Stellenbosch CBD is an absolute feast during the holidays. The pace slows down a bit, parking is ample and the atmosphere is relaxed and laid back. If you ask a Stellenbosch local, this is the absolute best time to explore the sounds, tastes and sights of Stellenbosch.
Here is how to make the most of this wonderful time in Stellenbosch town…
Explore Stellenbosch on foot
This is one of our all-time favourite things to do in Stellenbosch. Enjoy an easy walk-about and learn about the history, buildings, the people who lived in Stellenbosch in the early days.
Tel: 084 479 7262
Book / enquire here: info@stellenboschonfoot.co.za
More info: www.stellenboschonfoot.co.za
Did you know: Most of the buildings in the early settlement was destroyed by fire in 1710. The Schreuder, House as part of the Stellenbosch Museum complex in Ryneveld Street, is the oldest surviving house. Also, there you will find an adult-size table and chairs with extremely short legs. This is due to the damp that rose through the cattle-dung floors and rotted away the legs of chairs and tables and the inhabitants just shaving off the rotten bits. You will learn a lot more by joining the tour.
Bites and Sites Walking Tours
Another fabulous walking tour around the streets of Stellenbosch. The difference is that this tour includes several foodie experiences. You get the best of both… stories, history and culture plus food, treats and bites.
Tel: 072 989 3438
Book / enquire here: info@bitesandsites.co.za
More info: www.bitesandsites.co.za
What you can expect: Bites and Sites presents a different way to explore South Africa’s rainbow nation: by sharing its many cultural flavours and cuisines. Explore the town centre with your insider guide. Sample authentic Cape flavours. Visit trendy artisans for various tastings. Discover African hospitality and the creativity of township life in “sweet home” Kayamandi.
Wine bar hopping
Stellenbosch is now famously the wine bar capital of South Africa (yes, we are claiming that). There are many opportunities to taste wines and all kinds of other refreshments (think negronis, gin, cocktails, did we say wine) in the hustle and bustle of our beautiful town.
Our recommendation of wine bars to visit during the holidays are Simon Wine Emporium at De Warenmarkt, The Wine Glass, Le Grand Domain Enoteca, Brampton, QBar, and Stellenbosch Wine bar.
Did you know: QBar is making it super easy to play by staying open extra late on the 24th of December (till midnight) and 2am on New Year’s Eve. So don the party frock, book a spot at your favourite restaurant and end off a night on the town at QBar – the vibiest wine bar where the staff makes you feel like a celebrity. It’s a great experience and if you have not been, make sure you add this to your itinerary.
Dine (and wine) easy and deliciously
Stellenbosch, with a multitude of restaurants dotted across town and all within short walking distances away from accommodation establishments, wine bars, shops, etc is known as a culinary hotspot with a multitude of eateries for different tastes and budgets.
Here is our quick reference guide on where to eat around Stellenbosch:
If you are a carnivore at heart and feel that nothing can beat a great piece of meat then look no further than Hussar Grill, De Vleispaleis, and The Fat Butcher (who can trust a skinny one, right?)
If small plates, sharing, and tasting a wide range of dishes tickles your fancy, swing by The Wine Glass, De Warenmarkt, Jardine Food and Wine bar, and Spek & Bone.
If you’re after some traditional dishes, De Volkskombuis should be on the list – the kitchen of the people, serving up a wide selection of menu items from pizza, to steak, fish, and salads; but what we love are the traditional dishes such as Meraai se Hoenderpie (chicken pie), oxtail and Malay curry.
If you are looking for something a little fancy or elevated but still comfortable and accessible, you have to dine at Rykaarts, and Genki (to die for Japanese Tapas and definitely the best sushi in town).
For easy-going breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner, we have you covered too. Go to Meraki, Bootleggers Stellenbosch, De Vrije Burger, Java or Basic Bistro.
Visit museums and find all the outdoor art
Gallery and museum hopping in the Bosch doesn’t just mean spending your days indoors.
Art and culture in Stellenbosch is found everywhere – from tranquil gardens to stunning and thought-provoking pieces dotted on the historic streets.Stellenbosch is a thriving living history and culture museum, with art on the street corners themselves! What better time to celebrate our diversity of art and culture.
Click here for our top art and cultural recommendations.
When you are done wining and dining… the great outdoors awaits
Stellenbosch is an outdoor-lover’s paradise, surrounded by stunning landscapes with dramatic mountain scapes perfect for beautiful sunsets and vine-covered hills as far as the eye can see perfect for hiking, cycling, running, playing and exploring.
When you need to get out, look no further than the Adventureshop, also home of Vine Hopper, Scootours and Bikes and Wines.
Adventureshop offers many activities for all fitness levels and budgets and the VineHopper is a great way to explore the Stellenbosch Wine Routes on a hop-on-hop-off solution.
Tel: 021 882 8112
Book / enquire here: info@adventureshop.co.za
More info: www.adventureshop.co.za
Scootours Middelvlei allows you to experience the winelands like never before. Free wheel on a Monster Mountain Scooter through the vineyards while enjoying panoramic views of the winelands. A fun activity for the whole family!
Tel: 021 100 3900
Book / enquire here: info@adventureshop.co.za
More info: www.scootours.co.za/stellenbosch-jonkershoek/
With a Bikes and Wines tour you get to enjoy wine and food pairings on their Stellenbosch Wineland Luxury Ebike Tour, the best of both worlds; exciting cycling paired with delicious foods and wines, what is not to love.
Tel: 074 186 0418
Book / enquire here: bookings@bikesnwines.com
More info: www.bikesnwines.com/location/stellenbosch
