Location: Paarl
Top Things to do in Paarl
5 Hidden Gems Things to do in Paarl That You Shouldn't Miss
Sipping your way across the Paarl Wine Route is one of the most enjoyable ways to experience this South African town. Besides being part of the Cape Winelands region, Paarl is the place where the Afrikaans language was developed, a linguistic feat that’s commemorated by a dramatic monument. Cheer on your favorite pony at the Polo Club or hit the links at one of the area’s many beautiful golf courses.
Restaurants in Paarl
1. Avondale Wine
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 52 reviews
At Avondale, we make extraordinary wines approved by Mother Nature. Certified organic and practicing bio-dynamic agriculture; we go beyond both these beneficial systems of natural farming by using the best 21st Century science, technology and knowledge to enhance sustainability. Our commitment to promoting life does not only lead to Mother Nature’s approval; it also ensures the premium quality of Avondale’s unique, naturally-made, slow wines. The vigour of our well-tended vines leads to excellent grapes bursting with fresh flavours that are evident in our individually-styled, classic wines, so full of life and character. Avondale is home to FABER -a contemporary farm-to-fork restaurant.
Reviewed By GeryV - Vancouver, Canada
You cannot ask for better: great organic food, a setting that cannot be beat and wonderful staff - the small but special menu has enough variety and the people make sure you have a great experience .... catch a sunset and admire the magnificent garden - you can make a check mark next to "GREAT DAY"
2. Escapetrix
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 44 reviews
Trapped in a mysterious room for 60 minutes, can you escape in time? This is a Live Escape Room. Here's how it works - Your team, a group of up to 6, will be "trapped" in one of our mysterious rooms for 1 hour. To complete your mission, you need to collaborate and think outside the box. You will have to solve a series of logic puzzles, find hidden clues and keys and open secret doorways, all before the time runs out! Perfect as a corporate team building exercise, date night, birthday parties or just some casual fun. If you've played one of the popular "Can You Escape The Room" video games, it's time to try an exciting real life version. Sounds like fun? Book online or call us now, and find out if you have what it takes!
3. Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 202 reviews
Reviewed By emarieb_13 - Paarl, South Africa
A must do over the weekend No excuses. You can visit this by car, on foot, with a bicycle. Alone or with friends. And the experience will be divine. You and nature, nothing else. Just come... Enjoy the picturesque landscape of fynbos vegetation dominated by massive rounded granite rock formations set among wild olives, rock candlewoods and wagon trees. Take a vigorous hike, or climb Bretagne Rock, follow one of the many hiking trails, visit Mill water Wild Flower Garden where numerous species of Proteas may be viewed, catch a bass at Nantes dam or enjoy mountain biking, picnics and panoramic views of the Drakenstein valley. Entry fees Entry is R30 per occupant in a vehicle payable at the reserve’s main gate. Entry is free during the week. Buy your map with the mountain’s MTB and hiking routes at the Paarl Visitors Information Centre at R50. Directions As you enter Paarl Main Road via the N1 from CT, take a left at the off-ramp. Follow Paarl Main Road, go straight over the first robot and then left at the first road on your left hand side (Jan Phillips Mountain Drive). Follow this road for approximately 6kms until you get to the Meulwater day braai & picnic site. Alternatively, follow the road leading up to the Afrikaans Language Monument (Gabbema Doordrif Road) and take the dirt road turning off to the right (Jan Phillips Mountain Drive) leading past the Amphi theatre, until you reach the Meulwater day braai & picnic site picnic area. GPS Co-ordinates: Lat: -33° 45′ 27.594″ Long: 18° 56′ 50.3658″ Facility hours Summer: 07:00 – 19:00 (1 Oct – 31 March) Winter: 07:00 – 18:00 (1 April – 30 Sept) Note: No entry is allowed 1 hour before closure times. Important information Remember, there are no shops on the reserve, so bring along your own fire wood, grid and supplies. Strictly no dogs or music is allowed in the reserve and day camps. No horse riding facilities available. Only licensed vehicles, no off-road motorbikes and/or quad bikes allowed. No larger than 22 seated busses are allowed. There are no swimming facilities on the reserve. Please help us keep the mountain clean by using available refuge bins. This is a high fire risk area – STRICTLY NO FIRES in areas other than demarcated braai/camp facilities. Report any fires immediately!
4. The Alpaca Loom Coffee Shop & Weaving Studio
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 145 reviews
Enjoy our decadent cakes and a cup of freshly brewed coffee at the coffee shop, while taking in the stunning views of the alpaca herd and Table Mountain in the background. Watch our weavers at work, interact with the alpacas and all the other animals in the petting zoo and have your kids use up all that pent-up energy on the jungle gym or go on an Alpaca Barn Tour. Since 2004, the alpaca herd has grown substantially to over 350 animals. The wool is sent for spinning and is then either hand-woven or woven on a mechanical loom in small runs on the actual farm. At The Alpaca Loom we produce a variety of woven scarves, shawls, blankets and rugs using the beautiful range of natural colours that our alpacas produce. Open daily: 10:00 to 18:00 Alpaca Barn Tours: Meet our alpaca herd up close and find out more about this special animal and its luxurious fiber. Every hour on the hour Alpaca Walks: Explore the farm accompanied by an alpaca on a halter. Daily at 10:00 & 16:00
5. De Villiers Chocolate
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By 661JanetG
This is one of our highlights when visiting the Spice Route, and an opportunity to taste a number of gorgeous chocolates in the DV range. It is also reasonably priced (R30) which helps when you have a large family.
