Palm Tree Mosque Cape Town - Image 1
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Palm Tree Mosque Cape Town

4.7
·85 reviews·Cape Town, South Africa

South Africa's second oldest mosque, established in 1820 by freed slaves, a vital piece of Cape Town's Muslim heritage.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daily prayer times

Experience active worship

CrowdLow
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Palm Tree Mosque Cape Town - Image 1

Palm Tree Mosque Cape Town

Best Time

Daily prayer times

Experience active worship

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

South Africa's second oldest mosque, established in 1820 by freed slaves, a vital piece of Cape Town's Muslim heritage.

4.7
(85 reviews)

"This place personifies history and the legacy of Islam in Cape Town, South Africa."

Vertical photo
TIP

Dress Modestly

Cover shoulders and knees out of respect for worshippers. 🙏

Be Mindful of Prayer Times

Visit outside of prayer times for a quieter experience. :clock1:

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Architecture

Historic Architecture

Long Street

Discover the charm of this 1788 building, converted into a mosque in 1820 by freed slaves.

Instagram
Legacy of Cape Malay History

Legacy of Cape Malay History

Interior

Experience the deep roots of Islam in Cape Town, established by exiled Southeast Asians.

TikTok
Community Hub

Community Hub

Long Street

A warm, family-oriented mosque serving the community for over 200 years.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Understand Its Historical Significance

Palm Tree Mosque is South Africa's second oldest mosque, built in 1820 by freed slaves. It's a vital piece of Cape Town's Muslim heritage and a testament to the resilience of early communities. Instagram+1

Respectful Visiting Etiquette

As an active place of worship, visitors should dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees. Be mindful of prayer times and maintain a quiet demeanor inside. Reddit

Best Times

When
Daily prayer times
Why
Experience active worship
Crowd
Low
When
Outside of prayer times
Why
Quiet exploration
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Replying to @jerrymyer1234 They were exiled from places like Tidore, Makassar, and Batavia… and built the first mosque in South Africa. Who are the Cape Malays really? @fakkahfuzz #malaysia #indonesia #singapore #capemalay #tuanguru #islam #slavery #dutch #colonialism #southeastasia #southafrica #capetown
@kaapieinkorea
49.1K likes • 553.2K views

Dress Modestly

Cover shoulders and knees out of respect for worshippers. 🙏

Be Mindful of Prayer Times

Visit outside of prayer times for a quieter experience. :clock1:

Muhsin Hendricks became the world's first openly queer Imam when he came out in the late 1990s. Born in Cape Town, South Africa, he is credited with starting the country's first LGBTQ+ friendly mosque and over two decades of activism he has sought to help queer Muslims reconcile their faith with their séxual orientation.   🎙️ Reporter: Lucy Middleton in Cape Town   #lgbtqrights #lgbtnews #capetown
@openlynews
34.6K likes • 1.2M views
200 years ago, 2 freed slaves, Jan van Bougies and Frans van Bengalen, bought this building. 2 freed slaves. It was the property of 9 slave masters before them, dating back as far as 1751. When Jan and Frans took ownership of the property, they turned it into a mosque, "Palm Tree Mosque", the second ever Mosque in Cape Town. This is one of the origins of the Muslim community in the Cape and ho...
marwaan.sasman
71 likes • 0 views

Learn the History

Understand its significance as SA's second oldest mosque. 📜

Explore Long Street

The mosque is centrally located on a vibrant street. :city_sunrise:

Palm Tree Mosque is South Africa’s 2nd oldest mosque, and one of the oldest buildings in Long Street, Cape Town (1788). It was converted into a mosque in 1820 by freed slave Jan van Bougies, who died in 1846 aged 112! #knowyourcity #walkyourcity #longstreet #capetown #urban #cities #citta #architecture #buildings #mosque
citytocity
28 likes • 0 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Dress Modestly

Cover shoulders and knees out of respect for worshippers. 🙏

Be Mindful of Prayer Times

Visit outside of prayer times for a quieter experience. :clock1:

Learn the History

Understand its significance as SA's second oldest mosque. 📜

Explore Long Street

The mosque is centrally located on a vibrant street. :city_sunrise:

What Travellers Say

4.7
(85 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Palm Tree Mosque for its profound historical significance as South Africa's second oldest mosque and its role in the legacy of Islam in Cape Town. Many appreciate the warm, family-like atmosphere and its continued service to the community. Some note its humble appearance within a busy street, which can be both charming and easily overlooked.

"The second oldest Masjid/Mosque in Cape Town and South Africa. This place personfies history and the legacy of Islam in Cape Town, South Africa. Warm, quaint and serving the community at large, Muslim and non Muslim, for over 200 years is a proud legacy to be a part of."

Zaheer Parker

"A small masjid in a busy street of Cape town in the central district. It's the Only masjid over Long street. It's Made inside a house by devoted Muslim family"

Muhammad Naeem Puri

"Close knit family oriented mosque. That has its roots firmly placed in a challenging area of the CBD. It's open to the public for daily prayers."

Niezaar Kamalie

What People Like

Deep historical significance
Warm community atmosphere
Legacy of Islam in SA

What People Dislike

Can be overlooked on busy street

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Palm Tree Mosque is located on Long Street in the central district of Cape Town. It's easily accessible by car, taxi, or ride-sharing services. Public transport options are also available, with various bus routes stopping nearby. Instagram

Parking on Long Street can be challenging due to its popularity. It's advisable to look for paid parking lots or garages in the vicinity or consider using ride-sharing services for convenience. Instagram

If you are staying in the Cape Town CBD or Bo-Kaap area, walking to Palm Tree Mosque is a pleasant option. The surrounding streets are vibrant and offer a good way to experience the city. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Palm Tree Mosque is an active place of worship and does not require an entrance ticket. Visitors are welcome to enter and experience its historical significance. Reddit

As an active mosque, it's best to visit outside of the five daily prayer times. While there are no strict 'visiting hours,' respecting prayer times ensures a peaceful experience for worshippers. Reddit

There is no admission fee to visit Palm Tree Mosque. Donations are always appreciated to help with the upkeep of this historic site. Reddit

Yes, non-Muslims are welcome to visit Palm Tree Mosque. It's an opportunity to learn about the history of Islam in Cape Town and appreciate the architecture. Reddit

🎫 🕌 Onsite Experience

Visitors should dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees. Women may wish to bring a headscarf. This is out of respect for the sacred space. Reddit

Photography is generally permitted, but it's always best to be discreet and avoid taking photos during prayer times. Always be respectful of worshippers. Reddit

Palm Tree Mosque is the second oldest mosque in South Africa, established in 1820 by freed slaves. It represents a crucial part of Cape Town's Muslim heritage and the history of the Cape Malay community. Instagram+1

Yes, Palm Tree Mosque remains an active place of worship, serving the local community for daily prayers and religious activities. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Palm Tree Mosque is located on Long Street, which is renowned for its diverse array of restaurants, cafes, and eateries offering various cuisines. TikTok+1

Given the mosque's location in a central area with a significant Muslim population, you will find numerous Halal food options available on and around Long Street. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

The exterior of the mosque on Long Street offers a great photographic opportunity, showcasing its historic architecture. The interior, when accessible and respectful, can also provide unique shots. Instagram+1

Photography is generally allowed, but always be mindful of prayer times and worshippers. It's best to be discreet and ask for permission if unsure. Reddit

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Palm Tree Mosque Cape Town (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide