Stellenbosch

Travel Guide
Stellenbosch
From its European architecture and art galleries to its vineyards and orchards, Stellenbosch abounds with cultural, historical and natural charm.

Standing in the middle of a rugged mountain valley, Stellenbosch is full of architectural, historical and scenic gems. Founded in 1679, this is South Africa’s second-oldest town and its history is displayed in the well-preserved Cape Dutch, Georgian and Victorian architecture. Oak tree-lined Dorp Street is where you’ll find some fine examples, such as the Oom Samie se Winkel antique shop and Old Lutheran Church.

Learn more about the town’s heritage at the Village Museum, a collection of four restored houses dating from 1709 to the mid-1800s. Spot work by South African artists at the Rembrandt van Rijn Gallery, housed in a Cape Dutch mansion. Check out the collection of weaponry at the VOC Kruithuis. Kids will enjoy the displays of antique cars and toys at the Toy and Miniature Museum.

Stellenbosch is synonymous with wine and home to South Africa’s oldest wine route, which represents over 130 wineries. Rent a car or join an organised tour and visit the wineries for tastings, cellar tours and picnics on pristine lawns. If you don’t have your own transport or time to visit the wine route, there are bodegas in town that offer tastings.

For nature lovers there are plenty of hikes in the Stellenbosch region. The Vineyard Hiking Trail is a full-day hike that leads through vineyards, forests and olive groves and presents spectacular views of the Stellenbosch Mountains. Go mountain biking in Jonkershoek Nature Reserve or get a bird’s-eye view of the region on a hang-gliding flight or hot air balloon ride.

Stellenbosch places an emphasis on cultural events. Celebrate all things wine-related at January’s Stellenbosch Wine Festival. Enjoy live music at an open-air amphitheatre during the Oude Libertas Summer Season Concerts. Combine music, wine and food at the Jazz and Cheese Fondue Festival.

Stellenbosch is a 40-minute drive from Cape Town and accessible via train. With a rented car you’ll have the freedom to explore the wine route and neighboring Western Cape towns.

Where to stay in Stellenbosch

Stellenbosch featuring landscape views, mountains and farmland

Stellenbosch Central

4.5/5(22 area reviews)

While visiting Stellenbosch Central, you might make a stop by sights like Fick House and Dorp Street.

Stellenbosch Central
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Raithby

Gardens and restaurants are just a few things travellers enjoy in Raithby, and you can get around the area by hopping on the metro at Firgrove Station.

Raithby
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Die Boord

Die Boord might not have many top sights, but Dorp Street and Fick House are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Die Boord
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Pniel

While Pniel may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Boschendal and Zorgvliet Estate.

Pniel
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Dalsig

Dalsig might not have many top sights, but Dorp Street and Fick House are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Dalsig
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Vlottenburg

Unique features of Vlottenburg include the wineries and restaurants. Make a stop by Van Ryn Brandy Cellar or Vredenheim Estate while you're exploring the area.

Vlottenburg
Clouds Estate
Clouds Estate
5 out of 5
Helshoogte Road, Stellenbosch, Western Cape
The price is S$256 per night from 19 Apr to 20 Apr
S$256
per night
19 Apr - 20 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Stellenbosch. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and an attached winery. Popular attractions Delaire Graff Estate and Alluvia ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (201 reviews)
"Just the ease of access and the amazing facility itself!"

Reviewed on 1 Mar,2024

Clouds Estate
Oude Werf Hotel
Oude Werf Hotel
4 out of 5
30 Church Street, Stellenbosch, Western Cape
The price is S$262 per night from 14 Apr to 15 Apr
S$262
per night
14 Apr - 15 Apr
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Stellenbosch. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Popular attractions The Stellenbosch Village Museum ...
9/10 Wonderful! (274 reviews)
"Well appointed rooms, pleasant garden area, attentive staff and excellent service at the front office, reception, dining and housekeeping. All in all to be recommended highly."

Reviewed on 22 Mar,2024

Oude Werf Hotel
Asara Wine Estate & Hotel
Asara Wine Estate & Hotel
5 out of 5
Polkadraai Road, Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, Western Cape
The price is S$374 per night from 18 Apr to 19 Apr
S$374
per night
18 Apr - 19 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Stellenbosch. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (254 reviews)
"The Wine 😎"

Reviewed on 30 Nov,2023

Asara Wine Estate & Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
WINK Quiver Tree
WINK Quiver Tree
3.5 out of 5
2 Faure Street, Stellenbosch, Western Cape
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Stellenbosch. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Popular attractions Van der Stel and Sasol Art Museum are located ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (59 reviews)
Very convenient aparthotel
"Very convenient and near vineyards. Comfortable, with kitchenette, WiFi and free parking. The should make provisions for backup power during load shedding, Internet remained on butI was in the dark for a couple hours."

Reviewed on 16 Nov,2023

WINK Quiver Tree
Wild Clover Cottages
Wild Clover Cottages
3 out of 5
R304 Koelenhof Road, Stellenbosch, Western Cape
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Stellenbosch. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 bars/lounges. Popular attractions Simonsig Wine Estate and Joostenberg wines ...
9/10 Wonderful! (15 reviews)
Excellent
"Lovely place xxx"

Reviewed on 9 Jul,2022

Wild Clover Cottages
Lauradale Accommodation
Lauradale Accommodation
3.5 out of 5
Farm 1412, Bonniemile Road, Vlottenburg, Stellenbosch, Western Cape
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Stellenbosch. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Van Ryn Brandy Cellar and Vredenheim ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (11 reviews)
"Cottage was spacious with comfortable beds, fluffy towels and good amenities, fixtures and fittings. We arrived just on dark and there were no dining options, power was limited to a few lights, due to daily "load shedding", so unable to microwave or even get a cup of tea until full power returned ..."

Reviewed on 13 Aug,2023

Lauradale Accommodation
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Stellenbosch

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
20
" "5 - Excellent 66.66666666666667%
4 - Good
9
" "4 - Good 30%
3 - Okay
1
" "3 - Okay 3.3333333333333335%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
13 Mar 2020

Charming town with a bit of pressure on parking but wide range of shops, restaurants etc and very pretty.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
6 Jan 2020

Beautiful scenery and amazing wineries

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
7 Dec 2019

Stunning geography, attractive, felt safe

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
15 Nov 2019

Stellenbosch has some great restaurants, fantastic wine and still has character.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
11 Oct 2019

Amazing location from which to explore the winelands. On the whole, felt safe. Good wine bars and excellent restaurants - namely The Fat Butcher and Hussar's Grill.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
16 Apr 2019

Nice place to visit. Fantastic landscape and wines.