Six Cape Dutch towns that'll transport you to the Netherlands

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Cape Dutch architecture is one of the most distinctive features of South Africa’s beautiful Western Cape. With its whitewashed walls, ornate gables, and thatched roofs, it feels like a slice of the Netherlands dropped into the Southern Hemisphere. These six towns are where this style is preserved, celebrated, and alive – not just in buildings but in food, wine, and atmosphere. Here’s where to go if you want a Dutch fix without a flight to Amsterdam…

1. Stellenbosch

Stellenbosch is the poster child for Cape Dutch charm. Walk down Dorp Street and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a European village. Oak-lined avenues, centuries-old wine estates, and cafes in restored manors make this town the perfect blend of history and lifestyle.

Don’t miss: The Stellenbosch Village Museum and a tasting at Rust en Vrede or Spier.

Take a look here: #stellenbosch

2. Franschhoek

Once a French Huguenot settlement, Franschhoek embraced Cape Dutch aesthetics and made them luxurious. The valley is dotted with grand estates that fuse European influence with South African landscapes – vineyards, mountains, and pristine gardens.

Don’t miss: Boschendal’s Cape Dutch manor house and the wine tram for a picturesque estate-hopping experience.

Take a look here: #franschhoek

3. Tulbagh

After a devastating earthquake in 1969, Tulbagh restored dozens of Cape Dutch buildings, especially along Church Street. It’s one of the most concentrated collections of this architecture in South Africa – with fewer crowds and a slower pace.

Don’t miss: The beautifully preserved Old Mission Church and wine tastings at Saronsberg or Rijks.

Take a look here: #tulbagh

4. Swellendam

Swellendam is South Africa’s third-oldest town and a prime example of Dutch colonial influence. The Drostdy Museum complex is a standout – a restored governor’s residence that paints a vivid picture of 18th-century life.

Don’t miss: Exploring Marloth Nature Reserve before heading back to town for coffee and cake at a heritage café.

Take a look here: #swellendam

5. Graaff-Reinet

Though a bit off the beaten path in the Eastern Cape, Graaff-Reinet is worth the detour. It boasts over 220 heritage sites, many of them Cape Dutch homes. The white facades pop against the dry Karoo landscape, making it visually striking and historically rich.

Don’t miss: The Reinet House Museum and a sunset drive through the Valley of Desolation.

Take a look here: #graaffreinet

6. Paarl

Paarl is less flashy than its neighbours but just as steeped in Dutch history. Its main street is one of the longest in the country, lined with Cape Dutch homes and public buildings that date back to the 18th century.

Don’t miss: A visit to Laborie Wine Estate and the Taal Monument for a unique take on Dutch-South African heritage.

Take a look here: #paarl