Nestled at the foothills of the Simonsberg Mountains in the Cape Winelands of South Africa lies (📍) Babylonstoren. With its rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and commitment to sustainability, Babylonstoren offers visitors a unique and unforgettable experience. Let’s have a look at why you should add this historic Cape Dutch farm estate to your travel itinerary.
The farm dates back to 1692 and is less than 40 minutes away from Cape Town.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links which means I get a commission if you buy a product through my link at no extra cost to you. By doing so, I can keep this blog going and continue to create helpful guides for you. Read more: Privacy Policy
Why do you need to visit Babylonstoren?
Babylonstoren has become very popular among locals and internationals. The farm has so much to offer and to be honest, you can spend the whole day here. It is also the perfect place to take those Instagram photos!
PIN IT for later!
Guided tours
You can step back in time as you wander through the meticulously restored Cape Dutch buildings that date back to the late 17th century. Babylonstoren is steeped in history and has played a significant role in shaping the agricultural landscape of the Western Cape.
Learn about the farm’s storied past through guided tours of the historic buildings, gardens, and vineyards.
Daily tours include garden tours, cellar tours and also olive oil and balsamic tours.
Garden
You will need to pay an entrance fee if you want to access the gardens. This does not include a guided tour.
The gardens spread over eight acres, the gardens are a symphony of colour, fragrance, and texture. The meticulously landscaped beds overflowing with fruits, vegetables, indigenous plants, and fragrant herbs. Take a leisurely stroll through the orchards, vineyards, and vegetable gardens.
There is a daily garden tour that starts at 10h00 in front of the Front Shop which is guided by an experienced gardener. Here you can pick, taste and smell while you walk through the gardens.
Food
Indulge your taste buds with farm-to-fork dining experiences that showcase the freshest seasonal produce sourced directly from Babylonstoren’s gardens. There are two restaurants to choose from where you can enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and vineyards.
The Greenhouse
The Greenhouse restaurant is open from 10h00 to 16h00 and is tucked away between oak trees. No reservation is required unless you are a group of 13 or more.
Babel
Booking is essential when visiting Babel. The restaurant is located in an old cow shed with a mix of ape Dutch architecture and contemporary glass walls.
Operating Times:
- They are open for breakfast on Mondays to Sundays from 08h00 to 10h00.
- Lunch can be booked Wednesdays to Sundays from 12h00 to 15h30.
- Dinner is open Mondays to Sundays from 17h00 to 21h00.
Wine
No visit to Babylonstoren would be complete without indulging in their exceptional wines, crafted with passion and expertise from grapes grown in the estate’s vineyards. You can enjoy guided wine tastings and cellar tours, where you’ll have the opportunity to sample a diverse selection of varietals.
Wine tasting starts at R80 pp and is next to the Wine Cellar. Here you have the best views of the Babylonstoren hill and the Simonsberg.
You can also do the hop-on hop-off experience with the Franschhoek Wine Tram, as Babylonstoren is one of their stops if you ride the purple line.
Accommodation
Experience the ultimate in luxury and relaxation with a stay at Babylonstoren’s exquisite accommodation. Each accommodation option is thoughtfully designed to provide a serene and comfortable retreat for guests. Immerse yourself in the rustic elegance of Cape Dutch architecture, with modern amenities and luxurious touches that enhance your experience. Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway for two or a family-friendly escape, Babylonstoren’s accommodations offer the perfect blend of comfort, style and serenity.
Spa
Escape the hustle and bustle of city life and rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul at Babylonstoren’s luxurious spa and wellness center. Nestled amid tranquil gardens and ancient oak trees, the spa offers a range of holistic treatments inspired by the farm’s natural surroundings. Unwind with a restorative massage or indulge in a revitalizing facial. There are many selections of treatments to choose from. They use fresh herbs from their garden in their daily spa rituals. You’ll find the spa in a bamboo pavilion that has a hammam, chill room, hot spa and a gym. You can even buy a friend the perfect birthday gift by buying them a gift card to visit the spa!
2 week itinerary for Cape Town
Cape Town is definitely a must-visit destination, and there is a reason why it is so popular among international tourists and locals. With this two-week...
READ MORE
Franschhoek Wine Tram Guide
If you only have a few days to explore the Cape Winelands, I highly suggest adding the Franschhoek Wine Tram to your list. Franschhoek is known...
READ MORE
A day trip to Cape Agulhas
Standing proudly at the southernmost tip of the African continent, Cape Agulhas beckons travellers with its rugged beauty in South Africa. Learn about the rich...
READ MORE
The best wine farms in the Cape Winelands
Nestled amidst rolling vineyards and picturesque landscapes lies the Cape Winelands of South Africa. It is no secret that the Western Cape (in particular the...
READ MORE
Top things to do in Cape Town
Nestled between the iconic Table Mountain and the sparkling waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Town is a city that effortlessly combines natural beauty, cultural...
READ MORE
Flower season in South Africa
When is flower season in South Africa? When the wildflower season blooms, the country’s landscapes transform into a vivid kaleidoscope of colours. Every year from...
READ MORE
A day trip exploring the Cape Peninsula
Cape Town in South Africa is a city of breathtaking landscapes, rich history and a vibrant culture. One of the most spectacular ways to experience...
READ MORE
A day trip to Paarl, South Africa
Nestled within the picturesque Cape Winelands, you’ll find the quaint Paarl. Only a 45-minute drive from Cape Town, this town seamlessly blends natural beauty, rich...
READ MORE
See penguins in Cape Town
Most of you know about the penguins in Cape Town, as this is quite a popular attraction for tourists who visit the Mother City. Visitors...
READ MORE
Ultimate Cape Town Travel Guide
Welcome to Cape Town, one of the most captivating cities in the world! And this travel guide will provide you with insider information on everything...
READ MORE
Visiting Cape Point Nature Reserve in Cape Town
A trip to Cape Town will not be complete without a stop at Cape Point Nature Reserve. Visiting Cape Point Nature Reserve (📍) is great...
READ MORE
The best time to visit South Africa
When is the best time to visit South Africa? This is a question I get asked quite often, and my response is always, “It depends...
READ MORE
Cape Town 1-Week Itinerary
Cape Town, with its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and diverse activities, is a dream destination for local and international travellers. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast,...
READ MORE
Weekend itinerary for Cape Town
Cape Town, often called the ‘Mother City’, is a breathtaking destination with a rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes. Cape Town is the perfect...
READ MORE
The best beaches in Cape Town
Nestled along the stunning coastline of South Africa‘s Western Cape, lies Cape Town. It boasts some of the most picturesque and diverse beaches in the...
READ MORE
Lions Head hike in Cape Town, South Africa
Nestled majestically between Table Mountain and Signal Hill lies a natural gem – the Lions Head hike – that beckons adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts...
READ MORE
Chapman’s Peak hike | Cape Town
Chapman’s Peak in Cape Town is known for its famous scenic drive that connects Hout Bay and Noordhoek. Although there are various viewpoints on this...
READ MORE
Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve Hiking Trail
Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve is nestled in the picturesque Franschhoek Valley in the Cape Winelands. It beckons adventurers to explore its breathtaking landscapes and diverse...
READ MORE
Visiting Cape Point Nature Reserve in Cape Town
A trip to Cape Town will not be complete without a stop at Cape Point Nature Reserve. Visiting Cape Point Nature Reserve (📍) is great...
READ MORE
Hike Table Mountain via Kasteelspoort
The Kasteelspoort Hike is nestled in the heart of Cape Town, South Africa and is a great way to explore the majestic Table Mountain. Table...
READ MORE
Platteklip Gorge Hike up Table Mountain
Platteklip Gorge is probably one of the most iconic hiking trails up Table Mountain. Now if you ask any international tourist to name one thing...
READ MOREWant to read it again later? PIN IT!
