Spending one day in Paarl is much too short with so much to see and do. However, you can still see a lot in one day without it feeling too rushed.
Start off with breakfast at Knus Karoo Kombuis where you can “taste” the Karoo in everything from the food, interior to their warm hospitality. Opt for not the same old same old eggs and bacon and rather try a Karoo inspired dish such as the Biltong Breakfast or one of their “Roosterkoek” options
After breakfast catch an audio tour at and learn about the symbolism and unifying significance of the monument. It might be the world’s youngest language, but the development of Afrikaans was a process and had an interesting history. Experience this history at the iconic 13,5-metre-high monument on top of Paarl Mountain with gorgeous views of Paarl valley. You can even see as far as Table Mountain on a clear sky day.
Book a tour at Ashia Cheetah Experience and come face-to-face with these beautiful, endangered creatures. Ashia is a world-class cheetah sanctuary and working farm and they pour their heart and soul in protecting, saving, and educating people about this vulnerable species. They take you on a farm and animal tour and give you the chance to meet their ambassador cheetahs. Experience their unique purr, take once-in-a-lifetime photographs from secure areas inside their enclosures, and enjoy an educational talk by one of their animal carers. Please take note that bookings are essential. and children under 16 aren’t allowed on tour.
For a family friendly option head to Paarl’s furry celebrities at The Alpaca Loom Coffee Shop & Weaving Studio. Interact with the alpacas in the petting zoo and have the kids use up all that pent-up energy on the jungle gym. Watch their weavers at their ancient craft and on the Alpaca Barn Tour meet their resident alpaca herd including their youngest crias and learn more about the alpaca and its fiber.
For a family friendly dining option pop in at Spice Route Destination. This is a destination that can keep the family occupied the whole day. There is so much to see and do and they love visitors to traverse the farm and experience their very own sensory journey of discovery ranging from tasting, eating, shopping and learning. Enjoy a wood-fired pizza at La Grapperia Pizzeria & Bistro or delight yourself in a gourmet burger from Barley & Biltong Emporium.
Head into Paarl and enjoy lunch at Noop situated in the heart of our historic Main Road. Paarl’s Main Road carries the proud badge of the longest main road in the country. Noop tries to keep it fresh, keep it local and keep it simple. Nothing comes out of a tin, so if something on their menu isn’t available, it’s because they couldn’t get an ingredient that day. They mainly support local suppliers. They don’t over-elaborate or unnecessarily complicate recipes, because they like to respect the purity of their ingredients.
For visitor groups without kids a tour of the Cathedral Cellar at KWV Emporium is the ideal activity for a one-day tour of Paarl. The awe-inspiring windows of Cathedral Cellar – KWV’s iconic tasting room – are decorated with colours that represent some of nature’s finest moments: sunrise and sunset. Visit them and do their popular Cellar Tour which is a journey down memory lane as they share history about South African Wine Industry with you
