20 Things to do in Stellenbosch & Paarl

Girl in a jacket
Vine Bikes | An e-bike wine farm tour  courtesy of Vine Bikes

Stellenbosch and Paarl are two charming towns located in the Western Cape province of South Africa, just outside of Cape Town. They are known for their picturesque landscapes, rich history, and exceptional wine regions.

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Here are some of the most popular things to do in Stellenbosch and Paarl:

  1. Wine Tasting: Stellenbosch and Paarl are world-renowned wine regions, producing some of the best wines in the world. Wine tasting tours are available in both towns, allowing visitors to sample a variety of wines and learn about the production process.
  2. Visit Museums: Stellenbosch and Paarl have a rich history and are home to a number of museums, including the Stellenbosch Village Museum, Paarl Museum, and the Afrikaans Language Monument.
  3. Quad Biking: Quad biking is a thrilling way to explore the countryside around Stellenbosch and Paarl. Visitors can take guided tours through vineyards, forests, and mountain trails.

Morgenhof | Quad biking experience and a bottle of wine for 2

Stellenbosch, Cape Town

R1,699.00 R799.00

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Morgenhof | Quad biking experience for 2

What you Get

  • Quad bike experience for 2 people
  • A bottle of wine

Wild X | Quad biking adventure for 2

Locations: Melkbos | Paarl | Oudtshoorn | Plettenberg Bay

Price: R1,200.00 R999.00

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Wild X | Quad biking adventure for 4

About the offer

  • Duration: 60-minutes including administration, instruction and safety briefings.
  • No experience required – all quads are automatic and easy to ride
  • Clothing suggestion: closed shoes and comfortable clothing, sunglasses and dust buffs

4. Hiking: There are several hiking trails in the area, ranging from easy to challenging. The Jonkershoek Nature Reserve in Stellenbosch offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

5. Horse Riding: There are several horse riding trails in the area, offering visitors the opportunity to explore the countryside on horseback.

Alpha Equestrian | Horse-Back Outride Including a Glass of Wine for Two with Alpha Equestrian

Paarl, Cape Town

Price: R1,400.00 R699.00

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Herd Dynamics Horsemanship | Horse trail experience for 2

What’s the Deal? 

  • Horse-Back Outride Including a Glass of Wine for Two – R699 (valued at R1200)

6. Visit Markets: Both towns have vibrant markets where visitors can buy local produce, crafts, and souvenirs. The Stellenbosch Slow Market and the Paarl Farmers Market are popular choices.

7. Tour the Towns: Both Stellenbosch and Paarl have beautiful colonial-style architecture and tree-lined streets. Visitors can take a walking tour of the towns to see the historic buildings and learn about the history of the area.

8. Visit the Taal Monument: The Afrikaans Language Monument in Paarl is a unique structure dedicated to the Afrikaans language. Visitors can take a guided tour of the monument and learn about the language and its history.

9. Hot Air Balloon Ride: For a unique and breathtaking experience, visitors can take a hot air balloon ride over the vineyards of Stellenbosch and Paarl. This is a great way to see the stunning landscape from a different perspective.

10. Visit the Gardens: The Stellenbosch Botanical Gardens and the Paarl Arboretum are both beautiful places to spend an afternoon. Visitors can stroll through the gardens and admire the plants and flowers.

11. Try Local Cuisine: Stellenbosch and Paarl have a thriving food scene, with many restaurants offering traditional South African dishes and locally sourced ingredients.

12. Visit the Cape Winelands Biosphere Reserve: The Cape Winelands Biosphere Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage site that spans across Stellenbosch, Paarl, and Franschhoek. Visitors can explore the natural beauty of the area, including rare fynbos vegetation.

Nederburg Wines | 2-course + White/ Rose Wine Deal for Two

Paarl, Cape Town

R650.00 R582.00

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Nederburg Wines |  2-course + Red Wine Deal for Two

13. Visit a Game Reserve: The nearby Fairy Glen Private Game Reserve offers visitors the chance to see African wildlife up close. Safari tours are available, including guided drives and walking tours.

14. Visit a Cheese Farm: The Fairview Cheese and Wine Farm in Paarl is a popular destination for cheese lovers. Visitors can sample a variety of artisanal cheeses and pair them with wines from the farm.

15. Visit a Craft Brewery: Stellenbosch and Paarl have a growing craft beer scene. Visitors can take tours of breweries such as the Cape Brewing Company and the Wild Clover Brewery.

Vine Bikes | An e-bike wine farm tour courtesy of Vine Bikes

Stellenbosch, Cape Town

Price: R1,180.00 R899.00

Get deal cta

Vine Bikes | An e-bike wine farm tour  courtesy of Vine Bikes

  • A e-bike wine farm tour for 2

Does it feel like you’ve run out of interesting outdoor activities to enjoy in the Mother City? You’ve done them all and now you’re just working your way through the list again? Let us introduce you to Vine Bikes, a fun new way to explore the Cape Winelands!

16. Take a Cooking Class: Several cooking schools in Stellenbosch and Paarl offer classes in traditional South African cuisine. Visitors can learn how to make dishes such as bobotie, boerewors, and malva pudding.

17. Attend a Music Festival: Stellenbosch hosts several music festivals throughout the year, including the Stellenbosch International Chamber Music Festival and the Woordfees.

18. Attend a Food Festival: Paarl hosts several food festivals throughout the year, including the Paarl OmmiBerg Harvest Celebration and the Paarl Rock n Run.

19. Visit a Spa: Stellenbosch and Paarl have several luxurious spas that offer massages, facials, and other treatments. The Lanzerac Spa and the Grande Roche Spa are popular choices.

20. Take a Hot Springs Bath: The nearby Avalon Springs in Montagu offers visitors the chance to relax in hot springs surrounded by stunning mountain scenery. Day passes are available, and there are also accommodation options.

Stellenbosch and Paarl are two of the most popular destinations in Cape Town, offering visitors a wealth of activities and experiences. From wine tasting and hiking to hot air balloon rides and horseback riding, there is something for everyone in these charming towns.