Written by Zeldi Smulders

With a history extending over 300 years, Stellenbosch is the second oldest town and European settlement in South Africa after Cape Town. Nicknamed “the town of oaks”, you will find many of these signature shady trees along the streets to keep you cool on a hot summer's day. Set in the Cape Winelands boasting mountain backdrops and vineyards, the spectacular activities and features adorning this beautiful town are what many keep coming back to.

With various museums and Dutch-influenced architecture that speak for its rich history, you won’t find a shortage of beauty and culture in this town. Owing to the fact that one of South’s Africa’s leading tertiary institutions is situated here, you'll see a fair number of students and vibrant youth enjoying the lively atmosphere in cafes and bars. Stellenbosch residents enjoy the small town atmosphere and those who come visit leave satisfied after the abundance of nature, activities, and culinary experiences they encounter.

Location

Stellenbosch is found east of Cape Town in the Eerste River valley of the Western Cape province of South Africa, an ideal location to experience the unmissable highlights of Southern Africa.

How to get there

Just a 45-minute drive from Cape Town, you can travel via the N1 or the N2 road to get to Stellenbosch. If you’re coming from the airport, you’re even closer to your destination. This road can be travelled in a rental car or with one of the many Uber drivers available in the area. You can also make use of the buses that have connecting routes between Cape Town and Stellenbosch.

Best time to go

Summertime (between November and February) offers warm, sunny days that can, and should, be spent outdoors. Between September and March, it is warm and dry, making it comfortable to travel between various stops. From April to August, it is cooler and rainier, but there are fewer crowds.

What to do

Main attractions 

Wine farms and estates

Stellenbosch is one of the captivating areas that fall under the Cape Winelands region. This area was the first to establish a recognized wine route, and today there are over 140 wine farms. The 5 sub-routes of the Stellenbosch wine route offer unique wine styles to sample. Be sure to visit Spier Wine Estate, The House of J.C. Le Roux, and Babylonstoren.

Museums and history

The Village Museum in Stellenbosch has different historical houses that form part of it, each with their own set of characteristics representing the conditions of the 18th and 19th centuries. A short walk from there you can visit the Toy and Miniature Museum with its 1:12 scale miniatures and toys from yesteryear.

Passes and drives

On the R310 between Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, you can explore the Helshoogte Pass, one of the oldest passes in the Cape area. Both drivers and cyclists can enjoy views of farms, vineyards, and Simonsberg. Note that cyclists should be up for the super steep challenge before taking it on.

Gardens and reserves

The Stellenbosch area has a lot to offer if you are looking for picnic spots, scenic views, and a variety of greenery and vegetation. Make your way to the Stellenbosch University Botanical Gardens, Jonkershoek Nature Reserve, and Jan Marais Nature Reserve to immerse yourself in these stunning sceneries.

Activities

Taste beer and wine

In recent years, a beer route was announced. It includes a few craft beer breweries in and around Stellenbosch, like LilyPatrick Brewery and Stellenbosch Brewing Company. As for wine, the signature wine cultivar, Pinotage, was first created in Stellenbosch in 1925, meaning you can expect palatable greatness from this area. Try the tuk-tuk winery hop tour for a carefree wine tasting experience.

Pick berries

Harvest your own sweet, ripe strawberries for a wholesome, family-friendly activity. Some of the places that offer this are the Polkadraai, Mooiberg, or Mountain Breeze farms. Everyone can pick their own strawberries, and eat them too. Lekker!

Follow trails

Health nuts, casual explorers, and families can discover the stunning mountains on scenic trails made for biking, running, hiking, and walking. Your inner adventurer will be in awe of the beautiful natural surroundings, dazzling sunsets, and a whole new world of towering trees and mountains. 

Browse shops and markets

From small boutiques and art galleries to antique shops, you’ll find souvenirs, leather goods, and traditional arts and crafts for sale. The best way to spend a weekend in Stellenbosch is to enjoy the vibrance of this town in full capacity with delicious food and local goods all around you. Some of the most popular markets include Stellenbosch Slow Market, Root 44, and Blaauwklippen Family Market.

Nearby sites

Cape Town

Cape Town is built just under the famous Table Mountain and looks out onto the Atlantic ocean. If you want to include some city thrills in your trip, you definitely want to read our complete guide to Cape Town. When you are in the Western Cape province of South Africa, this city must be one of your stops. 

Cape Winelands

If you’ve fallen in love with Stellenbosch, which you instantly will, you’ll love Franschhoek and Paarl just as much. Towns like these are on par with Stellenbosch and they all form part of the famous Cape Winelands region. For more information, read our complete guide to the Cape Winelands.

Where to stay

A few of our favourite stays can be found right in the heart of Stellenbosch, a short walk away from the most popular attractions and activities in town. However, you still have the option to stay just outside of town and drive wherever you want to go.

Accommodation

Basic 

Medium

Fancy

How to include Stellenbosch in your South African adventure

With only a 45-minute drive from Cape Town, this town is suitable for an exhilarating day trip. An abundance of accommodation options in the Cape Town and Stellenbosch areas ensure you have a base to start from and then unwind in after a long, fun-filled day. If you want to find out more fun things to do in Stellenbosch, check out our blog for plenty of extra activities!

Are you ready to go on a memorable journey of food, culture, and history, mixed with a whole lot of spectacular nature? Plan your trip and adventure forth!