Gemma BLDCape Town is full of vibrant neighborhoods, but Bo-Kaap is probably the most visually iconic, a hillside of candy-colored houses, cobbled streets, and deep cultural roots. I had read about it, seen dozens of photos online, and was excited to wander through it myself.
But our experience wasn’t what we expected. While the place itself looked as charming and quirky as the photos suggest, our short visit ended up being one of the most stressful moments of our trip.
A Quick Stop with Unsettling Vibes
We arrived at around 1 p.m., just planning to stroll through the area and admire the architecture. My husband and I had an Uber drop us off on the edge of the neighborhood, and we stopped into a nearby shop to grab a bottle of water.
Inside the shop, a young child asked if we could buy him some nappies for his sister. As we were considering it, we noticed a few older teenagers positioning themselves around the door. It was subtle, but enough to make us uncomfortable. I decided to quickly buy the nappies and leave — but the moment we stepped out, the group began following us and circling us as we walked.
It was a strange, tense moment. The street was full of people, yet I felt incredibly exposed. No security presence, no place to duck into that felt safe. We weren’t dressed in anything flashy, and we hadn’t taken out our phones or cameras, but something about us clearly marked us as outsiders.
As calmly as I could, I discreetly pulled out my phone and ordered an Uber. When a man started walking directly toward us, our nerves skyrocketed — but thankfully, the Uber arrived just in time and we got in and left.
A Place Full of Culture — But Go With Caution
Bo-Kaap is undeniably beautiful and culturally important. The houses are gorgeous. The history — from the Cape Malay heritage to the resilience of the community — is rich and worth learning about. But sadly, we didn’t get a chance to take much of it in. Our experience felt uneasy from the start, and we didn’t feel safe enough to stay and explore.
To be clear: I don’t want to generalize an entire neighborhood based on one incident. I know many people visit Bo-Kaap and have a great time. I’ve even met locals who spoke about the area’s beauty and warmth. So maybe this was a one-off. But it was enough to shake us.
Would I Recommend It?
Yes — but only with a guide. Someone who knows the area, understands the dynamics, and can help you safely appreciate all the culture Bo-Kaap has to offer. I wouldn’t advise going alone, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the city or don’t know what parts to avoid.
Cape Town is an incredible place. It’s full of surprises, beauty, and complexity. Bo-Kaap is no exception. If you choose to go, do it thoughtfully — and with care.
[…] There was one uncomfortable moment in Bo-Kaap, which I’ve written about in more detail here. We also had a few people asking us for money on a few occasions but they left us alone when we […]