Paarl

Travel Guide

Vrede en Lust Winery
Paarl featuring a park and a monument
Vrede en Lust Winery
Paarl showing a park and a house
Laborie Winery featuring interior views
Try fresh produce from the orchards, vineyards and farms in this picturesque and historic area where Mandela was imprisoned.

Paarl is among South Africa’s prominent providers of wine and fruit. It stands in its namesake valley surrounded by rock giants that generate a dramatic and scenic setting. Learn about the country’s distinctive grape varieties at historic wineries around town.

Come for tastings at Vrede en Lust EstateOpens in a new window, which offers acclaimed vintages from grapes growing in its two vineyards. Take a guided tour of the cellar for an understanding of the fermentation process and the history of the winery. Enjoy local products and artisan menus at the Lust Bistro and Bakery.

Dine at high-end restaurants at Laborie Wine FarmOpens in a new window, among the oldest wineries in the country. The winery, known for its excellent Méthode Cap Classique sparkling wines, takes its name from France’s La Bri district. Try various craft beers at its Bar di Bar, which has a 1970s ambiance with a jukebox.

Looming over the winery is the dominant Paarl Rock, a popular climbing challenge. Photograph its bulbous dome shape and smooth surface. Bring your kids on this fairly simple climb, where you will find many trails of varying difficulty. Climb from Paarl Rock to Bretagna Rock in about 1 hour.

Hear how Nelson Mandela spent 14 months in a private house within the walls of Victor Verster Correctional Centre at the end of his 27-year imprisonment. A bronze statue stands outside the prison, now known as the Drakenstein Correctional Centre. Marvel at the obelisks of the Afrikaans Language Monument and learn about its pride and identity.

Paarl is cited as a Southern Hemisphere equivalent to the Mediterranean for weather. Expect a pleasant climate with hot summers from December to March and mild winters.

The town is in the Cape Winelands area 37 miles (60 kilometers) east of Cape Town in southwestern South Africa. Fly to Cape Town International Airport and take a taxi to Paarl in less than 1 hour.

Visit Paarl, the pearl of South African wine, for intriguing monuments and a stunning backdrop of mountains.

Where to stay in Paarl

Paarl

Simondium

Simondium is noteworthy for its gardens, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Vrede en Lust Estate and Babylonstoren.

Simondium
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Windmeul

Windmeul is well-liked for its restaurants. If you'd like to do some sightseeing in the greater Paarl area, you might plan a trip to Bain's Whisky Distillery or Rhebokskloof Estate.

Windmeul
Grande Roche Hotel
Grande Roche Hotel
5 out of 5
Plantasie Street, Paarl, Western Cape
The price is P12,898 per night from 29 Apr to 30 Apr
P12,898
P14,833 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 29 - Apr 30
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Paarl. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions KWV Wine Emporium and Laborie Wine Farm are ...
9/10 Wonderful! (119 reviews)
"Strange menu arrangement in the restaurant"

Reviewed on Mar 8, 2025

Grande Roche Hotel
Babylonstoren
Babylonstoren
5 out of 5
Klapmuts - Simondium Road, Simondium, Paarl, Western Cape
The price is P36,368 per night from 1 May to 2 May
P36,368
P42,241 total
includes taxes & fees
May 1 - May 2
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Paarl. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Babylonstoren and Backsberg Estate Cellars ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (66 reviews)
Lovely stay at a unique hotel
"The hotel is beautiful and the farm was gorgeous to walk/cycle around. Breakfast service to get a cup of tea was a little slow occasionally, one day waited 30 mins before we got the tea, then milk and then sugar. The food was all beautifully presented. We really enjoyed our stay but did not think ..."

Reviewed on Jan 25, 2025

Babylonstoren
Sante Wellness Retreat & Spa
Sante Wellness Retreat & Spa
5 out of 5
Simonsvlei Rd, Paarl, Western Cape
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Paarl. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Babylonstoren and Backsberg Estate Cellars ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (30 reviews)
"The rooms were great and the area is beautiful. The location being near farms means there are plenty chances of insects entering the room so need to keep the doors tidy shut. Super quiet hotel with only healthy food choices by design. If you are looking to meditate this is your place."

Reviewed on Mar 2, 2025

Sante Wellness Retreat & Spa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Residences at Crystal Towers
The Residences at Crystal Towers
4 out of 5
Century Boulevard, Century City, Cape Town, Western Cape
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Cape Town Cruise Terminal and Bloubergstrand ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (120 reviews)
"Highly secured and walkable distance to essentials things."

Reviewed on Mar 17, 2025

The Residences at Crystal Towers
Aquarius Luxury Suites
Aquarius Luxury Suites
3 out of 5
10 Blaauwberg Road, Cape Town, Western Cape
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Cape Town. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions Bloubergstrand Beach and Dolphin Beach ...
7.8/10 Good! (122 reviews)
"Comfortable but not quiet due to heavy traffic and night activities."

Reviewed on Mar 12, 2025

Aquarius Luxury Suites
The Ivy Apartments
The Ivy Apartments
4 out of 5
1 Kruger Street, Franschhoek, Western Cape
Stay at this 4-star luxury apartment in Franschhoek. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a health club. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. ...
"I rented the luxury penthouse and it was very nice. Felt like home. The area is very walkable with restaurants, grocery, and shops within a very short distance. I grabbed Starbucks everyday and sat on the balcony to enjoy the beautiful mountain views. Also, the staff was very friendly and helpful. ..."

Reviewed on Mar 17, 2025

The Ivy Apartments
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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