Bo Kaap

The Bo Kaap is one of the oldest parts of the city. The neighbourhood (the names means 'above the Cape') has been home to Cape Malay families, many of whom are descendants of slaves, since the earliest days of the colony and the sense of charm remains. Friendly locals welcome visitors to their 'hood' and you can expect to have to dodge the odd street cricket game and to walk away salivating thanks to the smells of spiced up food being cooked come supper time. Picture opportunities present themselves at every turn thanks to the pretty shades painted on the façades of the Cape Georgian cottage terraces. Pop into Biesmillah's (Corner Wale and Pentz Streets, Bo Kaap; 021 423 0850) for a spicy samosa, and be sure to visit old school style Atlas Trading (94 Wale Street; 021 423 4361) for spices to take home. The Bo Kaap Museum (71 Wale Street; 021 422 1679; www.iziko.org.za/bokaap) offers a fascinating insight into this community that escaped forced removals during the Apartheid regime.