Stellenbosch
Paleolithic biface from Stellenbosch
Typical Cape Dutch style house in Stellenbosch
Vineyards on the outskirts of Stellenbosch, with Helderberg in the background
Building of the Stellenbosh University
Eerste River in Stellenbosch after heavy rains
View over the "Red Square" of Stellenbosch University with the peak, "The Twins" beyond

Stellenbosch

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South Africa
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26 out of 57 Places to visit in South Africa
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9 Days / 8 Nights

South Africa - Sightseeing to Wines

$ 1,336
10% off
$1,191   per adult on twin sharing
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12 Days / 11 Nights

12-Days South African Adventure: Coast to Karoo Discovery

$ 2,381
9% off
$2,148   per adult on twin sharing
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10 Days / 9 Nights

South African Honeymoon Bliss - 10 Days of Romance

$2,171   per adult on twin sharing
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7 Days / 6 Nights

Garden Route, Cape Point, and Winelands Adventure: 7-Day Package

$ 943
3% off
$907   per adult on twin sharing
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14 Days / 13 Nights

14 Days South Africa's Natural Wonders and Adventure

$ 2,536
2% off
$2,471   per adult on twin sharing
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Stellenbosch Travel Essentials

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Ideal duration: 1-2 days

Best Time: September - November Read More

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"Wine Capital and Historic Town"

Stellenbosch Tourism

Situated just 50 kilometres from Cape Town, Stellenbosch is a charming town in South Africa's Western Cape. It is known for its historical significance, picturesque architecture, and large number of oak trees, earning it the nickname "City of Oaks." As the country's second-oldest town, Stellenbosch is famous for its wine culture, boasting numerous wineries like Spier, Boschendal, and Lanzerac. It can be said that Stellenbosch is the South African equivalent of Napa Valley for wine.

The town is home to Stellenbosch University, one of South Africa's oldest institutions. Besides wine, Stellenbosch offers scenic hiking and biking trails along Cape Winelands, making it an appealing destination for outdoor enthusiasts. In Stellenbosch, popular attractions include historic landmarks like Cape Dutch architecture, and oak-lined streets offering a charming ambience in addition to the wineries.

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Must Know Before You Travel to Stellenbosch

  • Walking and Cycling Around: Stellenbosch is small and walkable, so exploring the city centre on foot is easy. You can also rent bicycles from the Tourism Bureau.
  • Public Transport: The town has a reliable bus service operated by Stellenbosch University, providing convenient transportation within the town and to nearby areas. For more extensive travel, consider renting a car.
  • Walking Tours: Discover colonial Dutch architecture with guided walking tours organized by the Stellenbosch Tourism and Information Bureau. You can also explore independently with the "Historical Stellenbosch on Foot" brochure available at the Bureau.
  • Vine Hopper Minibus: Experience local vineyards hassle-free with the Vine Hopper minibus. It offers circular routes to 12 vineyards, allowing you to hop on and off as you please. Tickets are available from the Tourism and Information Bureau or major hotels.
  • Other Activities: Stellenbosch offers various activities, including whitewater rafting and more. Visit the Bureau to find tour organizers for these adventures.
  • Festivals: Visitors can plan their Stellenbosch trip around these must-attend events: Cheese Festival in April, Stellenbosch Food and Wine Festival, and Stellenbosch Young Wine Show in August, Music and Arts Festival from September to October, and Van der Stel Festival, Strawberry Festival, Blaauwklippen Blending Competition, and Fine Food and Wine Festival in October.
  • Plug Adapter: Bring a 3-round pin plug power adaptor before your trip as some hotels may not have them readily available.
  • Pre-Booking: To avoid disappointment, pre-book activities like wine tours, vineyard visits, festivals, and special events with limited availability.
  • Drinking Water: Stellenbosch tap water is safe to drink.
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Shopping in Stellenbosch

Visitors can explore the quaint streets with boutique stores, art galleries, and craft markets, offering handcrafted souvenirs, African artwork, and local handicrafts. Popular shopping areas include Dorp Street, Church Street, Stellenbosch Square Shopping Centre, Oude Libertas Centre, Eikestad Mall, Stelmark Centre, Ithemba Curio Shop, and De Wet Centre. Oom Samie se Winkel, Champagne, and Chabivin are some popular places to buy local wine.

Nightlife in Stellenbosch

Stellenbosch's nightlife is vibrant and appealing, especially due to its status as a university town. Most pubs are open till 02:00 AM. The popular areas for nightlife include Dorp Street and Bird Street, where numerous bars, pubs, and restaurants are located. Aandklas and Bohemia are well-known pubs, often hosting live music performances. Hudson's Burger Joint offers craft beers and gourmet burgers, while The Thirsty Scarecrow provides a relaxed atmosphere with a variety of local and international beers. A few other popular pubs include Nu’Bar, De Lapa, Die Mystic Boer, The Happy Oak, Balboa Balcony Bar, and Cubana Havana Lounge.

History of Stellenbosch

Stellenbosch's history goes back to 1679 when it was founded by Simon van der Stel, a Dutch governor. It's the second oldest town in South Africa and has a rich cultural heritage. The name "Stellenbosch" comes from its founder and the surrounding forests ("bosch" means forest in Dutch). In the early years, Stellenbosch became a centre of learning and culture, with the establishment of Stellenbosch University in 1866, one of the country's oldest universities. The town's buildings showcase the Cape Dutch architectural style, reflecting its historical importance. Since the late 17th century, Stellenbosch has been closely connected to the wine industry, making it well-known for wine and vineyards. Today, visitors can experience the town's fascinating blend of history, education, and wine culture, making Stellenbosch an enchanting place that respects its past while embracing the present.

Best Time to Visit Stellenbosch

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How to Reach Stellenbosch

How to Reach Overview

The closest airport is Cape Town International Airport, about 30 km (18 miles) away, with a 30-40 minute drive or taxi ride. By road, visitors can take the N1 and N2 highways for a 45-minute to 1-hour drive from Cape Town. While there is no direct railway station, you can reach Stellenbosch by taking a train from Cape Town to Bellville and then continuing by road. For public transport, buses and minibus taxis offer convenient options between Stellenbosch and Cape Town.

How to reach Stellenbosch by flight

The closest international airport to Stellenbosch is Cape Town International Airport (CPT), located approximately 30 kilometres (18 miles) away. From the airport, visitors can take a taxi or rent a car to reach Stellenbosch, which usually takes around 30-40 minutes. International flights to Cape Town can be booked through Skyscanner. Popular domestic airlines include Airlink, CemAir, and FlySafair.

How to reach Stellenbosch by road

Stellenbosch is easily accessible via the N1 and N2 national highways. From Cape Town, it is approximately 50 kilometres (31 miles) away, and the journey takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour by car.

How to reach Stellenbosch by train

Stellenbosch does not have a direct railway station. However, Cape Town's railway station is accessible from Stellenbosch, and travellers can take MetroRail from Cape Town to the closest station, Bellville, and then continue by road to Stellenbosch.

How to reach Stellenbosch by bus

Public buses and minibus taxis are available for travel between Stellenbosch and Cape Town. Major bus transportation providers are Greyhound, Translux, Elweirda, and Intercape. Buses operate scheduled routes with affordable fares, while minibus taxis offer a shared-ride option with flexibility in terms of stops.

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