Best Tourist Places to Visit in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, Africa

Best Tourist Places to Visit in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, Africa

Port Elizabeth is one of the important cities of South Africa, situated on the southern coastline of the country, around 750 km east of Cape Town and 900 km southwest of the city of Durban. It is popularly called ‘The Friendly City’ for its healthy climate, upgraded infrastructure and winsome tourist attractions. Port Elizabeth is a blend of natural and manmade tourist attractions like enthralling beaches, museums and parks. Port Elizabeth is located at 33°57′29″ S 25°36′00″ E and spans over an area of 251.03 sq. km.

History of Port Elizabeth:

The recorded history of Port Elizabeth says the Portuguese explorer Bartholomew Dias was the first European to land in Algoa Bay or Port Elizabeth in 1488. The real history of Port Elizabeth begins with its foundation by the British settlers in the year 1820 as a town. Port Elizabeth was one of the places to host 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Getting Port Elizabeth:

The Port Elizabeth Airport is situated around 5 km away from the city centre, handling flights to Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban and many other South African cities.

By train, Port Elizabeth connects all the prominent South African cities like Cape Town, Kimberley, Pietermaritzburg, Durban, Johannesburg, Bloemfontein and East London.

Buses, taxis and rental cars are the options to get around Port Elizabeth and to hire car, visitors can contact CABS Car hire or First Car Rental.

Culture, Food and Shopping in Port Elizabeth:

Port Elizabeth is a city with many renowned museums showcasing the country’s culture and history such as Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum, Red Location Museum and No 7 Castle Hill Museum.

African Curios and Hides and Siyalcha Dolls are some purchasable items in Port Elizabeth. Some tourist favor restaurants in Port Elizabeth include:

Old Austria
Ginger Restaurant
Blue Waters Cafe
Fishmonger

Things to do in Port Elizabeth:

Scuba diving
Hiking
Beach exploration

What to see in Port Elizabeth?

Donkin Reserve:

The Donkin Reserve is one of the most famous historic tourist attractions in Port Elizabeth. It was built by the British army officer Sir Rufane Donkin in the memory of his wife Elizabeth in the beginning of the 19^th century.

South Africa Airforce Museum:

The South Africa Airforce Museum is a place where visitors can get the complete and interesting information on South African Air Force. It is open from 8AM to 3:30PM (Monday to Friday) and 10AM to 6PM (Sunday). No admission fee.

Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum:

Situated at 1 Park Drive in the centre of Port Elizabeth, the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum holds a great collection of South African artworks, mainly Eastern Cape artworks. It is allowed for visitors 9AM-5PM (Monday-Friday) and 2PM-5PM (Saturday and Sunday).

Kragga Kamma Game Park:

The Kragga Kamma Game Park is an amazing wildlife centre, home to a wide range of animals including White Rhino, Buffalo, Cheetah and Giraffes. Admission fee is R30.Worth a visit.

Beaches of Port Elizabeth:

Port Elizabeth encompasses many excellent beaches with opportunities of different water sport activities, including surfing and swimming. The most famous beaches are Humewood, Hobie, Kings and Wells Estate Beach.

List of other places of interest in Port Elizabeth includes:

Cape Recife Nature Reserve
Red Location Museum
Van Stadens Nature Reserve
South End Museum
St George’s Park
Seaview Lion Park
Donkin Heritage Trail
No 7 Castle Hill Museum
Prince Alfred’s Guard Memorial
The Cathedral Church of St Mary the Virgin
The Boardwalk Casino & Entertainment world
Kwantu Private Game Reserve
Shamwari Game Reserve

When to visit Port Elizabeth?

Throughout the year is best, especially from November to March is the ideal time to visit Port Elizabeth.

Where to stay in Port Elizabeth?

Being a world class tourist destination, Port Elizabeth houses dozens of top class accommodation centres like hotels, holiday rentals, BB and inns with amazing amenities. Here are some upgraded hotels in Port Elizabeth: