This town of Stellenbosch, though, might be all about slow living, but even at that, it is still an ideal location to come have a fascinating holiday experience, especially as it concerns taking a stroll through town, visiting any of its many cafes, exploring every single one of its outdoor sculptures on the street corners, as well as going on a shopping spree at any of its African stalls selling local souvenirs.
Blessed with a calm and relaxing environment as well, which is evident with the presence of plenty of oak trees scattered across, fresh mountain air, and lovely weather; visitors and tourists alike showing up here are always rest assured of enjoying maximum comfort at its very best
From planning day trips to surrounding wine farms down to dining at its award-winning restaurants, there are plenty of things to do and catch up on upon visiting Stellenbosch and below have been highlighted a few of such things.
Fun Things To Do In Stellenbosch, South Africa
1. Visit the food market of Root 44
Showing up at the marketplace of Root 44 makes its way into our list of fun things to do in the area, a designated location blessed with a bustling market scene to come shop primarily for savory foods such as sushi, boeries, and fresh flowers.
Fully functional and operational during the weekend days of Saturday and Sunday, this is an ideal location to come shop for all manner of commodities of organic and ethical production, as well as a diverse range of world cuisines which includes Lebanese, Greek, Indian, and Mexican.
Why should I visit?
Aside from enjoying an exciting shopping experience, you can also stop by to try out any one of its different cultural foods that have been offered for sale.
Address: Corner of R44 and, Annandale Rd, Stellenbosch, 7600, South Africa.
2. Try Berry picking at the Polkadraai Strawberry Farm
The Polkadraai strawberry farm has its doors and entrances into its premises flung wide open to usher both residents and visitors to come to adore and appreciate the beauty of nature as well as check out its strawberry fields.
Spending the entirety of your day at this very destination is indeed worth it, as you get to fill up your bucket with juicy strawberries to eat later should you show up amidst its picking season between September and January.
What other things happen here?
Away from its picking season during its offseason, visitors showing up here get to engage in some other activities such as mini-golf and tractor rides.
Address: 7603 Stellenbosch Arterial Rd, Kuils River, 7603, South Africa.
3. Hangout at the Stellanbosch University Botanical Gardens
The Botanical Garden of Stellanbosch is just a distance away from the heart of the town, blessed and naturally endowed with a diverse collection of exotic and indigenous plants, making it one of the Fun Things To Do In Stellenbosch.
Situated in the premises of South Africa’s oldest university, this tourist attraction is one made famous for its Traverse shaded trails and small streams and ponds open for exploration, not forgetting its fantastic bonsai nursery, koi ponds, and glass houses as well.
What other things happen here?
Very much closer to its vicinity, visitors are also at liberty to take a walk into its on-site to be treated to its dining experience of breakfast and lunch.
Address: Neethling St &, Van Riebeeck St, Stellenbosch Central, Stellenbosch, 7602, South Africa.
4. Check out the D-Street gallery in Stellanbosch
There are plenty of art galleries to visit in Stellenbosch, such as the D-Street Gallery, SMAC Art Gallery, US Art Gallery, and the Rupert Museum; among them all stands the D-Street Gallery.
DD-Street Gallery is a highly regarded and considered visitors’ favorite for its tours that allow art lovers and enthusiasts generally to come to explore the town in splendor and beauty under the umbrella of its self-guided tours.
Why should I visit?
D-Street Gallery is one location that allows you to get to see and appreciate the city’s various aesthetic features—something indeed amazing to be tried out by art lovers.
Address: Oude Bank, 10 Church St, Stellenbosch Central, Stellenbosch, 7599, South Africa.
5. Visit the Rasta House
The Rasta House is a five-story wooden edifice with a stunning and magnificent sight to behold as it concerns its architectural designs. According to the records, it is a magnificent edifice that has witnessed its proprietor working on it for close to two decades now.
This wooden five-story rasta house is a treat for the eyes, as it has a stunning and pleasing view to behold, one that certainly should get you to marvel at its unique structures.
Why should I visit?
Showing up at this tourist destination would see you embarking on a tour of Mbekweni with a learned neighborhood guide, with your packages including a visit to the Rasta House.
Address: 52 John St, Mowbray, Stellenbosch – Cape Town, 7700, South Africa.
6. Explore the Beautiful World Park
Butterfly World is a unique park and tourist attraction, occupying the landscape just outside of Stellenbosch. Just as its name points out, it is a tropical garden that is a must-see for both its residents and visitors, housing a wide array of species of butterflies.
Showing up here is to catch up with the rare sights of fascinating butterflies, massive iguanas, and pythons it has on display for your viewing pleasure. Though it has a variety of educational presentations being offered and anchored here.
What other things happen here?
Aside from coming over to explore its unique park, it is also worth noting that it has a large garden for the kids to play in and an eatery where the whole family can come dine together.
Address: Stellenbosch, South Africa.
7. Check out the Renowned Rupert Museum
The Renowned Rupert Museum is yet another tourist attraction that also turns out to be a contemporary art center in the heart of Stellanbosch, housing the very best of art in South Africa and the world at large with its permanent Pierneef exhibition.
It is not just like every other random tourist attraction you might have come to visit during your stay in Stellanbosch, as it is an impressive tourist attraction that should get you wowed and stunned with its presentation of incredible show-stopping art in an amazing setting.
Why should I visit?
Visiting this art center of the private exhibition with a straightforward vibe is solely to come to enjoy and adore the various art crafts it has on display.
Address: Stellentia Rd, Stellenbosch Central, Stellenbosch, 7600, South Africa.
8. Check out the Village Museum
The village museum is made up of different historical houses gathered together in a community-like setting, an interesting attraction that houses restored 18th-century village houses with furnished and original items, providing a look into the history of the city.
Featuring a diverse collection of art from 20th-century South African artists, this is one attraction that has been in existence for close to two decades, providing an in-depth understanding of the contemporary art history of South Africa.
Why should I visit?
This is one very informative center you must endeavor to visit should you bear the interest of walking down memory about all things—the region’s history, to be precise, and that of South Africa at large.
Address: 18 Ryneveld St, Stellenbosch Central, Stellenbosch, 7600, South Africa.
9. Be part of the wine-tasting experience of Spier Wine Farm
The Spier Wine Farm is a tourist attraction as well as a great wine estate, made popular for the presence of its knowledgeable and friendly staff, ushering both residents and visitors alike to come to be part of its amazing wine-tasting experience.
Talking about its exciting wine-tasting experience, it awards the opportunity of tasting and comparing its different blends of wine to its guests, making it a good stop for an exciting wine tasting experience.
Finally, for those in the company of their kids, you have little or nothing to worry about as it is only grape juice.
What other things happen here?
Within its premises also exists the Eagle Encounters bird park, which should tell you about birds of prey.
Address: Baden Powell Dr, Stellenbosch, 7599, South Africa.
10. Shop for souvenirs at the Oom Samie Se Winkel
The Oom Samie Se Winkel is a general store situated in Stellanbosch, in South Africa, a century-old store full of nostalgia and traditional souvenirs, which visitors and tourists at large are permitted to come shop for, perhaps as a gift item for their loved one’s home.
Being a must-see for tourists visiting the area, with its quirky back rooms connected to form one large shop, this is an ideal location to come pick up items that are unique and special to gift yourself or a loved one.
Why should you shop here?
The Oom saSamiee Wrinkles is a destination you are certainly going to love, with plenty of beautiful things typical of South Africa other than food items to come shop for.
Address: 82, 84 Dorp St, Stellenbosch Central, Stellenbosch, 7600, South Africa.
Also, Read 20 Best & Fun Things To Do In East London, South Africa
11. Visit the winery of Delaire Graff Estate
The Delaire Graff Estate is a private winery in the Cape Winelands on the outskirts of Stellanbosch, featuring two restaurants, a spa, a lounge, and 2 wine tasting rooms, all of which offer a wholesome package when it comes to places to hang out in the company of family and friends.
Situated just along the Helshoogte Pass and blessed with stunning views of its vineyards, you are going to appreciate and admire this winery, which offers a sweet combo of tasteful cuisines and South African dishes with a little twist from Asia.
What do they offer?
The Delaire Graff Estate offers an Amazing experience, fantastic food, exceptional service, and attentiveness to complement hanging out in the company of family, friends, and close relatives.
Address: Helshoogte Rd, Stellenbosch, 7602, South Africa.
12. Lodge over at The Lanzerac Hotel
The Lanzerac Hotels is a luxurious 5-star property in Stellenbosch, just a stone’s throw away from the tourist attractions of the wine estates of the Cape Winelands, which are known for their accommodation packages of luxurious rooms and suites with antique furniture as well as classy restaurants.
That aside, its booking packages include spa treatment massages, facials, and aromatherapy, along with an exciting wine-tasting experience, as well as recreation activities at the nearby Coetzenburg Stadium.
Why should you lodge here?
The Lanzerac luxurious hotel is known for its excellent catering, clean toilets, efficient service, and beautiful setting, all at a budget-friendly price.
Address: Lanzerac Wine Estate, Lanzerac Rd., Jonkershoek Rd., Stellenbosch, 7600, South Africa.
13. Enjoy Horseback Riding At Wild Clover Farm
If you are among individuals who have a desire to hop on the back of a horse, then you might want to come visit Wild Clover Farm to enjoy horseback riding on its designated trail route to the ride at Equine Sports Center.
This exciting horseback riding experience is best enjoyed mostly during special occasions, like engagements or birthday parties, rather than riding alone, which, though thrilling, cannot be as fun as riding in groups.
What other things happen here?
Guests showing up here can also choose to visit and check out its local tasting room, where you get to enjoy its craft beers after a long horseback riding session.
Address: R304 Wild Clover Farm, Stellenbosch, 7600, South Africa.
14. Take part in the Delvera Full Moon Hikes
This is an adventure to be enjoyed by individuals in search of outdoor-related activities to try out. Well, we have gotten the splendor of one of the very activities with the Delvera full moon hikes in Stellenbosch.
This is one experience that should see you journeying on a 10-kilometer full moon hike while enjoying a spectacular sunset at first. Do so until the full moon rises above the Winelands hours apart.
What should I expect?
Since it is an amazing experience that sees tourists journeying for hours, provisions have been made for transportation for children and elderly hikers to make the trip shorter by 30 minutes. Pack a torch and something warm, too.
Address: Stellenbosch, South Africa
15. Eat at Majeka House
One very destination to come treat yourself to a nice treat of flavorful and tasteful meals of springbok steak in stellanbosch unique experience in Stellenbosch is the Majeka House restaurant, unique for its meal menu which on most occasions are mouth-watering.
Thinking about quality and taste over quantity, this is an ideal location to come dine over at with the very flavorful of tasteful dishes complemented by its wine pairing made up of different wine to suit every course you are eating.
Why should I visit?
This is a place to come enjoy springbok steak that should melt your taste buds, though they also do offer some other memorable meals that should serve as the perfect dish for everyone who choose to order.
Address: 26 Houtkapper St, Paradyskloof, Stellenbosch, 7600, South Africa.
16. Be part of the Kayamandi Township Tour
Kayamandi which has got its name inspired by the English phrase “sweet home” in isiXhosa – one of South Africa’s native languages is one offering self guided tours to interested guests as it concerns true South African experience.
This township tour Is one that is a walking tour and would see its visitors journeying on foot while being joined by a local from Kayamandi; a tour experience that would see them meet local artists and entrepreneurs, before ending things up with a local Xhosa lunch.
Why you should choose to be part of this tour experience?
Being part of this very tour experience, you get to broaden your cultural horizons through the medium of learning from the locals, and experiencing the reality of South Africa.
Address: 118 a Masithandane Road, Kayamandi, Stellenbosch, 7600, South Africa.
17. Keep an eye out for the Duck March
Keeping an eye out for the Duck March is one of the fun things to do o In Stellenbosch specifically for kids and teenagers generally, one which you get to catch the trail of the duck march happening in in Vergenoegd.
An exciting activity that would see you arriving and turning up on time to witness and catch the beautiful sights of ducks trooping out in their large numbers and advancing out of the doors of the estate while simultaneously marching out.
Why should I visit?
Just as it has been highlighted already, this is an ideal location to bring your kids over to come to stare and chase after these ducks trooping out in their large numbers and swaying past them.
Address: Stellenbosch, South Africa.
18. Enjoy the birdlife of the Spier Property
The Spier Property which serves as a mini habitats to hundreds of bird species in the area is one very tourist destination to come over at should you be interested in coming in close contact with a hawk or an eagle.
This destination, which was in previous times designed to rehabilitate birds of prey while teaching children and adults about wildlife conservation, has now, in recent times, been transformed into a tourist attraction to come to witness the birdlife at its very peaks.
What other things happen here?
Aside from watching and admiring its birdlife, guests showing up here would also get to come in encounter with its conservations about chickens, tortoises, and piglets.
Address: R310 Baden Powell Dr, Stellenbosch, 7603, South Africa.
19. Enjoy the nightlife of Stellanbosch
Taking advantage of the much more bigger presence of nightlife in stellanbosch also finds its way into our list of fun things to do in the area, one which would see you get entertained and thrilled with the performances of its incredible local talent on a Friday and Saturday nights.
Talking of nightlife in Stellanbosch, it is one experience to be enjoyed to the fullest just by merely visiting anyone of short straw, Al Bairre, Fokofpolisiekar, Bohemia, Aandklas, and Die Mystic Boer; an abundance of nightlife is what you get to enjoy showing up at any one of these destinations.
Why should I visit?
The aforementioned destinations should come under your priority lists of places to visit, should you be in search of a place to swing your body and dance to music; be it pre recorded or live performances
Address: Stellenbosch, South Africa.
20. Take a walk at the Honkershoek Nature Reserve
Journeying into the Honkershoek Nature reserve to take a walk around its magnificent 9800-hectare premises comes in next on our list of fun things to do in the area, one which is going to see you pass through the midst of lofty mountains and lush fynbos.
Should it also be that you are not such type of individual to have their adrenaline pumped up for an activity exciting and energetic, this particular reserve has still got something for you to try out, hanging out at some of its beautiful spots to enjoy a casual family picnic or a romantic moment.
What should I expect?
The Honkershoek Nature Reserve has an arena for visitors and tourists alike to come enjoy biking and hiking while also catching up with its breathtaking views and cascades.
Address: Jonkershoek Rd, Stellenbosch, 7600, South Africa.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, upon visiting Stellenbosch, things to do should be the least of your worries, as there are plenty of things to catch up with, which is evident in its abundance of historical and cultural treats, combined with the best food and wine from our favorite wine estates and local markets.