Malay Quarter

Malay Quarter

Hidden in the center of Cape Town, far from the noise of the city center, the Malay Quarter is a town more colorful than a rainbow. Its buildings are painted in a spectrum of hues—ocean blue, deep red, cream yellow, dark green… as if no color is off-limits here. Wandering through its streets is like being immersed in an Andersen fairy tale.

The vibrant colors of the Malay Quarter are deeply tied to its history. Many say its past isn’t as colorful as its buildings. Behind the multicolored houses lies a story of resilience. Historically, the Malay Quarter was home to descendants of Malays. During the infamous apartheid era, residential areas were segregated by skin color—Black people were forced to live in Black-only zones, while Malays were classified as "Coloured" and restricted to the Malay Quarter. Aside from white Europeans, no other racial groups were allowed to display house numbers, making it difficult for mail carriers and friends to find their homes. The clever Malays came up with the ingenious solution of “colorful house numbers.” Today, though apartheid has long been abolished, these traditionally colorful houses remain, attracting visitors from around the world.

Amidst the playful colors of the Malay Quarter, admiring the vivid houses, the decorations on balconies—no matter how simply arranged—stand out uniquely, blending harmoniously with the multihued buildings and delivering a powerful visual impact. The experience is as delightful as eating colorful candy.

Bo-Kaap

Must-visit reason: The world’s most colorful architectural district

Continent where the attraction is located: Africa【Africa】

Country/Region where the attraction is located: South Africa[South Africa]

Province/State where the attraction is located: Western Cape Province [Western Cape Province]

City where the attraction is located: Cape Town [Cape Town]