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 organized 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 amphitheater 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

AC Hotel by Marriott Cape Town Waterfront
AC Hotel by Marriott Cape Town Waterfront
4 out of 5
Dockrail Road, Foreshore, Cape Town, Western Cape
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is $138 per night from Oct 6 to Oct 7
$138
per night
Oct 6 - Oct 7
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Cape Town Cruise Terminal and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (295 reviews)
"The hotel was difficult to find. The staff was great!"

Reviewed on Sep 25, 2023

AC Hotel by Marriott Cape Town Waterfront
Oude Werf Hotel
Oude Werf Hotel
4 out of 5
30 Church Street, Stellenbosch, Western Cape
The price is $158 per night from Sep 30 to Oct 1
$158
per night
Sep 30 - Oct 1
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! (250 reviews)
"Excellent hotel with a great breakfast and lovely staff."

Reviewed on Aug 29, 2023

Oude Werf Hotel
Taj Cape Town
Taj Cape Town
5 out of 5
1 Wale Street, corner St Georges Mall, Cape Town, Western Cape
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is $184 per night from Oct 6 to Oct 7
$184
per night
Oct 6 - Oct 7
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Long Street and South Africa Library ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
"Nothing more"

Reviewed on Sep 13, 2023

Taj Cape Town
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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (55 reviews)
W8nk quiver tree self catering
"The staff were friendly and the accommodation was neat and tidy everything you need for self catering"

Reviewed on Jul 10, 2022

WINK Quiver Tree
The Den Apartments by Raw Africa Boutique Collection
The Den Apartments by Raw Africa Boutique Collection
3.5 out of 5
2-4 Dennesig Str, Stellenbosch, Western Cape
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly apartment in Stellenbosch. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an airport shuttle. Popular attractions Van der Stel and ...
The Den Apartments by Raw Africa Boutique Collection
 Stellenbosch Sleeps 7, 4 bed,  2018 upgraded Private POOL - A Must in Summer He
Stellenbosch Sleeps 7, 4 bed, 2018 upgraded Private POOL - A Must in Summer He
Uniepark, Stellenbosch
Stay at this villa in Stellenbosch. Enjoy private pools, WiFi, and onsite parking. Popular attractions Dutch Reform Church and Lanzerac Wine Estate are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (11 reviews)
Beautiful home, lovely location
"We had a fantastic time here. Hillary and Mark were extremely helpful and provided us with great information about the local area. The house was beautiful, perfect for our group of 4 adults and 3 children. Handily located for.Stellenbosch and all the local wineries, would definitely stay again."

Reviewed on Jan 4, 2020

Stellenbosch Sleeps 7, 4 bed, 2018 upgraded Private POOL - A Must in Summer He
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

Reviews of Stellenbosch

4.6
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
31
" "5 - Excellent 64.58333333333333%
4 - Good
15
" "4 - Good 31.25%
3 - Okay
2
" "3 - Okay 4.166666666666667%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Suzanne
Dec 19, 2019

Rupert Museum was well worth going to. Delaire Graff - Most amazing grounds and most amazing views from this property. A must see!

5/5 - Excellent

T
Dec 15, 2019

Beautiful scenery, interesting wine farms. Friendly and knowledgable people. Even though we live close to Napa and Sonoma wine country, we still found Stellenbosch and surrounding areas to be appealing and worthwhile..

5/5 - Excellent

RM
Sep 20, 2019

Very lovely place to visit.

5/5 - Excellent

ADNK
Aug 23, 2019

Landscape was excellent.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Aug 23, 2019

Beautiful-- split time between Stellenbosch and Franschoek.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Jul 31, 2019

Enjoyed our wine tour with Leizel from Hotspots. She was a fabulous tour guide. Very informative.

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