Stellenbosch

Stellenbosch [1] (pop. about 100.000) is a city in the Western Cape of South Africa and is the heart of the Cape Winelands, South Africa's prime wine region.

Culture and History

Stellenbosch (founded in 1679) is about 50 km east of Cape Town and is the second oldest town in South Africa. It was named (like Simon's Town) after the former Governor Simon van der Stel. The town is situated on the banks of the Eerste River ('First River') and has some fine examples of Cape Dutch architecture. It is also known as 'Eikestad' ('Oak City') because of its oak tree lined streets. Wines from Stellenbosch are known internationally and rank among the best in the world. Stellenbosch is also home to one of the country's oldest established universities with over 25000 students. There is a bustling night life during the university term-time, with many night clubs catering for young people.

Travel to Stellenbosch - Visa Requirements

Buses to Stellenbosch

A bus service runs from hostels in Cape Town to Stellenbosch for about R120/pp. The main bus companies also go to Stellenbosch.

By train

MetroRail operates a regular train service to Stellenbosch from Cape Town via Bellville. Check the schedule, as trains do not run very often. It is also advisable to travel in groups and avoid busy travel times in the morning and evening on weekdays. The train station is on Adam Tas Street, on the western edge of town ; it is only a few minutes walk from the station to the city centre.

By air

Stellenbosch has its own airfield but the nearest international airport is near Cape Town. Cape Town International airport is about 35 minutes away by car and airport shuttle service is available.

By Car

Stellenbosch lies approximately 60km from Cape Town. Drive on either the N1 or N2 highway. If on the N1, exit at the R304 towards Stellenbosch. If on the the N2, exit at the R310 (Baden Powell Drive) and follow the signs. The N1 is generally considered to be the safer route, particularly at night.

Tours and Getting around Stellenbosch

Stellenbosch is small enough that the entire city centre can easily be covered on foot.

Stellenbosch tourist attractions and sightseeing

Stellenbosch city tours

• Easy Rider Specialist wine tours, ☎ +27 (0)218864651(stumble@iafrica.com). Easy Rider specialist Wine Tours 

Easy Rider Tours offers daily guided tours of the wine region that depart from the Backpackers' Hostel at 10:30 and return at 17:00. The tours are R300 and include lunch and wine tasting at four wineries.

Popular things to do in Stellenbosch [2] range from Oom Samie se winkel to the Stellenbosch Museum or Spier Wine estate.

• Go Cape Tours, ☎ +27 (0)218868138(enquire@gocape.co.za), [3]. Go Cape Tours 

Go Cape Tours offers visitors both Private and Daily Wine Tours. Both tours can be selected as Half or Full day tours. Our experienced wine guides will take you to the less Touristy estates where the atmosphere is generally more intimate and the service more personalised. In addition we also offer Cape Town City, Cape Peninsula and the Garden Route Tours. Go Cape Tours Website

Stellenbosch souvenirs and shopping

Stellenbosch Restaurants: cheap, moderate and expensive

There are many good restaurants in the town. The area around Church Street is informally known as the local restaurant district, with approximately 19 venues within a four block radius.

• Basic Bistro, 31 Church Street, ☎ +27 21 883 3629, [4]. Offers a variety of international cuisine. Reviewed by Rossouw's Restaurants - 7/10 food, 8/10 service 
• Cognito, Dorp Street.  
• Java Cafe, Church Street.  
• Lafayette, Andringa Street.  
• Apprentice, Andringa Street. Formerly known as L'Olive. Training restaurant for the Institute of Culinary Arts. Clean modern ambience. Fusion dishes, elegantly presented. 
• Mugg 'n Bean, Checkers Centre, corner Dorp & Mill Streets, ☎ +27 21 883 2972, [5].  
• Fandango, Bird Street, [6].  
• Zest, Ryneveld Street.  
• Wijnhuis, Cnr Church and Andringa(Town Center), ☎ +27218875844, [7]. Wijnhuis offers a wine tasting lounge, wine shop and restaurant in a charming setting situated in the heart of the old town. It is a bustling meeting place for visitors to Stellenbosch, locals and students alike. 

Stellenbosch cheap and luxurious hotels, youth hostels and lodging

Stumble Inn Backpackers Lodge, Central, 12 Market Street, ☎ +27 21 887 4049(stumble@iafrica.com), [8]. Great value backpackers lodge with double rooms and dormitory beds, swimming pool and safe on site parking 

D'Ouwe Werf Country Inn, central Stellenbosch, ☎ +27 21 887 4608. Offers 31 very good rooms and has an excellent restaurant. 

BellaBosch B&B & Self Catering, ☎ +27 21 882 9686, [9]. BellaBosch offers visitors a good base to explore the historic town centre of Stellenbosch, 5 minutes walk away. Friendly hosts, comfortable beds, luxurious showers and excellent breakfast. 

Stellenbosch Traveller's Lodge, corner of Dorp and Stadler Streets, ☎ +27 83 714 3871, [10].  

Evergreen Manor & Spa, Central Historical Stellenbosch, 11 Murray Street, ☎ +27 21 886 6832(stay@evergreenmanor.co.za), [11]. Exclusive luxury guesthouse and spa in central Stellenbosch, ideal for the discerning visitor. 

Banghoek Place, On the campus, 193 Banghoek Road, ☎ +27 21 887 0048(info@banghoek.co.za), [12]. Great value double rooms with en suite bathrooms, swimming pool and safe on site parking 

• iKhaya Stellenbosch Backpackers, [13].  
• Wijnhuis, Cnr Church and Andringa(Town Center), ☎ +27218875844, [14]. Wijnhuis offers a wine tasting lounge, wine shop and restaurant in a charming setting situated in the heart of the old town. It is a bustling meeting place for visitors to Stellenbosch, locals and students alike.  
• Wijnhuis, Cnr Church and Andringa(Town Center), ☎ +27218875844, [15]. Wijnhuis offers a wine tasting lounge, wine shop and restaurant in a charming setting situated in the heart of the old town. It is a bustling meeting place for visitors to Stellenbosch, locals and students alike. 
• Eendracht Hotel, 161 Dorp Street(Historic core of town!), ☎ +2721 8838842, [16]. checkin: 14h00; checkout: 11h00. Award winning historic house in the oldest part of town in Drop Street. Walking distant form almost everything including +60 restaurants and the University.(33°56' 19.13 S,18°51' 46.15 E) 

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