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Paarl

The Tower Church in central Paarl

Paarl Rock

Afrikaanse Taalmonument in Paarl

Paarl

4.3 /5

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South Africa

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36 out of 57 Places to visit in South Africa

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7 Days / 6 Nights

Garden Route, Cape Point, and Winelands Adventu...

Cape Town (0N) → Oudtshoorn (1N) → Addo (1N) → Jeffrey's Bay (1N) → Knysna (0N) → Tsitsikamma (0N) → Sedgefield (1N) → Wilderness (0N) → Mossel Bay (1N) → Paarl (0N) → Stellenbosch (0N) → Franschhoek (0N) → Cape Town (1N)

$ 943

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$907/person

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Paarl Travel Essentials

Rating:

4.3 /5 Rate This Destination

Weather:

Ideal duration: 1-2 days

Best Time: September - November Read More

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"Winelands Gem and Cape Dutch Heritage"

Paarl Tourism

Located in the Western Cape of South Africa, Paarl is a historic town, ranking as the country's third oldest settlement. The town is renowned for its iconic "Paarl Rock," a colossal granite formation formed by three rounded outcrops that make up Paarl Mountain and constitute part of the Nature Reserve. Paarl, located in the Cape Winelands, is a major producer of deciduous fruit, olives, cheese, and chocolate in South Africa.

Visitors can explore the Paarl Wine Route, offering wine-tasting experiences, or enjoy the picturesque Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve and the charming Arboretum along the Berg River. Another attraction is the Spice Route, where visitors can indulge in a diverse range of culinary delights, artisanal products, craft beer, and more. Paarl's rich history, captivating landscapes, and vibrant attractions make it an enticing destination for travellers seeking a unique South African experience. It is an interesting fact that Paarl is also the birthplace of the Afrikaans language.

Local Transports: As with most of South Africa, it is best to use a rented car. However, Paarl does have options like buses and taxis.
Drinking Water: Tap water is not potable, so always carry bottled water for drinking.
Languages: The main languages spoken are Afrikaans and English.
ATM & Foreign Exchange: If travelling by air, Cape Town International Airport has ATMs and foreign exchange services available for travellers.
ATM & Parking Scams: Beware of ATM and parking scams in Paarl. Stay cautious and avoid accepting help from strangers at ATMs. Choose well-lit and secure parking areas to minimize risks.
Health Precautions: Take necessary precautions for Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Hepatitis B, Malaria, Rabies, and Yellow Fever and seek medical advice before travelling.

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Shopping in Paarl

In Paarl, visitors can enjoy a delightful shopping experience with a variety of unique items. The Town Center offers boutique stores with handmade souvenirs and artisanal crafts. At the Alpaca Loom Coffee Shop & Weaving Studio, travellers can discover textile artistry and enjoy coffee. DV Artisan Chocolate satisfies chocolate enthusiasts, while Dalewood Fromage offers a selection of delicious cheeses, and Red Hot Glass showcases the art of glassblowing. Art lovers can explore contemporary works at Hout Street Gallery. For modern retail convenience, Paarl Mall and Rembrandt Mall are available with a range of shops to suit different preferences.

Nightlife in Paarl:

Paarl's nightlife offers a vibrant experience with cosy pubs, wine bars, and live music. Popular areas include the Town Center and wine estates like Laborie and Rhebokskloof. The Funky Buddha Paarl is one of the popular pubs in the city.

History of Paarl

Paarl's history is fascinating and diverse. The area was originally inhabited by the Khoisan, who lived as hunter-gatherers and herders, moving with the seasons to find grazing land for their animals. When Jan van Riebeeck arrived in 1652, he explored the inland to trade cattle with the Khoisan, leading to both cooperation and conflict. The Dutch settlers recognized the valley's potential for farming, and one of them, Abraham Gabemma, named the town "Paarl" after the glistening granite boulders on the mountain, resembling diamonds and pearls. Over the years, Paarl has evolved into a thriving town, preserving its cultural heritage and natural beauty.

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How to Reach Paarl

How to Reach Overview

Paarl is easily reachable from nearby cities. Located approximately 60 kilometres from Cape Town and 40 kilometres from Stellenbosch, the preferred mode of transportation to Paarl is by car or private transfer.

How to reach Paarl by flight

The nearest major airport to Paarl is Cape Town International Airport, located approximately 65 kilometres (40 miles) away. From the airport, travellers can take a taxi or rent a car to reach Paarl, and the journey takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour.

How to reach Paarl by road

Paarl is easily accessible by road and is located along the N1 highway, which connects it to Cape Town and other major cities in South Africa. The distance from Cape Town to Paarl is approximately 60 kilometres (37 miles), and the drive takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour.

How to reach Paarl by train

Paarl does not have a direct rail service, but travellers can take a train to Cape Town and then use other modes of transportation, such as buses or taxis, to reach Paarl. The train journey from Cape Town to Paarl takes around 1.5 to 2 hours.