Stellenbosch

Travel Guide

Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch
Spier Wine Estate showing a lake or waterhole and autumn leaves
Photo provided by South African Tourism
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 some noteworthy features of Raithby. Make a stop by Eikendal Winery while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Firgrove Station to get around town.

Raithby
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Die Boord

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

Die Boord
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Dalsig

Dalsig might not have many top sights, but Dorp Street and Stellenbosch Golf Club 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
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Cloetesville

While Cloetesville isn't home to many top sights, Fick House and Dorp Street are some notable places to visit nearby.

Cloetesville
The Stellenbosch Hotel
The Stellenbosch Hotel
3 out of 5
Corner of Dorp and Andringa Streets, Stellenbosch, Western Cape
The price is S$132 per night from 22 Jul to 23 Jul
S$132
22 Jul - 23 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Stellenbosch. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and room service. Popular attractions University of Stellenbosch ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (322 reviews)
"Loved it. Whole staff helpful, amazing breakfast. Blueberry muffins were excellent!"

Reviewed on 26 Jun, 2025

The Stellenbosch Hotel
De Zalze Lodge
De Zalze Lodge
4 out of 5
Strand Road R44, Stellenbosch, Western Cape
Stay at this 4-star luxury country house in Stellenbosch. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions De Zalze Golf Club and Blue ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (156 reviews)
"The whole setup room breakfast service friendliness plus amazing golf course and clubhouse. Can’t go wrong there if a golfer."

Reviewed on 20 Jun, 2025

De Zalze Lodge
Bonne Esperance Boutique Guest House and Studio Apartments
Bonne Esperance Boutique Guest House and Studio Apartments
4 out of 5
17 Van Riebeeck Street, Stellenbosch, Western Cape
The price is S$137 per night from 17 Jul to 18 Jul
S$137
17 Jul - 18 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star guesthouse in Stellenbosch. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions University of Stellenbosch Botanical ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (193 reviews)
"a good hotel in the midst of Stellenbosch, with helpful staff."

Reviewed on 17 May, 2025

Bonne Esperance Boutique Guest House and Studio Apartments
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 business-friendly aparthotel in Stellenbosch. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Van der Stel ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (63 reviews)
"The property was clean and well guarded .The bathroom needed a good clean .The surroundings were kept clean"

Reviewed on 20 Apr, 2025

WINK Quiver Tree
Sunset Farm Stellenbosch
Sunset Farm Stellenbosch
4 out of 5
Blaauwklippen Rd & Wildebosch Rd, Stellenbosch, Western Cape
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Stellenbosch. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Blue Creek Weddings and Functions ...
10/10 Exceptional! (7 reviews)
"Last minute booking led to an amazing short stay for our two families. Wish we could have stayed longer. Beautiful accomodations in a beautiful area."

Reviewed on 16 Jul, 2024

Sunset Farm Stellenbosch
Middedorp Villa and Apartments
Middedorp Villa and Apartments
4 out of 5
14 NEETHLING STREET, Stellenbosch, Western Cape
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Stellenbosch. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions University of Stellenbosch ...
10/10 Exceptional! (7 reviews)
The best place to stay 2025
"This place is safe, secure, clean. Everyone has been kind and helpful. They take great care of their property. I highly recommended, and hope to be back again. Everything you need is within walking distance. The vineyards are bountiful. Inlove this place!!!"

Reviewed on 12 Apr, 2025

Middedorp Villa and Apartments
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 67%
4 - Good
9
4 - Good 30%
3 - Okay
1
3 - Okay 3%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

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

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Beautiful scenery and amazing wineries

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Stunning geography, attractive, felt safe

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

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

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Nice place to visit. Fantastic landscape and wines.