin canons fire proud as the oldest active ‘weapons’ in daily use.

The noonday 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.

Go shopping

The Top Things To Do And See In Bo-Kaap, Cape Town

Make an appointment to visit The Diamond Gallery while in the Bo-Kaap for an exclusive VIP shopping experience. As they’re one of the largest diamond wholesalers in South Africa, you’ll find they have a massive selection of rings, pendants, and other jewelry, as well as diamond cutting services and custom designs. The perfect souvenir or gift!

Visit The Diamond Gallery for free with a City Pass, or spend R1500 and receive a Diamond Pendent worth R5500!

Bo-Kaap Cooking tour 

The Top Things To Do And See In Bo-Kaap, Cape Town

The Bo-Kaap is well-known for its colorful houses, numerous mosques, narrow cobbled streets and the atmosphere of a solid, Muslim community, even if the area is now more popular with students and ex-pats.

The walkabout is just long enough to soak up the atmosphere, allowing plenty of time to return to Zainie’s home for a hands-on cooking class, where the focus is on spices (acquired en route at the local spice shop), dhaltjies (chilli bites), samoosas, flat bread, rootis, babotie, and how to mix masala.

This is a wonderful way to learn about the Cape Malay culture through its food. Particularly as Zainie will feel like an old friend – she’s appeared on so many TV programs (Pasella, KykNet, Jou Show met Emo) that you’ll be convinced you recognize her from somewhere.

Cape town evening cycle

The Top Things To Do And See In Bo-Kaap, Cape Town

This Bike & Saddle signature trip is a unique, eco-friendly and invigorating way to experience the Mother City. Start your guided and fully supported journey from the much-celebrated Victoria and Alfred Waterfront as the sun sets over Cape Town, South Africa.

Cycle through the historic harbour from the Marina Pier alongside the Atlantic Ocean as the sea breeze fills the air. Meander through Green Point and the delightful De Waterkant Village before passing Parliament and the presidential residence in the Company Gardens.

Marvel at the iconic Cape Dutch architecture and make your way down vibrant Long Street, the heart of Cape Town’s nightlife. Wind your way through the historic Malay quarter of Bo-Kaap past mosques and cobbled streets and top it all off with a glass of South African champagne as the sun sinks below the horizon in spectacular fashion!

This trip includes state-of-the-art equipment, guides, gourmet canapés and sparkling wine.

Take the audio tour

Bo Kaap Neighborhood Street Cars Houses

Starting at the Bo-Kaap Museum, this 20-minute Audio Tour is guided by Shereen Habib, who has served as a guide for over twenty years, and her family has lived here for almost a century. Take a leisurely walk as she takes you on a deeply personal loop through the historical heart of this area. With her help, you’ll soon see why this place is so close to the hearts of thousands of people across the world.

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