Discussion is underway about a potential site-wide License upgrade

Stellenbosch

From Wikitravel

Jump to: navigation, search

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.

[edit] Understand

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.

[edit] Get in

[edit] By bus

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

[edit] By train

MetroRail [2] 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.

[edit] By plane

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.

[edit] 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.

[edit] Get around

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

[edit][add listing] See

[edit][add listing] Do

Popular things to do in Stellenbosch [3] range from Oom Samie se winkel to the Stellenbosch Museum or Spier Wine estate.

[edit][add listing] Buy

[edit][add listing] Eat

A Church Street Bistro.
A Church Street Bistro.

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.

  • Apprentice, Andringa Street. Formerly known as L'Olive. Training restaurant for the Institute of Culinary Arts. Clean modern ambience. Fusion dishes, elegantly presented.  edit
  • Basic Bistro, 31 Church Street, ☎ +27 (0)21 883-3629, [4]. Offers a variety of international cuisine. Reviewed by Rossouw's Restaurants - 7/10 food, 8/10 service  edit
  • Cognito, Dorp Street.  edit
  • Fandango, Bird Street, ☎ +27 (0)21 887-7506, [5].  edit
  • Java Cafe, Church Street.  edit
  • Lafayette, Andringa Street.  edit
  • Mugg 'n Bean, Checkers Centre, corner Dorp & Mill Streets, ☎ +27 (0)21 883-2972, [6].  edit
  • Slowfood Market, Corner of Bosmans&Distilery rd, [7]. Sa 9AM-4PM.. There is a festive atmosphere and a variety of local foods to choose from. Come and see what the locals are up to and indulge in a aray of fresh produce, seafood, luxury bakes and fresly baked breads  edit
  • Zest, Ryneveld Street.  edit
  • Wijnhuis, Cnr Church and Andringa, Central, ☎ +27 (0)21 887-5844 (), [8]. 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.  edit

[edit][add listing] Sleep

  • Banghoek Place, 193 Banghoek Road, Campus, ☎ +27 (0)21 887-0048 (), [9]. Great value double rooms with en suite bathrooms, swimming pool and safe on site parking. From R100pp.  edit
  • BellaBosch B&B & Self Catering, 7 School Street, ☎ +27 (0)21 882-9686 (), [10]. 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. From R300pps.  edit
  • D'Ouwe Werf Country Inn, 30 Church Street, ☎ +27 (0)21 887-4608 (), [11]. Offers 31 very good rooms and has an excellent restaurant. From R1200 per room.  edit
  • Eendracht Hotel, 161 Dorp Street, ☎ +27 (0)21 883-8842 (), [12]. checkin: 2PM; checkout: 11AM. Award winning historic house in the oldest part of town in Drop Street. Walking distant form almost everything including +60 restaurants and the University. From R395pp. (33°56' 19.13 S,18°51' 46.15 E) edit
  • Evergreen Manor & Spa, 11 Murray Street, Central, ☎ +27 (0)21 886-6832 (), [13]. Exclusive luxury guesthouse and spa in central Stellenbosch, ideal for the discerning visitor. From R650pps.  edit
  • Stumble Inn Backpackers Lodge, 12 Market Street, Central, ☎ +27 (0)21 887-4049 (), [16]. Great value backpackers lodge with double rooms and dormitory beds, swimming pool and safe on site parking. From R90pp.  edit

[edit] Get out

This article is an outline and needs more content. It has a template, but there is not enough information present. Please plunge forward and help it grow!

Retrieved from "http://wikitravel.org/en/Stellenbosch"