Things To Do
in Grahamstown
Grahamstown (officially Makhanda) is a compact university city in South Africa's Eastern Cape known for its historic sandstone architecture, lively arts scene and academic energy centred on Rhodes University. The town hosts the annual National Arts Festival, attracting performers and visitors from across the country and giving the streets a creative, bustling atmosphere. Beyond its cultural life, Grahamstown sits amid rolling Albany grasslands and is a practical base for nearby coastal towns and nature reserves.
The mix of student life, colonial-era buildings and Xhosa cultural heritage gives the town a distinct, layered character worth exploring on foot and by short drives into the surrounding countryside.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a guided walking tour through Grahamstown’s historic district, where stories of the early settlers spring to life. Visit the beautiful Cathedral of St. Michael and St. George, a stunning landmark that showcases Gothic architecture. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of this quaint town.
After lunch, unwind at the Albany Museum, which holds a treasure trove of natural and cultural history exhibits. Explore the unique displays that reflect the heritage of the Eastern Cape and learn about the region's fascinating past. Stroll through the nearby Botanical Gardens, delighting in the variety of indigenous plants and the serenity of your surroundings.
Dine at a traditional South African restaurant, savoring local specialties such as braai or bunny chow. Engage in conversations with local residents about Grahamstown's dynamic cultural scene and history. Complete your day with a visit to the Makana Convention Centre, where you might catch a live performance or exhibition.
Begin your day with a visit to the National Arts Festival office, where you can learn about upcoming events and workshops. Attend a morning art class or workshop that allows you to create your own masterpiece inspired by local talent. Enjoy breakfast at a nearby artisan bakery known for its freshly baked goods.
Explore the local galleries and studios showcasing the works of both established and emerging artists. Take time to meet the creators, who often share their stories and inspirations behind their artwork. Relax at a café with outdoor seating, watching the world go by as you enjoy a light lunch.
Join the local community for an evening of performances, ranging from theatrical plays to music concerts. Savor dinner at a fusion restaurant that combines South African flavors with international cuisine. Afterward, take a leisurely walk to enjoy the town's night lights and ambiance.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| ☕️Coffee (café) | $1.50-3.00 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (pub) | $2-4 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride / rideshare | $2-7 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $45-90 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich arts and festival culture, especially during the National Arts Festival
- Compact, walkable historic centre with architectural character and university atmosphere
- Good base for coastal day trips and exploring Eastern Cape flora and birdlife
- Quieter outside festival season with limited late-night services
- Some safety concerns after dark; take normal South African urban precautions
- Limited direct public transport to larger cities — a car is often useful for day trips
- "Molo" - Hello (Xhosa, singular)
- "Unjani?" - How are you? (Xhosa)
- "Enkosi" - Thank you (Xhosa)
- "Dankie" - Thank you (Afrikaans)
- "Hello / Hi" - Hello / Hi (English — widely spoken)
Places to Visit in Grahamstown
Visit one of these nice places.
Architectural stone buildings, leafy streets and elevated viewpoints provide classic shots of collegiate life and historic facades.
Museum exteriors, memorials and heritage streetscapes capture the town’s colonial-era atmosphere and curated exhibits.
The cathedral’s Gothic architecture and interior details make for strong architectural and stained-glass photography.
Find a small hill or rooftop café to capture warm light over sandstone roofs and tree-lined streets as daylight fades.
Riverbanks, estuaries and coastal towns within a short drive provide landscapes, birdlife and seascapes for variety outside the town centre.
Food in Grahamstown
Grahamstown Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Classic South African grilled meats and skewers; widely available at local eateries and weekend markets or offered by guesthouses for communal meals.
Must-Try!
A staple maize porridge (pap) served with a spicy vegetable relish (chakalaka); commonly found at informal restaurants and family-style meals.
When you visit Port Alfred/Kenton-on-Sea nearby, try grilled fish or calamari at seaside restaurants for fresh coastal flavour.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small weekend markets (often at community halls or university events) sell baked goods, pies, home-made preserves and occasional street-food stalls — ideal for sampling local baked treats and snacks.
During the National Arts Festival the streets fill with pop-up stalls offering a wide variety of eats — excellent for tasting diverse local and artisanal foods.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Polite, friendly greetings matter — a simple 'hello' and brief exchange is customary. In isiXhosa-speaking communities, a respectful greeting in the local language is appreciated.
Be mindful at religious sites, museums and cultural events; observe photography rules and dress modestly where appropriate.
With a large student population, expect diverse viewpoints and active discussion; respect student spaces and university property.
Safety
Tipping in Grahamstown
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping around 10–15% in restaurants is customary for good service; round up for café orders, tip porters/housekeepers a small amount, and give drivers or guides a modest tip if satisfied.
South African rand (ZAR) is the currency. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most restaurants, hotels and shops in town, but smaller vendors and markets may prefer cash. ATMs are available in town — notify your bank before travel if using foreign cards.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm to hot days (December–February) with occasional thunderstorms; great for outdoor festivals, coastal day trips and long daylight for activities. Pack sun protection, light clothing and a light rain layer for sudden showers.
Milder temperatures (March–May), clear skies and crisp mornings — excellent for walking, photography and quieter museum visits after the festival season.
Cooler and drier (June–August) with chilly nights; daytime conditions are often pleasant but bring a warm jacket for evenings and early mornings. Some rural activities may be less comfortable in cold snaps.
Warming temperatures (September–November) and blossoming countryside; ideal for birdwatching, hiking and catching early-season festivals or markets.
Grahamstown at Night
Hiking in Grahamstown
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Local rolling grasslands and farm tracks around Grahamstown offer easy to moderate walks with scenic views and opportunities for birdwatching.
Within an hour’s drive, coastal paths and beaches provide coastal walking, tidepool exploring and shoreline scenery for day-hike options.
Nearby private reserves and public conservation areas host short trails for wildlife viewing and peaceful nature walks — check with local tourism offices for specific routes and access.
Airports
How to reach Grahamstown by plane.
Approximately 1.5–2 hours’ drive from Grahamstown, Gqeberha offers domestic flights and is a common gateway for visitors to the Eastern Cape.
About 1.5–2 hours by car depending on route; East London provides additional domestic flight options and access to the southern parts of the Eastern Cape.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The Eastern Cape is a heartland of isiXhosa culture; many residents are Xhosa-speaking and local traditions influence everyday life.
Rhodes University brings a sizable student population from across South Africa and beyond, adding cultural diversity and youthful energy.
Afrikaans and English-speaking communities form part of the town’s demographic mix, reflecting settler history and modern multicultural dynamics.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Rugby is a major sport in the region, with strong school and university traditions and enthusiastic local support for matches.
Cricket is widely played and followed in season at school, university and community levels.
Rhodes University hosts a variety of sports — soccer, netball and athletics are popular and draw local crowds for fixtures.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Grahamstown.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are readily available in cafés and many restaurants; ask staff to adapt dishes (many places will offer salads, vegetable stews, or pasta).
More limited but increasingly available — enquire in advance at sit-down restaurants or stick to health-food-style cafés and markets for reliable choices.
English is widely spoken — clearly explain allergies to staff and confirm ingredients. In smaller establishments, bring necessary snacks or medication as specialty options may be limited.