Best things to do in Stellenbosch

 Jonkershoek Nature Reserve, which includes the smaller Assegaaibosch Nature Reserve, is less than 10km outside of the town of Stellenbosch. 

Miles of trails make it ideal for walking, hiking and mountain biking, while its natural beauty is defined by diverse vegetation and a variety of wildlife. Set within the Jonkershoek Mountains, part of the Boland mountain range, the reserve is shaped by mostly rugged terrain as the Eerste River winds its way through the valley. By contrast, Assegaaibosch offers gentler walks and several great spots for a picnic. 

While various mountain bike trails with names like Red Phoenix, Iron Monkey, Bosluis, Armageddon and Neverending Story are graded from beginner, through to intermediate, advanced and expert.   

Heading back from Jonkershoek Nature Reserve, Lanzerac Wine Estate is the ideal stop for an all-day breakfast, gourmet sandwich or something sweet at the Deli, wine tasting at the Tasting Room (Lanzerac was the first in the world to bottle Pinotage) or lunch at the atmospheric Taphuis Bar. The sharing plates on the Taphuis menu include traditional South African dishes with a twist  ̶  try the spiced waterblommetjie arancini or the gourmet braaibroodjie, a smoky sandwich that is a local staple at any braai (barbeque). In the mood for a cocktail? Then opt for the Sparkling Peach Martini or Rosé Spritz. 

Lanzerac Wine Estate dates back to 1692. The original homestead became a hotel in 1959. It has always been regarded as a historic landmark and an icon of the Winelands. From Lanzerac it’s a 5-minute drive to get back to the centre of town.

Wandering along the gurgling Eerste River, crossing a few quaint bridges, and strolling through Die Laan you’ll soon realise that the varsity students hang out here too, not only to jog but also to catch a quick vry (kiss) between classes. Local legend has it that you are not a true Matie (a student at Stellenbosch University) until you have been kissed in Die Laan.

It’s believed that Die Laan originated in 1781 as a track that linked the old Stellenbosch Drostdy (the office and residence of a magistrate back in the day), where the Theological Seminary is now, to the farm road to Jonkershoek. Originally this was only used as a walkway; it’s not known when it was opened to vehicular traffic. 

Look out for the two rows of oak trees; they’ve been here for ages as a map of Stellenbosch dated 1827 and drawn by Willem Hertzog, shows. At the top of Die Laan a row of picturesque semi-detached houses illustrates the town architecture that was prevalent back then. 

If you talk to some of the older locals you might even hear the story of how a group of students stole a small-(ish) crocodile from a farm a few decades ago and how they eventually deposited it in the Eerste River where it was found a few days later.

Once you’re back in the centre of town you can walk just about everywhere, in fact, the best way to discover historic Stellenbosch is to do it on foot. 

Dorp Street, the oldest road in Stellenbosch, is known for its majestic oak trees and is lined with historical buildings, artsy shops, restaurants and bars, including the oldest pub in town. Once this was the Carriage or Wagon Road to the Cape (De Wagenweg naar de Caab). The white-washed, thatched-roofed Cape Dutch homesteads and the leivore (original irrigation streams) add to the rural feel of the town although the street is quite busy. 

Start at the Theological Seminary (Kweekskool) at the top of Dorp Street and make your way down.

De Akker, about halfway down Dorp Street, is reputed to be the oldest pub in Stellenbosch. According to Stellenbosch on Foot, the building where De Akker is situated, was erected between the late 1700s and the early 1800s. The original records of the building were lost during a slave revolt in the 1800s when the municipality was burnt down. It’s a heritage site which means the façade of the building can not be knocked down. 

Many believe that De Akker can attribute its name to a student tradition that you only become a true Matie – before or after the kiss in Die Laan – once an acorn has fallen on your head. 

Everyone who is anyone pops in, in the daytime but once the sun sets, it’s mostly the enclave of students. Nevertheless, they are used to people from other walks of life making an appearance too. 

Look out for their specials, such as those on Olof Bergh brandy & coke, Three Ships Whisky & soda water, and Amarula gin and tonic.

Luckily pruimtwak (or pruimtabak) is far from the only item sold at Oom Samie se Winkel, a door or two down from De Akker. These rolls of chewing tobacco resemble Rastafarian locks and are only for the very brave, I suspect. It’s good for a dare though!

Step in to Oom Samie se Winkel, step in to a time of yesteryear. This country-style shop is one of the oldest trading businesses in Stellenbosch. They’ve been on the same premises for more than 100 years.

In front of the shop geraniums tumble out of wine vats, broekielace adorns the stoep where a red and green wagon is parked in the corner, and rietbesems (reed brooms) remind you of your granny’s home and everyday chores.

Inside you will find a treasure trove of enamelware, polished perlemoen (abalone) shells, bokkoms (whole, salted and dried mullet), kitchen aprons, Christmas decorations, vintage cutlery and other antiques, jigsaw puzzles, home-baked cookies, spices and teas.

There’s also the Fine Wine Library for that special bottle of wine for supper or a special gift for someone.

At De Vleispaleis, The Hussar Grill and The Fat Butcher people meet to eat meat. Good meat.

The team at De Vleispaleis, in the Black Horse Centre a block down from De Akker in Dorp Street, testifies that their establishment “is an absolute and complete celebration of South African’s most favourite sport … grilling over flames and fiery charcoal”. Collectively the owners have about four decades of experience in managing successful grillrooms and steakhouses. I’ve heard rave reviews of their kaiings (cooked, crispy, fatty cubes of meat) but I return over and over again for the steak tartare (the starter portion is enough for a full meal) and beef cheeks, slow roasted for hours, served with a red wine jus and Parmesan and cream-infused mash. 

The Hussar Grill – Stellenbosch is a classic and intimate steakhouse, reminiscent of a parilla (steakhouse) in the heart of Buenos Aires. Their steaks come highly recommended and they also boast a comprehensive wine menu. Regulars know their favourite waiter by the name, so take note of who serves you. You’ll want to return. 

Come hungry to The Fat Butcher, those in the know advise. Hungry for signature steaks, for prime cuts and for other signature dishes like lamb shank or skaapstertjies (lamb tails). All the beef at The Fat Butcher is pasture reared and grainfed. If the weather plays along sit in the whimsical courtyard, otherwise the classic steakhouse interior has great ambience and the waiters in their leather aprons add to the overall experience.

Should you feel like anything but meat, De Vleispaleis, Hussar Grill and The Fat Butcher have enough other options on their extended menus. Booking highly advisable.

You know the sushi is fresh when you see a large tuna wheeled through the quaint courtyard into the restaurant. This could very well happen to you as well and might change what you initially decided to order. 

Genki Sushi & Japanese Tapas, on De Wet Square in the heart of Stellenbosch, opened its doors in 2009 and they’ve been consistently popular for their ambience, friendly service and the freshest sushi around. Many, like me, return time and time again for their Japanese tapas like grilled brinjal and tuna with teriyaki sauce, calamari tubes with spicy Japanese mayo and ginger soya, pork belly bao’s with homemade kimchi, white bait with ponzu sauce and a selection of dumplings. A self-confessed non-tofu eater, I changed my ways after tasting their tempura silken tofu with bonita flakes and teriyaki.

All the wines are from the Stellenbosch district and were chosen to complement the menu.

Post & Pepper Restaurant has as its home the old Post Office building in Stellenbosch, the oldest post office in South Africa. The name Post & Pepper is a play on the history of this magnificent parapeted building with moulded cornices, and the food at the restaurant.

For lunch (not available at dinner) the menu features small plates with the likes of Post & Pepper bread (charred ciabatta, heirloom tomatoes, lemon labneh, seedloaf, cultured butter and sourfig), pork lollipops (my absolute favourite), prawn roti, pork and kimchi dumplings, oysters with watermelon, tuna ceviche, potato gnocchi and kingklip with limoncello cream, capers and mussels. On the sweet side there is strawberry shortcake and malted banoffee.

Dinner is a 3-course menu, kicking off with ciabatta (as above), snacks and braaibroodjie chip ‘n dip, followed by oysters, if you like. Thereafter you make your choice of 3 dishes with the same flavour profile as the small plates, as with the sweet stuff that ends of a splendid meal. 

Post & Pepper gave the Old Post Office new life through celebrating fine dining but “without the starch and snobbery”. 

Bartinney Wine & Champagne Bar showcases the wines of Bartinney Private Cellar on the Helshoogte Pass, with views over the Banhoek Valley. The Bartinney bar, just off Dorp Street, is an intimate space with comfy chairs, a chandelier of old gnarling vines, and a patio allowing clients to watch the goings-on in Bird Street. Local patrons that hang out here describe it as quaint, yet hip, with a street wine bar vibe where there’s always laughter and chatter to be heard. 

Here you can enjoy Bartinney wines by the glass or bottle. Pay attention to their lovely label with an angel-like figure that depicts ‘elevage’ which is the French art of taking a wine from its raw state directly after post-alcoholic fermentation to the point where it can be bottled as the best version of what it could be. A Bartinney Estate tasting is also available, as well as Cap Classique and champagne, craft beers and soft drinks.

If feeling peckish there are snacks such as olives, biltong, droëwors and cheese and charcuterie platters or tapas like bobotie spring rolls, falafel balls and tempura prawns. Wine can also be bought to take home.

On the corner of Alexander and Bird Street a delightful Victorian building looks out over The Braak, since 1908 an open space for the inhabitants of Stellenbosch, and the small, thatched St Mary’s Anglican Church with its pointed-arch windows on the corner. 

This is the home of Drostdy Theatre, a boutique theatre that opened its doors early 2015. The building used to a hotel, an old age home and has also served as office space. 

Upon entering, delightfully worn, wooded stairs lead you to the theatre itself and to the Upstage Lounge where you can enjoy a glass of wine before or after an English, Afrikaans or international show. 

Wherever you walk in the streets of Stellenbosch you will come across outside art. In public spaces, outside art galleries and on the banks of the Eerste River. Stroll through the streets and discover it for yourself, it’s ever-changing and multi-themed.

The Stellenbosch Art Mile was launched in 2024. All along the banks of the Eerste River you’ll find sculptures and installations. There are some sensory art experiences too. The current theme – until September 2026 – is “Reflect: Beyond the Surface”. It’s explained as follows: “Reflection is an act of looking, outward and inward, forward and back. It is the throwing back of light, heat, or sound by a surface without absorbing it. It is the return of energy, an echo of what has become before. But to reflect is also to pause, to be pensive, to consider.”

Look out for Sebabatso, a bronze sculpture of a hybrid creature by Atang Tshikare. It was inspired by the myth of a guardian at Thaba ‘Nchu, which means Black Mountain. The creature is part bird of paradise, part ostrich and it embodies resilience, elegance and strength. Artwork by different artists from the Grootbos Florilegium is also featured – the candelabra lily is particularly striking.

Your milieu is your surrounding culture, your environment, your physical and social setting. Milieu Gift & Flower Shop opened its doors in 1988 and it’s been doing brisk business ever since then, in the same spot and with many customers returning over the decades. It’s become a landmark and a place where those that enter find inspiration, that something they didn’t know they needed or a special gift for someone. 

It brims with fresh blooms, homeware, body products, kitchenware, décor, the occasional garment and much more. 

On a recent visit, lobster kitchen aprons, blue and white place mats and a bunch of dahlias seduced me. Items with proteas or animal print remain favourite buys for visitors from abroad, the staff at Milieu tells me. Also, Canettevallei handmade scented soaps and Lize Mouton rooibos tea in flavours like cherry & hibiscus and lemongrass & ginger.

At Malaki Second Chances, a preloved fashion and thrift store in a quiet alleyway, “every piece has a story and every purchase makes a difference”, says founder Sulinda Muller. She combines fashion with philanthropy as the clothing store raises funds to support women in need. Thus, she provides women and garments with a second chance.

I have to confess that it’s hard to walk out of there without a newfound treasure, whether it’s a velvet coat, black Parisienne boots, a soft cream jersey for winter or a funky retro shirt. At such good prices too. 

The Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden is the oldest university botanical garden in the country, founded in 1902. It’s slap bang in the middle of the historical centre of the town and has an amazing diversity of plants, indigenous as well as exotic.

Depending on the season, look out for the spectacular flame lilies, the upside-down orchids that grow below the plant, flowering bonsais and water lilies in bloom.  Try to locate the mint-chocolate scented orchid in the Tropical House and the Peyote, a psychoactive cactus in one of the Arid Houses.  If you suffer from trypophobia (the fear of small holes) avoid the lotus flower seed heads!

Check their Instagram for regular botanical art and photography exhibitions. The next upcoming exhibition (13 February - 8 March 2026) is of rare 19th-century Brendel botanical teaching models, created in Germany in the 1800s and regarded as of the finest botanical teaching tools ever made. They were recently rediscovered in a storeroom cleanup at the university. 

Mull over everything you’ve seen at the Botanical Café, then head to the Gift Shop for a selection of rare and collectible plants.

The Rooiplein, as it’s known on campus, is officially called the Jan Marais square   ̶ you can’t miss his figural statue on a pedestal. Rooiplein translates to ‘Red Square’ from Afrikaans, the name of the main city square in Moscow, Russia. The story goes that the varsity students jokingly called the Administration Building the Kremlin (the symbol of Russian and Soviet power and authority) because the notice boards where exam results and marks were displayed, would declare their fate of the year to come. 

The Rooiplein with its distinctive red brick paving is built on the J.S. Gericke University Library, completed in 1983. Various sets of stairs, a social hub for students, a venue for open-air events and a great place to take selfies, lead down to the subterranean library, 

The Circle sculpture on a grassy patch next to the Rooiplein features 11 women, seated as if having a casual chat. The women are a mix of historical figures and leaders such as Krotoa, Antjie Krog and Thuli Madonsela; the last woman is anonymous so as to represent all other women’s voices. 

Before you enter Stellenbosch Public Library in Plein Street, take a moment to meet and stroke the black cat statue on the walkway at the side of the building.

The story goes that many restaurants in the vicinity owned café cats in the 1960s. The City Council then decided that the cats were a health risk and prohibited the felines. The owners loved their cats and there was a public outcry. A local artist, Nerine Desmond (1908-1993) who was known for her painted landscapes, seascapes, still-life studies and portraits, heard of the palaver and stepped in with the suggestion that the problem would be solved if the restaurant owners covered the food in their restaurants. She was also adamant that if the Stellenbosch cats could no longer live a happy life in Plein Street, then all the cats in the country would have to go too. This made the City Council overturn their cat ban. To commemorate the decision Desmond created the Café Cat by making a clay model of one of her own cats, then casting it in bronze. The Café Cat has been stolen at least twice over the decades, but as the saying goes, the cat always comes back. 

The Rupert Museum is home to a must-see collection of Modern South African art that was collected by the late Dr Anton Rupert, a South African businessman and philanthropist, and his wife Huberte. They came up with the idea of the museum after a fire in their home.

The art collection includes work by Pierneef, Irma Stern, Anton van Wouw, Jean Welz, Maggie Laubser and Walter Battiss. It also features tapestries by Jean Lurcat, a French artist known for his role in the revival of contemporary tapestry. 

It’s set among vineyards and oak trees a few blocks out of the historic centre of town. Coffee and baked goodies or light meals can be enjoyed at the Museum Café; the museum shop stocks books and gifts.

Feel like doing things at a somewhat faster pace than on foot, or like getting out of town for a bit? Then head to the Adventure Shop for guided bicycle or E-bike tours through the town or guided hikes, the Vine Hopper Wine Tour or a 4x4 Wine Experience. 

Bike tours cater for novices and experienced cyclists. The Vine Hopper is a hop-on hop-off tour of various wine estates at a pace that suits you.