20 things to do in Stellenbosch in the Cape Winelands

By Roxanne Reid
Stellenbosch, known as the City of Oaks for trees planted hundreds of years ago, is an essential stop on any visit to the Western Cape. It also makes an ideal weekend escape from Cape Town. Think Cape Dutch architecture, wine estates, mountain scenery, hiking and biking, art galleries and restaurants. Here’s my pick of things to do in Stellenbosch.

​South Africa's second-oldest town, Stellenbosch was founded in 1679 by Dutch Cape Colony Governor Simon van der Stel, who rather pompously named it after himself. He was the first Dutch explorer to discover this fertile valley and to plant oaks along its streets. It soon became a hub for viticulture, and today it’s still the heart of the Cape Winelands as well as a vibrant university town where you’ll walk the streets surrounded by the radiance of youth.

1. Explore the old town on foot or by bike 

Victorian style with broekie lace makes a change from Cape Dutch gables

A great place to start is the Visit Stellenbosch tourism info office at 47 Church Street to pick up a map of Stellenbosch’s main centre, focusing on points of interest. The staff can also highlight things to do that suit your particular interests, whether you’re inclined to the historic, cultural or action-packed. Then take your map and head off on a walking tour of the historic square, Die Braak, with its thatched St Mary’s Anglican Church (1852) and gunpowder magazine (1777), which nowadays holds a collection of cannons, firearms, and military uniforms.

You’ll find many lovely old buildings and national monuments along Church, Dorp and Ryneveld streets, from classic Cape Dutch to Georgian and Victorian styles, with lime-washed walls, thatched or tiled roofs, gables, and shutters. Take your time to appreciate these well-preserved structures and pop into a coffeeshop for a pick-me-up along the way.

Or join a 1.5-hour guided walking tour to explore the old buildings and hear stories about the colourful characters that have lived here since the 1600s – perhaps even a ghost in the graveyard of the Moederkerk.

For a different way to explore, take a guided bike tour to learn about Stellenbosch’s rich history as you cycle the streets. It also explores the scenic Jonkershoek Valley with its imposing mountains, stopping at two wine estates along the way for wine tasting, beautiful gardens, and historic Cape Dutch architecture. Depending on your fitness level, you can choose either a standard bike or an e-bike. Don’t fancy a guided tour? You can simply rent a bike and cycle out to explore on your own.

2. Visit the Village Museum ​

Grosvenor House near the Moederkerk is a museum of the early 19th century

Don’t miss the Village Museum, a collection of four museums in the heart of Stellenbosch.

• Schreuder House gives a peek into the pioneer way of life here in the late 1600s and early 1700s. This is the oldest restored and documented town house in South Africa, having survived the first great fire in Stellenbosch.
• Bletterman House depicts what home-life was like for the wealthy in late 18th century Stellenbosch.
• Grosvenor House is a two-storeyed, flat-roofed posh town house whose elegance represents the early 19th century.
• OM Berghuis is a mid-nineteenth century home with the wallpaper, heavy drapes and dark wood furniture typical of the period.

Get your entrance ticket at 18 Ryneveld Street; one reasonable fee gets you access to all four museums.

3. Visit the Toy and Miniature Museum

Admire the detail in a period doll’s house

If you want to feel like a kid again, don’t skip the Stellenbosch toy museum tucked into the 1815 Rhenish parsonage in Mark Street (pictured in the intro photo). There’s a host of stuff from days gone by: toy cars and trains, board games and marbles, even a miniature Oom Samie se Winkel (see point 4). I particularly enjoyed the miniature Blue Train that travels between a miniature Stellenbosch and a miniature Matjiesfontein, as well as the antique dolls and doll’s houses that recapture childhood wonder.

4. Visit Oom Samie se Winkel​

Oom Samies offers a remarkable variety of intriguing goodies

The Victorian-style Oom Samie se Winkel is a general dealer in Dorp Street that’s been around since 1904. The building is now a national monument. If you can get past the smell of dried fish near the entrance, you’ll delight in a rabbit warren of fascinating bric a brac, sweets, vintage clothing, books, wine and more. Parts of it resemble a living museum so authentically vintage are some of the items for sale. It’s the kind of place you pop into just to browse and somehow always leave with something in hand.

5. Escape to the Botanical Garden

The lily pond is a peaceful place to relax

Looking to escape the heat and the crowds? Duck into the gorgeous Stellenbosch Botanical Garden on the corner of Riebeeck and Neethling streets. It dates all the way back to 1902, making it the oldest university botanical garden in the country. Wander along the paths and you’ll come across everything from indigenous Cape plants to a few interesting exotics. There’s a lily pond, glasshouses, a fern house, herb garden, and bonsai garden. I can’t think of a more peaceful place in the beating heart of Stellenbosch. Grab a bench in the shade and just chill for a bit, or stop off at the cute little café tucked under a gigantic tree for a quick bite.

Another nature space in town is the Jan Marais Nature Reserve, where you can walk, run, cycle, relax on one of the benches, or take a picnic to enjoy in natural surroundings. There’s a playground for the kids too. Entrance is free.

6. Walk around a sculpture garden​

Sculpture meets landscaped gardens and mountains (photo: Pardus Fine Art)

If you’re keen on sculpture, spend half a day exploring the 7ha and more than 60 sculptures at the Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden in Paradyskloof Road. Walk 4km of pathways to see some of his characteristic pieces set against a background of fynbos, buchu, ericas and other indigenous plants, and the mountains beyond. It’s essential to book ahead. Your entry fee gives you access to the gardens for a self-guided tour, or you can book a 1.5-hour guided tour at an added cost.

7. Explore the art route ​

Jacques Buys and Rudolf Gouws’ Vele Hande on the Stellenbosch Art Mile explores human interconnectedness

Stroll along the Stellenbosch Art Mile, an outdoor gallery featuring interactive art installations and sensory experiences along the Eerste River. It’s 1.6km long and stretches from the Coetzenburg bridge to the Krige Street pedestrian bridge. Enjoy the fresh air and the sound of the stream as you get different perspectives on some intriguing installations from both established and emerging artists.

Also explore the Stellenbosch art route, which includes galleries and art museums like the SMAC Art Gallery (emerging and contemporary art) and the Rupert Museum (20th century South African art like Pierneef, Tinus de Jongh, Irma Stern, Cecil Skotnes). For a more intimate experience, visit the Stephen Rautenbach Sculpture Studio & Gallery in Church Street where you might be lucky enough to meet the sculptor himself. Keep your eyes peeled as you visit wine farms in the region (see point 9) because many of them display art works by local creatives. First Thursdays (see point 8) are also a great chance to explore art galleries during extended hours.

8. Explore creativity on First Thursdays
First Thursdays Stellenbosch is a monthly cultural event that brings the town’s art, culture and creative scene to life after hours. On the first Thursday of every month, participating galleries, exhibitions, museums, pop-ups, shops, wine bars and restaurants in central Stellenbosch stay open late. Walk around the historic town centre, explore new exhibitions and openings, enjoy specials, sip wine, eat, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere with elements of art, food, markets, fashion, music, and more. It’s a free, self-guided experience. You don’t need a ticket and there’s no fixed route; start anywhere and hop between spots as the mood strikes. Galleries, shops, and cultural venues typically open from 17:00 to 20:00, while many bars and restaurants stay open till at least 22:00.

9. Go wine tasting

The tasting room at Stark-Condé has a gorgeous view

There are more than 150 superb Stellenbosch wine farms to choose from; get a map of them from the tourist info centre in Church Street (see point 1) and set off on a Stellenbosch wine tour. You can find listings for some of the major ones here. Each listing gives tasting room details like times and prices, as well as a link to the specific winery’s website. If I were you, I’d still check all details on the winery’s own website so you’re not disappointed to find it closed at the time or day you arrive.

Some of our favourites include Delheim (try the wine and fynbos cupcake pairing), Lanzerac (try the wine and chocolate pairing) and Rust en Vrede (gorgeous gardens, lovely old Cape Dutch buildings and good wines). Other names to look out for that have both good wines and good tasting experiences include Blaauwklippen, Boschendal, Meerlust, Neil Ellis, Rustenburg, Tokara, and Warwick. I’d recommend booking ahead for tastings if you’re a group of six or more. Many of the wine estates have lovely gardens and some sort of restaurant so you can have a long, lazy lunch. Definitely book ahead for meals, even if you’re just two people.

If you want a hassle-free way to get the most from your visit to four or five wineries in a single day without having to worry about driving under the influence, book a Vine Hopper hop-on and hop-off service along one of three selected routes.

10. Visit Stellenbosch restaurants, coffeeshops 

The shady terrace at the Postcard Café

You’re spoilt for choice with more than 200 restaurants to enjoy in Stellenbosch and surrounds, offering everything from fine dining to bistros and coffeeshops. For coffee and pastries try Meraki (ask for a double shot if you don’t like weak coffee), Republique Café (great Biscoff cheesecake) or Schoon. For fabulous views, one of my favourite bistro-style restaurants is the Postcard Café at Stark-Condé wines. If you have an extravagant budget, there’s fine dining at Mertia in the CBD or on wine estates like Rust en Vrede, Delaire Graff and Tokara.

11. Enjoy a picnic

Enjoy a summer picnic at Boschendal

Stellenbosch wine farms make a wonderful backdrop for relaxing picnics in beautiful surroundings. Enjoy a Boschendal picnic on the lawns next to a gazebo or in the rose garden; there’s a treehouse and play area for kids too. Other wineries that offer pre-packed picnic baskets include Cavalli, Hartenberg, Spier and Warwick. You need to book at least 24 hours ahead; prices vary quite a bit so check the price and menu before you book. Picnic experiences aren’t offered in the winter months.

12. See a duck parade

Meet hard-working Indian runner ducks at Vergenoeg

Vergenoegd wine farm has turned a necessity into a delightful tourist attraction. They use Indian runner ducks to help control snails and other pests in their vineyards and you can watch the duck parade as they go to or from the vineyards. Catch them on the grass area between Geuwels restaurant and the Manor House at 9:00 and 12:00 every day. Get there a bit early and enjoy a cup of coffee and a snack or a glass of wine overlooking a dam while you wait. There’s also an art walk, labyrinth, landscaped gardens, a spa and restaurants so you can make a whole day of it.

13. Ride a Segway through the vineyards

Roll through the vineyards on a Segway (photo: Spier Segway Tours)

If the idea of rolling through vineyards and an organic farm is something that appeals to you, do a Spier Segway Tour. No kids under 10. It’s a great way to explore the property without getting too hot and bothered. You get an orientation and practice session before you go out on the two-wheeled, self-balancing personal transporters and quickly get the hang of the very easy controls. Remember never to step in front of it as one of the people in our group did – you might get hurt. Rather step back off it and it will simply stop. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll float down rows of vineyards, past regenerative pastures and fynbos gardens. After your ride around the farm, you can enjoy some other attractions at Spier like restaurants, wine tasting, a spa, shop, and an art collection.

14. Discover the Beer Route 

Explore some of the local craft breweries

With all the emphasis on wine in Stellenbosch, you may not realise that there’s also a Beer Route for lovers of things made with hops and malted barley. It includes breweries like Stellenbosch Brewing Company, LilyPatrick Brewery, Soul Barrell Brewing, and Zebonkey. Or simply have a cold one at De Akker, about halfway down Dorp Street, said to be the oldest pub in Stellenbosch.

15. Go strawberry picking

In summer you can go strawberry picking at Mooiberge

A summer’s day spent picking your own strawberries at a Stellenbosch strawberry farm sounds romantic for couples – or fun for the kids. Try Polkadraai, which is open for picking every day between September and January. There are other fun activities for kids like tractor rides, pony rides and face painting, as well as a bike park. Or visit Mooiberge, which is open for picking on the weekends and public holidays from October to December, and every day during the December school holidays. You can’t miss the wacky crowd of colourful and photogenic scarecrows and animals.

16. Visit the Babylonstoren garden

A restful path in the Babylonstoren gardens

Just outside Stellenbosch, on the Klapmuts/Simondium Road, you’ll find Babylonstoren, which has some of the loveliest fruit and vegetable gardens you could dream of. Inspired by the historic Company’s Garden in Cape Town, the 5ha of gardens are laid out in formal clusters, with paths leading around them. Explore some 300 species of plants on your own or join a guided tour, which starts every day at 10:00 outside the farm shop (booking essential). You’ll find historic rose and fruit cultivars, a kitchen garden, a medicinal plant garden, collections of succulents and cycads, thousands of clivias, and a bee sanctuary. Keep going right to the back of the garden where you’ll find the Babylonstoren greenhouse under the oaks where you can enjoy tea or a light lunch while you rest in the shade. There’s an entrance fee to access the gardens; no pets allowed (only guide dogs).

17. Hike or bike at Jonkershoek Nature Reserve

Fun on two wheels at Jonkershoek

If all you want to do is get into the great outdoors, to breathe in some fresh air and enjoy views of towering mountains, Jonkershoek Nature Reserve is the place to be. There are short walks and more challenging hikes, from 5.3km to 18km. Mountain bikers can tackle one of the mountainous routes on the Department of Forestry land. There are routes suitable for all stages of experience, from beginners and novices to advanced and expert riders.

18. Join a cultural tour of Kayamandi township
Join a guided walking tour of Kayamandi township to meet the locals and learn about their lives, their food and their stories. Visit private homes, a church or school, a spaza shop and meet creative folk at craft shops. Try to support the local community and be respectful as you travel so your outing doesn’t cross the line into voyeurism or ‘poverty tourism’. Remember this is home for the people you’ll meet (Kayamandi means ‘Home Sweet Home’). Support local guides from the community by booking through Stellenbosch Township and Village.

Make your soul happy by taking part in a 30min interactive Djembe drumming experience to feel the rhythm of Africa and share the magic of making music together as a group. It’s joyful and highly addictive.

19. Visit a market

Food treats galore at the weekend markets

Weekends are a time to visit a market in Stellenbosch. The Blaauwklippen Family Market takes place at Blaauwklippen wine farm on Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 till 17:00. Find fresh produce, small antiques, arts and crafts, and lots of food to buy and enjoy as a picnic on the lawns. While you sip wine under the giant fig trees, there’s a range of activities to keep the kids entertained. Leave your pets at home; only guide dogs allowed.

Root 44 on the corner of R44 and Annandale Road has a range of arts and crafts, home-ware stalls, and lots of wine, food and craft drinks, as well as live music. Feel free to take your booty onto the lawns to enjoy. There’s also a play area, including a water fountain, to keep the kids happy. Free entrance; open Saturday and Sunday 9:00 to 17:00. If you bring your pooch, keep it on a leash.

The Boschendal Friday Night Market is open from 17:00 to 21:00 if the weather is good. The markets run from October to April but not in winter. Think live music under the stars, good food and wine. Your pet is welcome if kept on a leash. Book your tickets through Quicket (entrance is free but you need a ticket because numbers are limited).

There’s also a market in the Botanical Garden (see point 5) on Saturdays from 10:00 till 15:00, with a mix of fresh goods, deli delights, decor, jewellery, clothing, handmade crafts, and quality thrift items.

20. Stay over in Stellenbosch accommodation

Find style and class in Stellenbosch accommodation

With so many cool things to do, it makes sense to book two or three nights in Stellenbosch accommodation. There are lots of super choices, from historic hotels to guesthouses and B&Bs, self-catering apartments and of course peaceful wine farm stays – my personal favourite. Many visitors think they’ll just stay in Cape Town and come through to Stellenbosch for the day, but that’s missing out on the special atmosphere here after the sun goes down. Stellenbosch also makes a great kick-off point for day-trips in the wider area, like Franschhoek and Paarl.

Browse the options on the Visit Stellenbosch website or booking sites like Lekkeslaap (which has more than 300 choices, but you can filter by the type of accommodation you’re looking for).

The neoclassical building that houses the Theological Seminary

Best time to visit Stellenbosch
The best time to visit Stellenbosch is probably during autumn or spring for an ideal balance of pleasant weather, stunning scenery, fewer crowds, and better value compared to the high summer peak season.

Autumn (March to May) temperatures are usually mild (highs of 24–28 degrees Celsius, lows of 12–15 degrees) with low rainfall after the dry summer. The vineyards burst with attractive red, orange, and gold foliage, while outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and picnics are more comfortable without summer’s intense heat or occasional winds. This may be the most magical time of the year in Stellenbosch and certainly my favourite.

Spring (September to November) brings blooming wildflowers, greening vines, and warming days (highs of 20 to 26 degrees), with increasing sunshine and minimal rain. It’s great for exploring the town on foot, visiting wine estates, and other activities without peak crowds.

Summer (December to February) is peak season with hot, sunny days (often well into the 30s or even 40s) as well as higher prices, busier tastings and difficulty getting accommodation bookings in your price range. If you do visit during this time, you’ll need to book your accommodation and restaurants well in advance.

Winter (June to August) is cooler and wetter so not really ideal for outdoor activities. Daytime temperatures are 17-20 degrees though nights can dip to around 5-10 degrees. The vineyards are bare and unattractive during these months and some events like picnics and outdoor markets are put on hold. That said, there are fewer crowds, prices are lower, and wineries and restaurants stay open to offer cosy indoor tastings. For top restaurants where it’s difficult to get bookings in season, your chances in winter are a bit better.

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