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- Stellenbosch
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This article was created with the help of our friend Eloise, a Stellenbosch local who knows the town’s creative and culinary scene like no one else. She shared her favourite art galleries, cosy cafés, and one-of-a-kind boutiques—insider tips that bring this charming town to life. With her input, our guide is more personal, more curated, and full of hidden gems you won’t want to miss.
Steeped in historic charm, brimming with beautiful boutiques, and home to exceptional restaurants and wine bars.
Tucked into the foothills of the Cape Winelands, Stellenbosch isn’t just a wine town—it’s a way of life. Think tree-lined streets, centuries-old architecture, and a café culture that flows as easily as a glass of local Chenin.
On our most recent visit to Stellenbosch in autumn, the air was crisp, the leaves were golden, and the town had slowed to a gentle, whispery pace. Fewer crowds, more breathing space—and exactly the kind of off-season magic we didn’t know we were craving.
Why Visit Stellenbosch in Autumn?
While Stellenbosch in summer is lively and lush, autumn gave us the luxury of space. The tourist buzz of peak season had softened into a calm rhythm. Locals chatted leisurely in the morning markets, students cycled quietly past heritage buildings, and we had time to pause, to savour, and to see the town through a more personal lens.
It’s the kind of season where you can sip coffee undisturbed at a sunny sidewalk table, where the queues disappear from boutiques, and where golden afternoon light makes every photo look like a postcard.
How Far Is It from Cape Town to Stellenbosch? A Quick Day Trip or Easy Getaway
Stellenbosch is just about 50 kilometres (30 miles) from Cape Town, making it one of the easiest and most rewarding escapes from the Mother City. By car, the drive takes around 45 minutes, depending on traffic, and offers scenic views of vineyards and rolling hills as you leave the urban buzz behind.
Whether you’re planning a full day of wine tasting and boutique shopping or just a leisurely afternoon stroll through oak-lined streets, Stellenbosch is the perfect day trip destination from Cape Town—or even better, a place to stay for a few nights to fully enjoy its charm.
A practical guide of what to wear in Stellenbosch during the autumn months
Autumn in Stellenbosch, (March to May)brings mild to cool weather with occasional rain..Due to fluctuating temperatures pack in a mix of light and warm clothing.Expect warm days and cool evening, so layering is key.Pack items like light jacket,long sleeved shirts, jeans a scarf and comfortable walking shoes for exploring the town and the vineyards. Good idea to pack a hat,sunglasses and suncreen for sun protection.
Popular Stellenbosch must visit attractions
1.Dorp Street
- One of the oldest streets in South Africa, lined with beautifully preserved Cape Dutch buildings.
- A walk here gives you a glimpse into the colonial past, with charming coffee shops, galleries, and antique stores.
2.Wine Tasting
Lanzerac, Tokara, Delaire Graff, Waterford, Ernie Els Wines and Rust en Vrede are must-visit wine farms. Enjoy wine tastings, cellar tours, art collections, and gourmet restaurants in stunning vineyard settings.
Lanzerac:
The Lanzerac Tasting Room is open seven days a week and offers its patrons the opportunity to explore the Estate’s range of acclaimed wines in a relaxed atmosphere whilst surrounded by the breath-taking views of the Stellenbosch valley. Guests are invited to enjoy a selection of tailor-made tastings suited to individuals or groups in the comfort of the well-appointed Tasting Room & Deli or on the veranda overlooking the scenic vineyards.
Tokara:
If you love good food, great wine, and unparalleled views, clear your schedule and escape for a day to Tokara. Nestled on the upper slopes of the Simonsberg mountain, our vineyard and olive grove overlook two of mother nature’s most awe-inspiring sights, False Bay and Table Mountain.
Delaire Graff:
In the heart of South Africa’s Winelands, savour a wine tasting experience like no other at Delaire Graff Estate, where guests can sample some of South Africa’s finest vintages accompanied by spellbinding views across Simonsberg Mountain.
Waterford:
Experience the art of winemaking with award-winning wines and unforgettable tastings. From cellar tours to our Wine Drive Safari, enjoy exceptional wines amid breathtaking views. Advance booking is essential for a truly memorable visit.
Ernie Els Wines:
The perfect setting to relax and enjoy an educated wine tasting presentation. The expansive tasting room area extends out onto the wide terrace, with majestic Stellenbosch and Helderberg Mountain views.
Rust en Vrede:
Rust en Vrede’s full range of wines are available for tasting at their Tasting Room. Enjoy an intimate tasting in the state-of-the-art cellar or under the oaks with views of the vineyards and the Stellenbosch mountains.
3. Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden
- A peaceful oasis in the town center featuring rare plant species, bonsais, and a small café.
- Great for a quiet stroll or a relaxing afternoon.
4. Rupert Museum
- Houses a significant collection of South African modern art.
- Features works by Irma Stern, Maggie Laubser, and Alexis Preller.
5. Jonkershoek Nature Reserve
- Popular for hiking, mountain biking, and picnicking.
- Offers spectacular views, waterfalls, and diverse flora.
6. Village Museum
- A collection of four preserved homes showing life from the 1700s to the 1800s.
- Guides in period dress bring the history to life.
7. Church Street
- The heart of Stellenbosch’s boutique shopping and culinary scene.
- Lined with galleries, artisan shops, wine bars, and top-rated restaurants.
Everything is walkable, which means you can wander at your own pace—one historic building and hidden courtyard at a time.
You also find guided historical walking tours in Stellenbosch.
A Shopper’s Paradise: Local fashion & art
Full of unique, independently owned shops that invite browsing, touching, and—let’s be honest—buying. Lira & Finn, Eva Boutique, Pour La Vie, Coppelia and Desray.
Art galleries in Stellenbosch
1. Dylan Lewis Studio
You can also visit the Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden, located between two worlds, one wild and one tamed, the Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden borders the manicured suburbs of Stellenbosch and a rugged mountain wilderness where leopard still roam.
In this garden of private myth, the artist explores the Jungian notion of ‘the wilderness within’. More than 60 sculptures constituting a comprehensive record of his artistic development thus far have been carefully sited along 4 km of paths.
3. Stellenbosch art gallery
An extensive selection of paintings, sculpture, handmade glass and ceramics by selected Western Cape artists are on offer to the discerning buyer.
3. GUS gallery
US is the Gallery of Stellenbosch University, located on the corner of Bird Street and Dorp Street. On show in the gallery are large scale streetscapes of Stellenbosch with selected art installations from the archives of previous SOST outdoor art exhibitions.
4. The red teapot gallery – Portchie’s
The Red Teapot Gallery is approximately 14 years old. Funky, colorful, joyful, exquisite, interesting, full of special handmade things, is only a few of the remarks frequently flying around in the gallery.
Food, Coffee & Wine in the Heart of Stellenbosch
Though Stellenbosch is famous for its wine farms, you don’t need to leave town to eat well. In fact, some of the best meals we had on our trip happened within walking distance of our guesthouse.
- Schoon Church Street Café was our top pick for breakfast: warm pastries, hearty artisan loaves, and coffee so good we came back twice. The ambience? Think heritage meets modern café culture—with people reading the Sunday paper under a canopy of oak trees.
- Stellenbosch wine bar where locals and students alike enjoy a glass of wine on the corner of a vibey street.
- The Wine Glass experience the world-class wines of Stellenbosch in one beautiful restaurant. Over 100 wines to taste in a tasting flight, by the glass or bottle. They also serve a variety of delicious dishes.
- Le Grand Domaine Enoteca is a fabulous wine bar with scrumptious food.
Stellenbosch stands out as a culinary destination, with several of its restaurants earning prestigious accolades in 2024 and 2025.
Here’s a curated list of award-winning establishments you might consider.
- Die Eetkamer nestled in a beautifully renovated old stable. The restaurant’s long rectangular shape pays homage to its rich history. Indulge in our menu of small plates, bursting with diverse global flavours. The concept celebrates the joy of sharing food, reminiscent of heartwarming gatherings around a family dining room table. Come and create unforgettable moments through the communal experience of shared dining.
- The Fat Butcher situated on the corner of Drostdy and Van Riebeeck Streets, this contemporary steakhouse is surrounded by the town’s oldest buildings. Immaculate service, the best steaks and an impecable wine list.
- Volkskombuis step into a beautifully restored Cape Dutch-style building, where old-world charm meets contemporary dining. With cosy fireplaces and a warm, inviting ambiance, the restaurant offers a unique setting to enjoy South African fare reimagined with modern flair. From heritage recipes to inventive culinary touches, every dish celebrates the rich tapestry of South African flavours in a setting that feels like home.
For the fine-dining food lovers
- Mertia in the heart of Stellenbosch –where there is an open dialogue between guests and the kitchen, and where the experience evolves with you through every course and every detail, right down to the wine pairing. Mertia invites you to celebrate the best of Stellenbosch with them.
- Rust en Vrede is a contemporary fine dining restaurant in the Wine Estate’s historic former cellar (also a national monument). Nestled amongst oak trees and vineyards in the foothills of the Helderberg, Rust en Vrede aims to provide the quintessential winelands dining experience.
Is Stellenbosch Safe for Travellers? Our Honest Take
One of the questions we often get is: Is Stellenbosch safe? And the honest answer is—yes, for the most part, Stellenbosch is considered one of the safer towns in South Africa, especially in the historic centre where most visitors spend their time.
During our autumn visit, we walked around town during the day and early evening, and always felt completely at ease. The atmosphere is relaxed, the streets are well-kept.
That said, as with any destination, it’s wise to stay aware of your surroundings. We avoided walking down quiet side streets after dark and didn’t carry valuables in plain sight. Most guesthouses and hotels offer secure parking and will gladly advise on safe walking routes or recommend local drivers for wine tastings.
Where to stay in and around Stellenbosch
Why would you want to return to Stellenbosch?
Whether you’re planning a full day of wine tasting and boutique shopping or just a leisurely afternoon stroll through oak-lined streets, Stellenbosch is the perfect day trip destination from Cape Town—or even better, a place to stay for a couple of nights.
There’s something about Stellenbosch that gets under your skin. It’s not just the beauty, or the shopping, or the food—it’s the feeling. The mix of history, creativity, and calm. The way autumn sunlight filters through oak leaves.
Stellenbosch is one of the most beautiful towns in South Africa, and it’s also one of the most liveable. You don’t need an itinerary to enjoy it—just a good pair of walking shoes, an appetite for discovery, and maybe a little extra room in your suitcase.
We came for a quiet autumn getaway. We left with stories, photos, and a few shopping bags full of joy.
