All You Need to Know: Paarl
Written by René Robinson
No place gets a name like “The Pearl of The Winelands” for no reason. Nestled in the heart of the Drakenstein Valley is a serene little town named Paarl. Rich with history, culture, and gorgeous surroundings, this town will take you on an unforgettable trip. Founded in 1687, Paarl is settled in the Cape Winelands one of the oldest towns in South Africa! Neighbored by lush mountainscapes, and magnificent greenery, you’ll be immersed in the surroundings and lovely hospitality of the Paarl community.
Location
How to get there
Paarl is less than an hour's drive from Cape Town and is ideal for a day trip or a weekend getaway. The recommended route coming from Cape Town is to get onto the N1 highway and follow it straight to exit 55 off of the N1. Then you’ll be on the main road that leads straight into town.
Best time to go
The best time to visit Paarl is in the spring and summer seasons. More specifically, September to February. Temperatures range from 21-34°C, and the town is quite popular with tourists in these warm summer months. Paarl is also quaint in the colder seasons (March to August) and it can be lovely to experience this cosy, little gem in the rainy, snug weather. Prices will also be down slightly in the off-seasons.
What to do
Main attractions
Wine farms and restaurants
Welcome to the mecca of good food and even better wine, where the kindliness of the countryside blends with a historic and picturesque little town. One of the biggest attractions that draw tourists to Paarl is the wine culture. Enjoy your favourite wines, or the distinct red blends of the region, while taking in the marvellous scenery. You can do this by embarking on the Paarl Wine Route, which happens to be the 2nd oldest wine route in the country. We also have a complete guide to the Cape Winelands if you’d like to read more on that. Our top wineries to choose from are Nederburg Wines, Plaisir de Merle, and Fairview Wine and Cheese.
National monuments and museums
In one of the 11 official South African languages, Afrikaans, the word taal translates to “language”. Interestingly, Paarl has an entire monument dedicated to this language! The Taalmonument was built to honour the distinct origins of the Afrikaans language, coming from three different continents. What you can expect at this magnificent architectural monument is a coffee shop with delicious treats and snacks, and an open-air gallery that displays interesting creative works. Pay special attention to the design of the ionic columns and the similarities you’ll see in the architecture nearby.
Walks and hikes
Make the most of the gorgeous greenery surrounding this town and take in the beauty while immersed in nature. There are many hiking and biking trails in the area, namely, Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve (check out the impressive Paarl Rock that looks out over the valley), Rhebokskloof MTB Trails, Hero Adventure Trails, and Limietberg Nature Reserve. Two walks we highly recommend are the Paarl Heritage Walk and the Arboretum walk, which is a laid-back walk for you to enjoy the surrounding nature. Make sure to dress for the occasion and to snap some pics while you walk! If sunsets are more your vibe, be sure to watch the tangerine skies and surrounding Winelands while sipping on something cold and refreshing.
Coffee and Cafe’s
A town is not complete without a list of must-try coffee shops! Decide on where you’d like to go while driving down the longest main road in the country. Our suggestions are Sit Cafe, Amberg Art and Kitchen—if you like your coffee with some culture, and Bean in Love Coffee House and Roasteria (we love their coffee even more than their name).
Activities
Spice route, “a destination of dreams” is a unique gathering of diverse artisans critical to visit if you are craving anything along the lines of gourmet food, craft beer, speciality wine, exotic spices, artisanal chocolate, and endless more.
A spot near Paarl that you absolutely cannot miss out on, and will—guaranteed—not want to leave, is the iconic Babylonstoren. It is home to two amazing, top-class restaurants, a fresh goods and produce store, a spa, and thriving grounds that include a mushroom garden, a healing garden, and a seemingly endless list of other magical gardens.
Nearby sites
Cape Winelands
Paarl falls within the famous Cape Winelands region and it is worthwhile to visit wineries in the nearby towns of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. These two towns are just as magical as Paarl, and the trio completes the everlasting nostalgic feeling that will never leave you. For a complete guide to the Cape Winelands, read here.
Cape Town
Just a 50-minute drive from Paarl, the bustling city of Cape Town can be found. With thousands of adventures just waiting to be discovered, Cape Town makes for the perfect day trip or even a lovely 1- or 2-night sleepover. If you’re considering making the city of dreamers part of your trip, read our Complete Guide to Cape Town here.
Breede River Valley
A 45-minute drive from Paarl lies one of South Africa’s most underrated gems, the Breede River Valley. Relish in the summer sun as you river raft, or laze around and appreciate the 320 km stretch of water. Activities in the area include numerous wine farms and restaurants, game viewing, hiking, fishing, picnic, kloofing, and bird watching. Break away from the crowds and usual tourist spots at this gorgeous show of nature’s beauty. Stay for 2 or 3 nights to really appreciate the stunning Breede River.
Accommodation
Basic
Set against a stunning natural backdrop of mountains, the honeymoon suite, 8 vineyard suites, and 6 orchard suites exude luxurious elegance.
Roosenwijn Guest House is a Victorian-style home built in 1904. This declared National Monument is situated next to the Botanical Gardens in the historical town of Stellenbosch.
Besigheim is an ideal family-friendly bed and breakfast in Stellenbosch. Well-appointed rooms offer a kitchenette, air conditioning, and free wifi.
Medium
A short drive from town, Baruch is located near Stellenbosch Golf Course, surrounded by vineyards. The property offers beautiful rooms in a charming house complete with a pool and reading room.
De Hoek Manor lies in the heart of Stellenbosch’s historic centre, within walking distance of the town’s best restaurants, bars, and shops.
Admire mountain views while staying in fully furnished glamping tents. After exploring the wine estate with a vineyard hike or river walk, spoil yourself at the tasting room that houses award-winning wines.
Fancy
Nestled in the valley below the Simonsberg Mountains and mere minutes from the historical town of Stellenbosch, L’Avenir Country Lodge is an intimate 4-star lodge on a working wine estate.
Angala Boutique Hotel & Guest House is nestled amongst vineyards and lies at the foothills of the majestic Simonsberg.
How to include Paarl in your South African adventure
The town of Paarl is a critical stop you need to make while visiting the Western Cape. Stay in the area for 2 or 3 nights while exploring the scenic town and its surroundings, or make a day trip if you’re coming from Cape Town. Don’t forget to check out other unforgettable parts of the Winelands like Franschhoek and Stellenbosch!
Insider tips
Avoid hectic Friday afternoon traffic around 1 pm - 2 pm. Paarl is home to some of the best schools in the country and the main road is super busy as everyone gets fetched from school. The same caution should be practised when it happens to be a South African long weekend. Make sure that if you’re going to be driving on any main roads running to or from Paarl, that you leave or return a day before or after it begins. Roads to nearby destinations will be quite busy on the first and last days of the long weekend.
Let the town of Paarl hypnotise you with its nostalgic atmosphere and kind people. If you’re bursting with excitement at what this town has to offer, plan your next trip here.