Before you go

Your trip to Paarl.

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

Paarl – Cabo Ocidental Destination Cape Winelands about 60 km from Cidade do Cabo

How to get there

Aeroporto Internacional da Cidade do Cabo (CPT) Cidade do Cabo · 50 km
Estação de Paarl (Metrorail) 1 km

Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.

From the arrival city, Stellenbosch, it’s about 30 km via the R44 and R45. From Cape Town it’s about 60 km via the N1, and from Cape Town International Airport (CPT) about 50 km. The metropolitan train reaches Paarl station; check services before using it.

How many days

One day for the Afrikaans Language Monument, the mountain reserve and a farm. Paarl pairs well with Franschhoek, about 30 km away, on the same route.

When to go

Paarl is one of the hottest towns in the region in summer, from December to February, with days above 30 °C. Harvest runs from February to April. In winter there is more rain, and the granite slopes turn green.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

Do you need a car?

Yes, for the monument, the mountain reserve and the farms, which are spread out. There are chauffeur-driven cars and tours leaving from Cape Town and Stellenbosch. Driving is on the left.

Suggested itinerary

An order that works

Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.

One day in Paarl

Morning
Afrikaans Language Monument
Climb to the Afrikaans Language Monument on the mountain slope to see the concrete towers and the valley down to Cape Town.
Afternoon
Paarl Rock
Head to the Paarl mountain reserve and walk to the granite domes, with the town below.
Late afternoon
Mandela Statue
Pass through the gate of the former Victor Verster prison, now Drakenstein, where Mandela’s statue stands.
Evening
Main Road
Dine at a valley farm or at a restaurant on the Main Road.

Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

What to do in Paarl?

Visit the Afrikaans Language Monument, climb the mountain’s granite domes, see Mandela’s statue at the gate of the former prison, and visit the wine farms.

How long from Paarl to Cape Town?

About 60 km, roughly 45 minutes via the N1 with no traffic.

Why is Paarl called that?

Paarl comes from 'pearl' in Dutch, because of the shine of the mountain’s granite domes after rain.

Where did Mandela leave prison?

Through the gate of Victor Verster prison, now Drakenstein, near Paarl, on 11 February 1990. A statue marks the spot.

Back to Paarl