Paarl (Pearl in Afrikaans) is a city in the winelands region, 1,255 km southwest of Pretoria and 60 km (37 mi) northeast of Cape Town. The Berg River cuts the city in half and the surrounding area is dominated by mountains and vineyards.

The area has always been inhabited by Khoikhoi people. Paarl was established there by Dutch settlers in 1687.

The city features many Cape Dutch houses, beautiful gardens and streets lined with oak trees. The Genootskap van Regte Afrikaners (Association of Real Afrikaners) laid the foundation for the Afrikaans language in Paarl.

• The weird shaped sculpture that dominates the town is the Afrikaanse Taalmonument (Monument for the Afrikaans language). It is located on the slopes of Paarl Mountain.
• The former headquarters of the Ko-operatiewe Wijnbouwers Vereniging van Zuid-Afrika, better known by its initials of KWV (Co-operative Wine Growers' Association of South Africa) is located in Paarl. The KWV was founded in 1918 and became very important. It was privatized in the beginning of the 21st century and it no longer plays an administrative role in the South African wine industry. The production facilities can still be visited and tours include wine tasting.
• The famous granite Paarl Rock on Paarl Mountain is set among ancient wild olives, rock candle woods and wagon trees. It provides excellent views over the city and its surrounding areas. The rock is a popular destination for rock climbers.
• The old Spice Route Paarl provides an opportunity for tasting delicacies from the Western Cape. It also features art galleries.
• Tygerberg Hill is a hill adjacent to Paarl. It provides good views over the city.

• The Dutch Reformed Strooidakkerk got its name from its strooidak, which means thatched roof. It is located in High Street in the south of Paarl.
• St. Stephen's Church is located in Main Street.
• The Dutch Reformed Toringkerkwas built from 1904 to 1907. It has a 57-m high tower and it is located in Main Street.
• The old Zion Church is a whitewashed church with a small bellfry. It is located in Zion Street.

On 11 February 1990, Nelson Mandela walked out of Victor Verster Correctional Centre upon his realease after 27 years of imprisonment. Nowadays, the prison is called Drakenstein Correctional Centre and a statue of Nelson Mandela stands in front of it.

There are numerous hotels and restaurants in Paarl.

Paarl ©Vanclark

Toringkerk ©Martie Swart

Toringkerk ©Martie Swart

Statue of Nelson Mandela ©HelenSTB

Afrikaanse Taalmonument ©Matthew Philogene

Paarl Mountain ©Jameson Fink