There are two railway stations in Stellenbosch; the main one is Stellenbosch Railway Station to the east of the CBD situated along R310 Adam Tas Road, and Du Toit Railway Station which is situated north of the CBD in Plankenbrug. 

Renting a car while visiting Stellenbosch is the best way to go. There is a good road system in Stellenbosch. The R44 roughly runs from north-south from Klapmuts and Wellington towards Somerset West and runs through Stellenbosch. Stellenbosch is also served by two metropolitan routes that link it to surrounding towns in the City of Cape Town. Self-drives in Stellenbosch is a straightforward option and the best way to travel and sample the region’s great wine estates. 

Yes, Stellenbosch is the ideal destination to explore on foot and a perfect way to experience the energy and vibrancy of this beautiful town. Walking around beautiful Stellenbosch provides visitors with fascinating glimpses of Dutch architecture, there are organized walking tours offered. There is a brochure “Historical Stellenbosch on Foot” available to purchase from the Information Bureau. 

Yes, riding a bike around the scenic town of Stellenbosch and its surroundings is a great way to see the sights. The area is well known for its mountain biking trails and is largely considered the MTB capital of South Africa. The spectacular surrounding Winelands provides bikers with a perfect network of trails for mountain bikers ranging from challenging uphills to relaxed vineyard riding routes. There are over 310 miles of trails to explore in the region including well-known trails like G-spot Trail, the Jonkershoek Trails, and the Eden. Cycling is a convenient choice of transport in Stellenbosch, it is one of the best areas in the world for cycling. 

Stellenbosch is considered a very safe destination to visit. Take the necessary precautions when sightseeing, use common sense, and keep your valuables out of sight from pickpockets, especially in crowded areas like markets, and tourist attractions. At night stay in well-lit and populated areas, and use reputable transportation companies instead of taking rides from strangers. 

Stellenbosch offers shoppers a huge variety of options to choose from including quaint boutiques, large shopping malls, unique antique stores, and more. Wander through the center of town for an afternoon filled with shopping where you can find an array of markets to browse through. Eikestad Mall is filled with over 100 stores including large chain stores and other shops including clothing and fashion outlets, supermarkets, and restaurants. There is a cinema complex also. Paarl Mall is a great shopping destination offering around 95 stores. Canal Walk boasts 400 stores that include local and international brands and a wide array of specialty stores and dining opportunities. Stelmark Center is located in the heart of town and focuses on food and grocery. It offers many retail chains such as Pick and Play, and Hungry Lions for great food and gourmet supplies. The center offers some of the best shopping in Stellenbosch, Stelmark has it all when it comes to shopping. Other shopping centers in Stellenbosch include Checkers Center, De Wet Center, and the Die Boord Shopping Center. 

The official language spoken in Stellenbosch is English, which is widely spoken, especially in the service industry, it is taught in schools and used in government, business, and the media. Many people speak fluent English, especially in hotels and restaurants. There are officially eleven languages in South Africa with Afrikaans being one of the most popular along with English and nine ethnic languages, of which Zulu and Xhosa are the most widely spoken. We recommend getting a good English/African guidebook and learning the basic questions like please, thank you, and numbers 1-10.

Stellenbosch boasts a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers when the temperatures sometimes soar into the 100s and cool, rainy winters with average daily temperatures around 60 degrees. The town is situated in a valley surrounded by mountains that can impact its weather patterns, the weather overall is mild and pleasant throughout the year. The best time to visit is between September and April when many vintages of wine are released and the weather is warm and dry. This time is also off-season in Stellenbosch when it is quieter and accommodations are 20-40% cheaper than in high season. 

The currency of Stellenbosch is the South African Rand (ZAR). US dollars are also widely accepted. You will need to exchange your currency for the Shilling, which can be done upon arrival at the airport currency exchange desks or banks and specialized stores called Foreign Exchange Bureaus. ATMs can be found in the city, tipping is discretionary and appreciated, and cash is usually preferred. 

Stellenbosch or the “City of Oaks” offers visitors world-class wining and dining opportunities. The town is quickly emerging as a spectacular destination for dining with a great variety of restaurants to choose from and great value. Stellenbosch is a culinary destination offering diners some of the best local cuisines in the land. Enjoy a relaxed pavement dining scene nestled among charming historic buildings with Cape Dutch architecture and majestic oak tree-lined streets dotted with cafes, wine bars, and some fabulous restaurants. The surrounding vineyard-dotted hillsides are home to a slew of stunning wine farms offering some of the wine in South Africa. The country boasts excellent food packed with sumptuous South African flavors and eclectic dishes. There are modern menus and international cuisine to choose from when dining in Stellenbosch, there are lots of excellent restaurants found in town. The Spice Route is a collection of eateries and restaurants located near Paarl which is just outside of town. There are many places to dine here including a pizza place, and a brewery that serves South African beer and biltong (jerky). A lot of restaurants in Stellenbosch offer great specials and also fun-themed evenings. 

The vibrant streets in town get lively and glamorous as the sun goes down, and there are some great nightlife opportunities to choose from in Stellenbosch. The Town of Oaks has a good nightlife reputation in South Africa with many different offerings for a night out on the town. There are a vast array of restaurants, bars, and clubs to choose from many with live music and good drink options, especially the wine! Stellenbosch is a university town so the student population is high and the nightlife is poppin and filled with thirsty students. That being said Stellenbosch has been awarded the infamous party capital of the Western Cape. It is easy to go bar hopping in town as everything is within walking distance of each other and enjoy a plethora of after-dark activities. Church Street is a popular location to visit after dark with shops that stay open late as well as many bars and cafes with outdoor seating. 

In case of an emergency dial 112 or 999 for local police, an ambulance, or fire.

Hospitals: Stellenbosch Provincial Hospital tel. 27-21-887-0310