If you’re looking for something to do in the Friendly City, then look no further! We’ve compiled an awesome guide of things to do in Port Elizabeth. With activities catering to the cash-conscious, night owls and fun family outings, there’s something for everyone.
Cheap Things To Do
If you’re wanting to have a good time without being left with a dent in your bank account, peruse our list of cheap things to do in Port Elizabeth.
Stanley Street
Richmond Hill is one of the oldest suburbs in Port Elizabeth, laced with restored Victorian houses. Stanley Street is located in the heart of Richmond Hill and is strewn with top eateries, cocktail bars and a wine bar.
Stanley Street offers something for everyone, from laid-back drinks with friends to romantic dinners.
Some highlights include:
- Charlie Superstar for delicious pizza
- Fushin for the best sushi in Nelson Mandela Bay
- Bahia Lounge and Salt for excellent cocktails
- For the Love of Wine for a comprehensive list of wines. Food can be delivered from any restaurant on Stanley Street.
- Deli Street Cafe for fresh pastries, cappuccinos and novel menu items like nacho flatbread.
- Where: Stanley Street, Richmond Hill
Donkin Reserve
Donkin Reserve overlooks the city from its location off Belmont Terrace. The Donkin Reserve includes a Stone Pyramid Monument and a Lighthouse built in 1861.
The Pyramid is 10 metres high and was erected in in memory of Sir Rufane Donkin’s late wife. The Lighthouse is also home to Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism.
The Lighthouse is open to the public on weekdays between 8:00 and 16:30 and Saturdays between 9:30 and 15:30. For access, report to the Tourism Office. The Donkin Reserve is part of Route 67 and the Donkin Heritage Trail.
- When: Mondays to Fridays, 8:00 - 16:30, Saturdays, 9:30 - 15:30
- Where: Donkin Street, Belmont Terrace, Port Elizabeth
- More info: Website
- Contact number: 041 582 2575
St George’s Park
St George’s Park is Port Elizabeth’s oldest park, situated an easy walking distance from the city centre. Established in 1860, the park spreads over 73 ha. and includes pristine wooded areas with extensive collections of plants and trees.
The famous Port Elizabeth Cricket Club, the oldest bowling green in South Africa, “Founders Green”, a swimming pool and the Victorian Pearson Conservatory are located in the park.
There is a children’s playground and a monthly Art in the Park event on the last Sunday of every month showcasing a great number of art and craft stalls.
- Where: St George's Park, Park Drive
- More info: Website
- Contact number: 041 506 2775
Route 67
Route 67 is named for its 67 public artworks, one for every year of Nelson Mandela’s political life and his struggle for freedom. Follow the route as it unfolds in a celebration of heritage, colour and art.
The route includes art galleries, parks and the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum.
- Cost: Single - R100.00, 2 to 3 - R90.00 pp, 3 to 5 - R80.00 pp, 5 to 10 - R70.00 pp, Community group - R1,200 per group of 30
- When: Mondays to Fridays, 9:00 - 15:00
- Where: Donkin Reserve, Port Elizabeth
- More info: Website
- Contact number: 041 582 2575
Movies
Find the latest movies and showtimes in Port Elizabeth. See Trailers, Reviews, Ratings, Release Dates & More - (2D, 3D, IMAX 3D, PRESTIGE)
- Ster Kinekor Baywest (Hunter’s Retreat)
- NuMetro Boardwalk (Summerstrand)
- NuMetro Walmer Park (Walmer)
Things To Do at Night
For the night owls, experience what Port Elizabeth has to offer by night. Try your luck at The Boardwalk Casino or visit the popular new kid on the block, Baakens Food Truck Fridays.
The Boardwalk Casino & Entertainment World
The Boardwalk Casino is the only licensed casino in the Nelson Mandela Bay area. It offers the perfect spot for endless excitement and entertainment.
The Entertainment World offers fun activities such as a Speedway Go-kart track, The Lighthouse Ten Pin Bowling, adventure golf and a Nu Metro cinema.
- Where: 2nd Avenue, Summerstrand, Port Elizabeth
- More info: Website
- Contact number: 041 507 7777
Baakens Food Truck Fridays
The Baakens Food Truck Fridays is a relatively new event, not yet a year old. It comes together in a celebration of friends, food, entertainment and fun. Entry to the market is free.
Enjoy delicious food with meals under R45 and a great atmosphere at this family friendly market. There is live music and kids activities so bring along your picnic blanket and enjoy a beautiful evening.
In the winter months the event will move to Sunday from 12:00 to 17:00.
- When: Second Friday of the month, 16:00 - 21:00, Winter edition (June - August), 12:00 - 17:00
- Where: WERK, Corner of Lower Valley and Alabaster Street, Baakens Valley
- More info: Facebook
- Contact number: 082 367 1864
Things To Do with Kids
The kids, and you, are sure to be entertained and educated by our family-friendly guide of things to do with kids in Port Elizabeth.
South African Marine Rehabilitation and Education Centre
SAMREC’s aim is to rescue and rehabilitate injured and sick seabirds, especially the critically endangered African Penguin. Visit the centre for a tour and explore the Discovery Room’s displays. You’ll be able to see volunteers care for the patients and permanent residents of the centre.
The Flying Penguin Cafe is open Tuesdays to Sundays from 10:30 till 16:00, to provide you with delicious tarts, home-baked goodies and light meals.
- Where: Cape Recife Nature Reserve (Off Marine Drive after Pine Lodge)
- More info: Website
- Contact number: 041 583 1830
Bayworld
Bayworld is unique in its approach as it combines a natural and cultural history museum with an Oceanarium and Snake Park. Bayworld is located on Port Elizabeth's beachfront and is popular amongst locals and tourists alike.
Bayworld’s focus is both research and education with the aim of creating greater awareness around conservation of South Africa’s natural and cultural heritage.
Research and education programmes are offered that focus on reptiles, marine life, local and maritime history.
- Entry fee: Adults - R45, children (3-17 years) - R35, pensioners and students - R40
- When: Daily (except 25 Dec), 9:00 - 16:30
- Where: Beach Road, Humewood
- More info: Website
- Contact number: 041 584 0650
Splash Waterworld Supertubes
Splash Waterworld offers a day of great fun for any occasion. Whizz down the Supertube, careen down the Speedslide or meander down the Lazy River Ride.
There are also rides to ensure the little ones don’t miss out on the fun. Splash Waterworld is closed for the winter months but will reopen on 23 September 2017.
- Where: Kings Beach, Port Elizabeth
- More info: Website
- Contact number: 073 238 6364
Happy Valley
Happy Valley offers an ideal family outing that appeals to both children and adults alike. Stroll through the pretty surrounds and take in the colourful light displays. There also giant palms, rockeries, lily ponds and peaceful retreats for taking a break.
There is a large chessboard on the grounds and the chess pieces are available from the Beach Manager’s Office.
- Where: Humewood Beach, Beach Road, Summerstrand
- More info: Website
- Contact number: 041 506 1423
Nanaga Farmstall
Nanaga Farmstall has been around for 43 years. It is divided into a farm stall and a restaurant. At the farm stall you’ll find homemade delights such as pies, roosterkoek, jams, breads and cakes. There is also a gift shop.
The restaurant offers a menu catering to breakfasts, lunches and light meals. Tuck into hearty meals or satisfy your sweet tooth with some dessert.
- When: Mondays to Sundays, 8:00 - 17:30
- Where: N2 Highway & R72, Alexandria
- More info: Website
- Contact number: 041 468 0353
Fun activities To Do in PE
Embark on a new adventure filled with excitement and discovery. Visit a game reserve, go on a marine wildlife viewing experience or watch a herd of elephants at the waterhole. Our guide of fun activities to do in Port Elizabeth will have you and your family going back for more.
Shamwari Game Reserve
Shamwari Game Reserve combines successful conservation and responsible tourism with a luxurious experience. You’ll be able to spot the Big 5 while on a game drive, go birding or enjoy the safari spa.
It is worth paying a visit to the Born Free Big Cat Sanctuary and the Ian Player Rhino Centre. Born Free aims to raise awareness about the plight of wild cats which are kept in impoverished, captive environments.
The Ian Player Rhino Centre aims to draw attention to the plight of the rhino. The African rhino population has, in recent times, suffered a major blow due to poaching and is close to extinction.
- Where: Shamwari Game Reserve, N2 between Port Elizabeth and Grahamstown
- More info: Website
- Contact number: 041 509 3000
Note: Shamwari doesn't offer day trip safaris.
Kragga Kamma Game Park
Kragga Kamma Game Park is a small game reserve which offers accommodation, game drives and cheetah interactions. The park is home to African game including the white rhino, cheetah, buffalo, giraffe, zebra and many more.
The park has well-maintained roads which means there is no need for 4x4 vehicles. You will be able to enjoy game viewing from the convenience of your car.
- Where: Kragga Kamma Road, Theesecombe, Port Elizabeth
- More info: Website
- Contact number: 041 379 4195
Raggy Charters
Raggy Charters is a marine eco-tour company. They specialise in ocean safaris centred around whale watching, dolphin and penguin viewing and visiting the other natural wonders of Algoa Bay.
Port Elizabeth is a haven for whale watching and is host to the largest breeding colony of African penguins.
The ocean safari tours last 3-4 hours and cover roughly 50km, maximising your chance to see all the marine wildlife of Algoa Bay. Raggy Charters offers marine wildlife viewing experiences all year round.
- Where: Algoa Bay Yacht Club, Port Elizabeth Harbour
- More info: Website
- Contact number: 073 152 2277
Addo Elephant Park
Addo Elephant Park is the third largest national park in South Africa. It conserves a wide span of landscapes, biodiversity, fauna and flora within its borders.
Activities within the park include game viewing, horse trails, 4x4 trails, hiking trails and marine eco tours.
Addo is home to more than 600 elephants and 400 buffalo. You can also spot lion, antelope, warthog, Burchell’s zebra and the elusive leopard.
- Where: R335 Paterson Road, Addo
- More info: Website
- Contact number: 042 233 8600
Experience all Port Elizabeth has to offer from its great selection of restaurants and outdoor activities to its friendly people. Whether you are looking for excellent cuisine or a fun-filled day out, Port Elizabeth has got your back.
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