Things To Do
in Port Elizabeth
Port Elizabeth, located in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa, is known for its beautiful beaches, such as Hobie Beach and King's Beach. The city also offers a variety of outdoor activities, including surfing, whale watching, and hiking in nearby national parks. Port Elizabeth has a rich history, with landmarks like the Donkin Reserve and Fort Frederick showcasing its colonial heritage.
The city is also a major seaport, playing a significant role in the region's economy.
- "Ngiyabonga" - Thank you
- "Unjani?" - How are you?
- "Sawubona" - Hello
- "Kodwa" - But
- "Ngicela" - Please
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $30 - $100
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $6 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $1.50 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $2
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $75
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Addo Elephant National Park. Enjoy a guided game drive to see elephants and other wildlife up close.
Head to the coastal town of Port St. Johns for lunch. Spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach or taking a boat tour of the stunning coastline.
Wrap up your exciting day with a sunset picnic on the beach. Enjoy local cuisine and watch the waves crash against the shore.
Visit the Red Location Museum to learn about the history of the Xhosa people. Explore the exhibits that showcase the struggles and triumphs of the community.
Have lunch at a local restaurant featuring traditional South African cuisine. Afterward, visit the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum for contemporary art.
Enjoy dinner at a popular local spot. Take a leisurely stroll along the beachfront promenade, soaking in the sea views.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful coastal scenery and beaches
- Mild climate with warm summers and mild winters
- Rich cultural heritage and history
- Affordable cost of living compared to major South African cities
- Access to outdoor activities such as hiking, water sports, and wildlife viewing
- High crime rates in certain areas
- Limited job opportunities in specific sectors
- Public transport system can be unreliable
- Some areas may experience poor infrastructure and maintenance
- Economic challenges in the region affecting development
Best Activities in Port Elizabeth
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore one of the largest national parks in South Africa, home to a wide variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, and buffaloes. Enjoy game drives, hiking trails, and bird watching.
Take a walk through this historical site that serves as a public park and a heritage site, offering beautiful views of the city and a chance to learn about Port Elizabeth's history.
Enjoy beach activities like swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking. This scenic beach is known for its beautiful sand dunes and stunning ocean views.
Enjoy a hike in this beautiful nature reserve that offers trails with breathtaking coastal views, diverse flora, and opportunities for birdwatching.
Engage in various water sports activities such as kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and sailing in the calm waters of Algoa Bay.
Take a leisurely ride or walk along the scenic Boardwalk Promenade, which features shops, restaurants, and stunning views of the beachfront.
Discover the local art scene by visiting this museum, which showcases various exhibitions and outdoor sculptures in a tranquil garden setting.
Take a short drive to nearby Jeffreys Bay, known for its world-class surfing conditions, where both beginners and experienced surfers can enjoy the waves.
Get up close with big cats and other wildlife at this park, where visitors can learn about animal conservation and enjoy guided tours.
Take part in hiking or biking through the Baakens Valley, a natural green space that provides a peaceful escape and a chance to enjoy the outdoors.
Tours
Uncover the best of Port Elizabeth with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Port Elizabeth
Visit one of these nice places.
A historic park offering panoramic views of the city and the harbor, ideal for sunrise and sunset photography.
A bell tower with a viewing platform providing a 360-degree view of Port Elizabeth and the surrounding coastline.
A scenic spot along the beach that offers stunning ocean views and great opportunities for sunset photos.
A nature reserve featuring beautiful coastal landscapes, perfect for wildlife photography and scenic beach shots.
A vibrant area with a variety of attractions and stunning views of the ocean, especially during golden hour.
A historical fort with elevated views of the bay, providing a unique perspective for photos of the coastline.
A popular beach with expansive views of the ocean, ideal for action shots and capturing local beach life.
Offers opportunities to photograph local wildlife, especially marine animals in a natural coastal setting.
A game reserve providing opportunities to capture wildlife in their natural habitat with scenic backdrops.
A natural history and marine museum located at the beachfront, offering unique photo opportunities of local marine life.
Food in Port Elizabeth
Port Elizabeth Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A South African barbecue, featuring various meats such as boerewors (sausage), steak, and chicken, cooked over an open flame. Don't miss the opportunity to enjoy a traditional braai at local venues like The Beer Yard or at family gatherings.
Must-Try!
Originally from Durban, this dish is also popular in Port Elizabeth. It consists of a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with flavorful curry, often served with a side of sambals (chopped salads). Head over to popular spots like Charlie's Pizza & Pasta or The Golden Fry for an authentic taste.
A local favorite, snoek (a type of fish) is seasoned and grilled over an open flame, resulting in a delicious smoky flavor. You can savor this dish at many seaside eateries like De Kelder Restaurant or Something Good Roadhouse.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Port Elizabeth better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
This lively market offers a variety of street food options, including gourmet burgers, seafood, and artisanal treats. It's a great place to sample diverse flavors and enjoy a vibrant atmosphere.
Located in the heart of Port Elizabeth, this market features a range of street food stalls offering everything from local snacks to international cuisine. Don't miss the opportunity to try out some traditional South African street food and mingle with locals.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
When meeting someone for the first time, a firm handshake accompanied by eye contact is common. In more informal settings, a friendly greeting is often accompanied by a smile. It's also important to use titles and surnames until invited to use first names.
Port Elizabeth is home to a diverse population with various cultures and languages. Being respectful and open to different customs, traditions, and languages is crucial. Showing appreciation for local cultures, like learning a few phrases in Xhosa, can enhance interactions.
While South Africans are generally warm and welcoming, it's important to be aware of personal space, which may vary among individuals and cultures. Maintain a comfortable distance during conversations, and observe cues from others on their preferred space.
Safety
Tipping in Port Elizabeth
Ensure a smooth experience
In Port Elizabeth, South Africa, tipping is generally expected in the service industry. A typical tip ranges from 10% to 15% of the total bill in restaurants, with higher tips for exceptional service. It is also common to tip taxi drivers, hotel staff, and tour guides. However, it's important to note that some upscale restaurants may include a service charge in the bill.
Payment methods in Port Elizabeth include cash, credit/debit cards, and mobile payments. Most establishments accept major credit cards, and ATMs are widely available for cash withdrawals. In markets and smaller shops, cash is often preferred. Mobile payment apps are also gaining popularity, but it’s advisable to confirm acceptance before relying on them.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Summer in Port Elizabeth is warm and sunny, with temperatures typically ranging from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). This is the peak tourist season, ideal for beach activities, water sports, and exploring the city’s outdoor attractions such as the Donkin Reserve.
Autumn offers mild temperatures and less humidity, making it a pleasant time to visit. Expect daytime temperatures between 15°C and 25°C (59°F to 77°F). This season is great for sightseeing and enjoying local festivals, and the crowds are smaller than in summer.
Winter in Port Elizabeth is relatively mild compared to other regions, with temperatures averaging from 7°C to 19°C (45°F to 66°F). There may be occasional rain, so it’s advisable to pack warmer clothing. This season is quieter, making it a good option for those looking to avoid crowds.
Spring marks the beginning of warmer weather, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F). The landscape blooms with colorful flowers, and it’s a wonderful time for outdoor activities and whale watching, especially in September and October.
Port Elizabeth at Night
Hiking in Port Elizabeth
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A beautiful nature reserve with various hiking trails, offering stunning views and diverse flora and fauna.
A scenic valley with walking and hiking trails, perfect for enjoying nature and exploring the local environment.
Features a variety of trails that showcase breathtaking views of the gorge, river, and surrounding landscapes.
A trail that winds through coastal forests and along the coastline, providing great views of the ocean.
Offers trails with picturesque views of the coastline, sand dunes, and birdwatching opportunities.
Aiports
How to reach Port Elizabeth by plane.
The main international airport serving Cape Town, located approximately 770 km from Port Elizabeth.
Located in Durban, about 850 km from Port Elizabeth, it is one of the major international airports in South Africa.
The busiest international airport in Africa, located in Johannesburg, approximately 1,000 km from Port Elizabeth.
A regional airport located about 400 km from Port Elizabeth, serving domestic flights and some international destinations.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest demographic group in Port Elizabeth, comprising a significant portion of the population. This group includes various ethnicities and languages.
A multi-ethnic group, primarily of mixed descent, which forms a substantial part of the population in Port Elizabeth.
Primarily of European descent, this group represents a smaller percentage of the population in Port Elizabeth.
This group comprises Indian and other Asian descent individuals, making up a small section of the population in Port Elizabeth.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Rugby is one of the most popular sports in Port Elizabeth, with a strong local following and several clubs participating in regional and national competitions.
Soccer, also known as football, is widely loved in Port Elizabeth, with various amateur and professional teams representing the city in competitions.
Cricket has a rich history in Port Elizabeth, with many clubs and schools participating in both local and national leagues, and the city being home to several cricket facilities.
Athletics is popular in Port Elizabeth, with numerous events and competitions taking place throughout the year, fostering a strong community of runners and track athletes.
Given its coastal location, Port Elizabeth offers various water sports such as surfing, sailing, and kayaking, attracting both locals and tourists.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Port Elizabeth.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Port Elizabeth caters well to vegetarians, with many restaurants offering creative plant-based dishes, such as gourmet salads, vegetarian curries, and veggie burgers.
While the vegan scene is not as extensive as in bigger cities, several establishments in Port Elizabeth offer vegan-friendly dishes, including plant-based burgers, falafel wraps, and vegan sushi rolls.
Many eateries in Port Elizabeth provide gluten-free alternatives, such as gluten-free pasta, pizzas, and baked goods, ensuring that those with gluten sensitivities can enjoy a wide array of dining options.