Stellenbosch, Winelands, South Africa

Stellenbosch Hotels & Attractions

Stellenbosch is the second oldest town in South Africa – and certainly one of the prettiest! This historic university town began in 1685 and still has a number of charming Cape Dutch streets lined with water furrows and shaded by oak trees. The architecture of Stellenbosch is of simple style and character with white limestone walls, thatched roofs and wide avenues. Walk up the picturesque Dorp Street, perhaps visiting ‘Oom Samie se Winkel, and head into the Stellenbosch Village Museum, a collection of four preserved houses that give insight into the lives of the early settlers. The Stellenryk Wine Museum offers an insight into old methods of winemaking, massive wine vats and other wine curios.

I like the fact that Stellenbosch is a real town and not a show village. As such there are plenty of shops and art galleries to browse, a number of excellent restaurants walking distance from your hotel or guest lodge as well as a vibey atmosphere. Stellenbosch is the most central town of the Winelands so it makes a perfect base wine-tasting, either along the Stellenbosch wine route or neighbouring wine estates. Nearby attractions include the Van Ryn Brandy cellar and the Spier Estate with the Cheetah Outreach Project and the Birds of Prey centre as well as the acclaimed African outdoor restaurant, Moyos. Visit Boschendal Estate with its Manor House open to the public, superb restaurant, picnic hampers, vineyard walks, wine-tasting and cellar tours.

Some of our favourite Stellenbosch hotels include River Manor Hotel & Spa and Lanzerac Hotel & Spa…

Attractions in Stellenbosch
• Stellenbosch is a historic university town with soul
• Lots of shops, galleries and restaurants
• Centrally located in the Winelands
• Visit the Stellenbosch Village Museum
• Enjoy meandering along the Stellenbosch Wine Route
• Gourmet lunches or picnic baskets at Stellenbosch wine estates
• Cheetah Outreach Project at Spier Wine Estate
• Birds of Prey rehabilitation centre at Spier