Stellenbosch

Stellenbosch

With 17 000 students, over 80 restaurants and pubs and based in the center of the wine producing area, the recipe is fun, beauty and adventure. A great nightlife (all within walking distance) and a youthful atmosphere ensure that a backpackers visit to SA's second oldest town will be remembered.

Only a short distance from Cape Town, 40 minutes by car or a short train ride, Stellenbosch is the ideal place to recover from big city blues and perfect for that stopover before arriving in Cape Town. The fantastic, affordable wines that are produced all around Stellenbosch and the myriad of ways available to explore this scenic mountain region, ensure that your backpack will carry away at least one bottle for later consumption.

Activities and sightseeing

Winetasting

Great mountains and over 100 vineyards surround this historical town. Take a bicycle and cycle around, use your hired car to its best potential or take an organised tour. Walking is also an option for the more energetic.

Wine tastings cost as little as R10 which will be refunded if you buy a bottle. Some estates also offer cheese and chocolate tastings or have restaurant and picnic facilities.

Hiking

Fantastic hiking abounds in the mountains around Stellenbosch with some classic routes. The Vineyard Hiking Trail winds through forest plantations, vineyards and olive groves.

Dining out

Restaurants in Stellenbosch are also as diverse as the wine that the region produces. Options include dining in town or on a wine estate, indoors or al-fresco, traditional, European, fusion and exotic fares. And rest assured, there'll be a wine to compliment every meal.

Historical and cultural attractions

The galleries and museums of Stellenbosch house important art collections. The change in style and architecture over the previous three centuries can be seen at the four houses of The Village Museum.
Try the Sasol/Art Museum; Toy & Miniature Museum; The V.O.C. Kruithuis; Erfurthuis ,Shopping from diamonds and gold to books and curios.

No wonder Stellenbosch is one of the most popular Capetonian escapes, it caters for your every wish.