Paarl Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Vrede en Lust Winery
Paarl
Vrede en Lust Winery
Paarl
Laborie Winery showing 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 kilometres) 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

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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 Rhebokskloof Estate or Bain's Whisky Distillery.

Windmeul
Grande Roche Hotel

Grande Roche Hotel

5 out of 5
Plantasie Street, Paarl, Western Cape
The price is AU$418 per night from 18 Oct to 19 Oct
AU$418
18 Oct - 19 Oct
includes taxes & fees
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! (124 reviews)
"Amazing Stay"

Reviewed on 28 Sept 2025

Grande Roche Hotel
Babylonstoren

Babylonstoren

5 out of 5
Klapmuts - Simondium Road, Simondium, 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 ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (69 reviews)
"Delicious food and comfy bed"

Reviewed on 1 Aug 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! (31 reviews)
"This was our second visit. The property is in the most beautiful setting with gorgeous views. The staff are extremely hospitable. The food is so tasty and healthy too! The spa was fantastic and the massages we got were some of the best we ever had. 10/10"

Reviewed on 27 July 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.
Zeederberg Corner

Zeederberg Corner

3 out of 5
Zeederberg Square, Paarl, Western Cape
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Paarl. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Paarl Rock and KWV Wine Emporium are located ...
"Very helpful staff and great place to stay"

Reviewed on 27 Feb 2024

Zeederberg Corner
Tuscan Villa Heart of Franschhoek Valley Security/No Power Cuts/Pool/Winelands

Tuscan Villa Heart of Franschhoek Valley Security/No Power Cuts/Pool/Winelands

Southern Paarl
Stay at this villa in Paarl. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a garden. Popular attractions Babylonstoren and Vrede en Lust Estate are located nearby.
9.6/10 Exceptional! (4 reviews)
Wonderful Festive Season at SandMartins
"We stayed at SandMartins from the 26th December 2024 to 4 January 2025. The first impressions of this immaculate property and estate is just wonderful and sets the atmosphere for a wonderful vacation. Very spacious, sunny and fully equipped. The entertainment and pool areas are the delight of the ..."

Reviewed on 26 Jan 2025

Tuscan Villa Heart of Franschhoek Valley Security/No Power Cuts/Pool/Winelands
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 Long Street and Cape Town Stadium ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (135 reviews)
"Amazing stay. Cant wait to go back."

Reviewed on 24 Aug 2025

The Residences at Crystal Towers
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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