In Paarl, there are opportunities for fun at every turn. This amazing city offers it all, from thrilling activities to well-known tourist sites. So if you’re ready to explore Paarl, in this guide, you will find some of the best things to do in Paarl.
Paarl has it all whether you’re looking for thrilling outdoor adventures, the best restaurants, accommodation, or things to do with kids, couples, alone, or on a budget.
Here are some of the best things to do in Paarl:
1. Taal Monument
On a hilltop overlooking Paarl sits the Afrikaans Language Monument. Officially opened on 10 October 1975, it commemorates the semicentenary of Afrikaans being declared an official language of South Africa, separate from Dutch. A visit to this monument includes unlimited access to the museum, monument, coffee shop, hiking trails and Full Moon Picnics.
Times: Monday – Sunday, 8 am – 4:45 pm
Price: R120 pp & R220 (for a family of four)
Address: Gabbema Doordrift St, Paarl, 7646
Contact: 021 863 0543
2. Windmeul Winery Farmers Market
Discover the most genuine markets in Cape Town for fresh produce at Windmeul farmers market. This market is a must-visit for organic produce enthusiasts, offering an amazing selection of vegetables, fruit, meat, freshly baked bread, drowors & biltong, cheese, biscuits and cakes, free-range eggs, jams and much more – all sourced directly from local farms.
Unlike typical flea market setups, the emphasis here is on quality and freshness, making it a top choice for foodies.
Times: First Saturday of the month, 8 am – 12:30 pm
Address: Windmeul Winery, Paarl, Cape Winelands.
Contact: 021 869 8100
3. Wine valley horse trials
Wine Valley Horse Trails has a package to suit everyone! Knowledgeable and experienced guides lead the trails, which are open seven days a week.
The rides start on the lovely Rhebokskloof Wine Estate before heading up the Paarl Nature Reserve. Riders are greeted with breathtaking views of the famous Table Mountain, the Du Toits kloof mountain range, and the Swartberg farming regions to the west.
Times: Monday – Sunday, 8 am – 5 pm
Duration: 1 Hour
Price: R575
Address: Wine Valley Horse Trails, Rhebokskloof Wine Estate, Paarl, Cape Winelands, Western Cape, South Africa
Contact: 083 226 8735
4. Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve
Enjoy the picturesque landscape of fynbos vegetation dominated by massive rounded granite rock formations set among wild olives, rock candlewood and wagon trees. Follow one of the many hiking trails, climb Bretagne Rock, visit Mill water Wild Flower Garden where numerous species of Proteas may be viewed, catch bass at Nantes dam or enjoy mountain biking, picnics and panoramic views of the Drakenstein valley.
Times: Monday – Sunday 11 – 5 pm
Cost: R19 pp
Address: Jan Phillips Drive, Paarl, South Africa
Contact: 082 744 5900
5. Enjoy a round of golf at Boschenmeer Golf and Country Estate
Boschenmeer Golf and Country Estate is a David Frost signature golf course with 27 holes. Adjacent to the meandering Berg River and surrounded by the majestic Boland mountains, enjoy the best of Paarl when you play on this stunning course.
Cost: R730 pp for 18 – Holes
Contact: 021 863 1140
Amazing deals in & around Paarl just for you!
6. Hout Street Gallery
In 1975, The Hout Street Gallery was founded. From humble beginnings, it has developed into the leading exhibition of its sort in the Western Cape, featuring works by renowned and emerging South African artists. In addition to the Georgian-style property, the gallery is Paarl’s oldest original shop front.
Times: Monday – Saturday, 8 am – 5:30 pm, Sunday 10 am – 5 pm
Address: 270 Hout Street (Corner of Main and Hout), Paarl, Cape Winelands
Contact: 021 872-5030
7. Visit the KWV Wine Emporium
The Emporium is the ideal location to sample South African wine, which is located in the Paarl Valley. Start by taking the famed KWV cellar tour, which includes the well-known Cathedral Cellar with its tall vaulted ceiling and some of the largest vats in the world inside the largest cellar complex in the world.
After that, visit the wine tasting rooms at the Emporium to sample their award-winning brands of wines, brandies, and fortified wines and learn why they are known as the standard for South African wines.
Times: Monday – Friday, 9 am – 5 pm, Saturday, 9 am – 4 pm, Sunday, 9 am – 2 pm
Address: The KWV Wine Emporium, Kohler Street, Suider Paarl, Cape Winelands.
Contact: 021 807 3007
8. Berg River Brewery
Berg River Brewery is the partnership of two old friends coming together and doing something they love. Both living by the ethos of ‘doing what you love’, Glenn and Shaun each bring their own flavour to the brand. Situated in an industrial park, it’s quite fitting that everything has an industrial feel from the tasting room to their labels. For the best beer experience in Paarl, visit this fine establishment.
Times: Wednesday – Friday, 11 am – 6 pm, Saturday, 11 am – 4 pm
Address: 36 Westhoven, Groenvlei, Paarl, 7646
Contact: 021 871 1390
9. Spice Route Destination
Situated on the slopes of the Paarl Mountains, the Spice Route offers tastings and aesthetic experiences at various establishments within walking distance of each other. Make the Spice Route in Paarl your one-stop location for a great day in the Cape Winelands, filled with fine dining, artisanal wine, art, shopping, and more.
Times: Monday – Sunday, 9 am – 5 pm
Address: Suid-Agter-Paarl Rd, Southern Paarl, Paarl, 7646
Contact: 021 863 5200
10. Balloon over the Vineyards
Unquestionably, the best way to see the Cape Winelands. The excursion lasts around 4 hours and starts with an early morning meet-up at the stated location. After that, you’ll drift peacefully over the Drakenstein and Hottentots Holland Mountain range for about an hour.
Wineland Ballooning is a South African registered non-schedule airline operating since 1990. Licensed and checked by the CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) with a reputation of over 1600 records of safe flights.
Be advised to wear comfy warm clothes and flat closed shoes to enjoy your experience to the max.
Times: Monday – Sunday, 8 am – 5 pm
Daily November to April.
Booking is essential.
Duration: 1 Hour
Price: R4900
Address: Wineland Ballooning, Main Street, Paarl, Cape Winelands, Western Cape, South Africa
Contact: 021 863 3192
11. Babylonstoren Wine Estate
If you are in and around the Paarl area make sure to visit one of the first Cape Dutch farms ever! Babylonstoren features a stunning and varied fruit and vegetable garden, distinctive lodging, great food, fine wine, and a feeling of well-being. The garden at Babylonstoren is magnificent, with the Simonsberg, Du Toitskloof, and Franschhoek mountains serving as a backdrop.
This old fruit and wine farm, which dates back to 1692, saw a change of fortune 10 years ago when it came under the attention of Karen Roos, a former magazine editor. Her love of traditional Cape Dutch design inspired a genuine yet modern restoration that looks to the future of the farm.
Opening times: Monday – Sunday, 9 am – 5 pm
Contact: 021 863 3852
Address: Klapmuts – Simondium Rd, Simondium, 7670
Do you want to know about this wine farm? Then check out this comprehensive guide to Babylonstoren!
Things to do in Paarl with Kids
12. The Alpaca Loom Coffee Shop and Weaving Studio
A great and reasonably priced family outing is a trip to see the alpacas. In addition to having fun feeding the sassy alpacas, they also offer hourly Alpaca Barn Tours every day at 11:00, where you can walk an alpaca! They also have two llamas and camels.
The play area is amazing! While enjoying a hot or cold beverage, cake, croissant, pie, or sandwich, parents can watch the kids from the coffee shop.
Opening times: Monday – Sunday, 9:30 am – 5:30 pm
Cost: R100 (adults) R70 (Kids)
Contact: 083 467 0595
Address: Suid-Agter-Paarl Rd, Southern Paarl, 7624
13. Le Bonheur Crocodile Farm
At Le Bonheur Reptiles and Adventures, you can spend a tranquil day (or weekend!) on their picturesque farm in the heart of the Winelands while getting up and personal with reptiles.
Spend the rest of the day letting the kids enjoy the play area or delectable woodfired pizzas after enjoying the croc pond tour and snake exhibit.
Opening times: Monday – Sunday, 9 am – 5 pm
Cost: Entry is free. Activities range from R40 – R118
Contact: 021 863 1142
Address: Simondium, Suider Paarl
14. Bugz Playpark
Bugz Playpark is the largest playpark in the Western Cape! Bugz Playpark has a world of activities for kids who love climbing, jumping, running, exploring, thinking and engaging with a range of zones that can be found at the play park.
Opening times: Thursday – Sunday, 10 am – 4 pm
Cost: R150 – R50
Contact: 021 439 7112
Address: 56 Tarentaal Rd, Joostenberg Vlakte, Cape Town, 7570
15. Drakenstein Lion Park
The picturesque Cape Winelands is home to the 50 acres of the Drakenstein Lion Park, which features a vast lion habitat. The Drakenstein Lion Park serves as a sanctuary for predators born in captivity. At this park, you will find majestic animals that receive the love and respect they deserve in a secure haven where they can live without fear of abuse or persecution.
Opening times: Monday – Sunday, 09:30 am – 5 pm
Cost: R80 (Adults) R40 (Kids)
Contact: 021 863-3290
Address: Drakenstein Lion Park, Old Paarl Road (5km off the R44 on the way to Stellenbosch), Cape Winelands.
Frequently Asked Questions about Paarl
What is Paarl known for?
Paarl is one of the oldest towns in South Africa and is mainly known for its mountain or “Paarl Rock”.
How far is Paarl from the beach?
Paarl is a mere 60 kilometres from Cape Town and less than an hour by car from the golden beaches of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans.
