Experience the best things to do in town with our guide to enjoying all that is Stellenbosch.
Stellenbosch’s vineyards and mountainous nature reserves provide a range of unforgettable outdoor experiences. The oak-lined streets offer world class food and wine, entertainment, art and culture, and a nightlife scene you’d expect from a university town. Find recommendations for a perfect weekend in Stellenbosch, unforgettable adventures and where to stay while in town.
First Thursdays
The popular First Thursdays initiative is expanding to Stellenbosch. Future programmes will be concentrated around Church Street, and include over 15 participating art spaces, design stores, and wine bars within a few blocks. Participating art spaces include Oude Leeskamer, SMAC Gallery, GUS, Art by Mies, Vincent Da Silva Gallery, Art on Church Gallery, and Art & Wine Lounge.
Design stores to visit include the likes of SAD, Made In Africa, Me&B, Stellenbosch Books and Courage, and participating bars and restaurants include Bartinney Wine & Champagne Bar, Wijnhuis, and De Warenmarkt.
Click here for more.
Visit a Pet-Friendly Wine Farm
For wine lovers who can’t bear to leave their furry friends behind, Stellenbosch boasts a range of dog-friendly wine farms. Here, you and your canine companion can enjoy stunning scenery, exceptional wines, and warm hospitality together.
See our lineup of pet-friendly wine farms here.
Walk the Stellenbosch Art Mile
Nestled along the Eerste River, the Stellenbosch Art Mile is an outdoor gallery like no other, offering a dynamic collection of interactive art installations and sensory experiences that evolve over time.
Walk the Stellenbosch Art Mile from the Eerste Kafee’s starting point.
Trail Runs
Take to the trails with Trail Fun Autumn Runs at Vrede en Lust on 3 May, Bellevue on 10 May and Mooiplaas on 24 May. Also look out for the Trail Fun Winter Series races at Zevenwacht on 7 June and Middelvlei on 16 June, Nooitgedacht on 28 June and Delheim on 12 July. Also, on 12 July, the annual Bastille Day Trail Run.
More Things To Do
Hiking and Mountain Biking
The Jonkershoek Mountains, just outside town, offer beautiful vistas, birding, picnicking and rewarding walks and cycling trails. Here are five of the best hiking trails to explore in Stellenbosch’s mountains. Mountain bikers are reminded to invest in a Wine Lands Regional Permit that allows year-round access to 1,300km of first-rate mountain trails in and around Stellenbosch.
Local Wine Bars
Stellenbosch’s wine bars are the new vibe in the historic town centre. We share our favourite spots for enjoying local wines, taking in the unique atmosphere and excellent fare of each bar en route.
Family-Friendly Activities
While our region is famous for its picturesque vineyards and award-winning wineries, several family-friendly farms offer unique experiences for families, so parents can enjoy the lovely setting while their children enjoy a variety of activities.
Food & Wine
South Africa’s second oldest town is slowly surpassing its wine reputation to become a fully fledged gastronomic destination. If the promise of five wine routes, consisting of more than a hundred wineries, is not enough, a range of top-tier restaurants, wine bars, eateries, markets and food experiences are making this region that go-to destination for epicureans around the globe.
Outdoor Activities
Stellenbosch is a fantastic destination for those who love getting out in the open air, engaging in physical activity and appreciating the charms of Mother Nature, thanks to a combination of its natural geography and year-round clement weather. Enjoy outdoor pursuits in and around Stellenbosch; think hiking, cycling, running or golf. Read more.
Must-Visit Landmarks
From Oom Samie se Winkel to the Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden, Stellenbosch’s to-do list is as plentiful as its sunny days. We offer our list of what to do in Stellenbosch for the time-smart traveller. Discover fine art, natural wonders, performing arts spaces and so much more.
Appreciate Art
Stellenbosch boasts a high concentration of art museums and private galleries scattered across town, extending to wine estates and private gardens. You’ll find fine art in public and private spaces, along with blockbuster exhibitions like the Stellenbosch Triennale featuring contemporary art from Africa.
Stay Over
Make the most of your visit to Stellenbosch by staying over. With a range of fine hospitality establishments, there’s something for everyone. Here is our list of some of the hidden gems that justify a visit all by themselves.
Want to be part of our THINGS TO DO line-up? Send an email to digital@stellenboschvisio.co.za.