De Waterkant

The Bo-Kaap is actually a modernized version of De Waterkant, which is located just next to this same neighbourhood. The colourful, vivid semi-detached homes in this popular neighbourhood have been preserved and even emphasized, having been transformed into chic cottages that, along with the cobbled, tree-lined alleys and breathtaking views, are reminiscent of London's Soho and New York's Greenwich Village. The Village of De Waterkant is primarily a business district during the day, where people live, work, have lunch, and shop; however, at night, it comes to life with some of the best delis, wine bars, and restaurants in the city. This neighbourhood is reported to contain the most pre-1840 buildings in South Africa and amazingly managed to avoid both the destiny of other similar neighbourhoods, such as district six, and apartheid.