Things to do in Stellenbosch

A bit of art, a dash of adventure, and a whole serving of shopping

Having drunk your way through umpteen glasses of Stellie’s wine and munched on some of the finest cuisine, you’ll be happy to know there’s more action where that came from. A visit to the historic town is not complete without exploring the arts, culture, adventure activities and the unusual shopping.

Artistic Stellies:

Stellenbosch Modern and Contemporary Art Gallery (SMAC)
Opened in 2006, on the first floor of the De Wet Centre, in Stellenbosch, this art gallery is concerned with the significance of historical and contemporary art movements in South Africa including; the modernist abstract and protest eras. Featured artists have included Anton Karstel and Wayne Barker.
1st Floor | De Wet Centre | Church Street | Stellenbosch | Western Cape | +27 (0)21 887 3607

Hess Museum of Contemporary Art
This art museum houses one of the largest, privately-owned contemporary art collections in the world. Featured artists include world-famous installation artist, Andy Goldsworthy, New York-based Quattara Watts and Derek Healy.
Simondium Road | Klapmuts | Stellenbosch | Western Cape | +27 (0)21 875 5528

Kanonkop Gallery
Firm believers that art has the same intrinsic values as wine; this estate has installed an investment art gallery, inside one of their oak maturation cellars. The gallery features local painter, Shelley Adams, and sculptor, Noel Ashton.
Kanonkop Wine Estate |R44 (between Stellenbosch and Klapmuts) | Western Cape | +27 (0)21 884 4656

Cultural Stellies:

Cinemuse
Whether you’re a cinema lover, or an aspiring film maker, Cinemuse Film Society aims to stimulate your appreciation for drive-in authentic foreign cinema. The environment is alternative, quaint and creative, allowing 25 cars to watch films (R25); some screenings spark discussion among the audience. Cult films have included Stanley Kubrick’s, A Clockwork Orange and Natural Born Killers.
Bosman’s Crossing | Stellenbosch | Western Cape| +27 (0)21 300 0662

Klein Libertas Theatre
A wide variety of shows, from classic theatre to open air rock concerts, attract an eclectic audience. Past performers have included jazz artist, Ramon Alexander and Dance You're On Fire.
Bergzight Plein | Du Toit Street | Stellenbosch | Western Cape | +27 (0)21 883 8164

Adventurous Stellies:

The SonSkate Stellenbosch skatepark
The only indoor skate park in the Western Cape, ran by national skate ministry, Sonskate, provides a positive and uplifting activity for young people. Experienced skaters and BMX riders can rent equipment and take to 1000m2 of exhilarating slopes, while private and group lessons are available for novices. Part of local NGO, Inspired2Become, this skatepark includes a tuck shop, pool table and a stage where bands often preform.
Distillery Road | Stellenbosch | Western Cape | +27 (0)72 992 7408

Ditopia Trail Biking
Adventurous Stellenbosch visitors will enjoy the thrill of downhill mountain biking. Based on the Delvera wine farm, the outdoor centre provides permits, trail information and mountain bike hire. A variety of trails, including Klapmuts-Koppie and Terrain Park, suit all levels of fitness. You can also buy snacks and drinks, maps and anything from socks to bike essentials.
Dirtopia Trail Centre | Delvera Agri-tourism complex | R44 | Stellenbosch | Western Cape | +27 (0)21 884 4752

Shopaholic Stellies:

Stellenbosch Slow Food Market
Set in the slopes of the Papegaaiberg you will encounter a market dedicated to locally grown food with no warehousing or distribution. Stalls offer fresh local fruit, vegetables, meats, cheeses, pastries, olives, wines and other ready to eat dishes. Visit between 10am and 2pm, every Saturday.
Oude Libertas Amphitheatre | Corner of Adam Tas & Oude Libertas Roads | Stellenbosch | Western Cape |  +27 (0)21 886 8514

Stellenbosch Antiques
For the past 40 years, Stellenbosch’s oldest antiques store has stocked English and Continental furniture, oriental and hand-knotted rugs, and hand-woven kelims (Turkish tapestry), as well as fine porcelain crockery and art deco jewellery. The most unique item in the store at the moment is a Victorian cupboard, which once belonged to billionaire entrepreneur, Dr. Anton Rupert.
17 Andringa Street | Stellenbosch | Western Cape | +27 (0)21 883 3917

Lady Peculiar Jewellery
Louise van Graan and Truda Bam’s fun and quirky designs are handmade with high quality, sterling silver and often feature birds and inscriptions of birds. Custom-made designs are also available in gold and platinum, and a range of waterproof and leather handbags carry the same designs as the jewellery.
3B Andringa Street | Stellenbosch | Western Cape | +27 (0)21 886 8868 / +27 (0)82 412 7707

Africa Silk
Silk is farmed and cultivated to support local communities in Mpumalanga. Visitors to the shop may see two weavers and one spinner at work, creating cushion covers, shawls, scarves, silk-filled duvets and clothing.
Corner of Church and Andringa Streets | Stellenbosch | Western Cape | +27 (0)21 882 9701

By Lisa Nevitt


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