Gqeberha Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Bayworld featuring art and outdoor art
Explore exciting game reserves, historical museums and miles of beaches in “The Friendly City”, a beach-loving city on South Africa’s Sunshine Coast.

Port Elizabeth is known for its beautiful beaches, charming downtown area and wildlife spotting opportunities. The city sits along the shores of Nelson Mandela Bay, at the western edge of the Sunshine Coast. Founded by British settlers in the early 1800s, Port Elizabeth’s history, scenery and clean surf breaks make it a haven for backpackers, surfers, families and young couples alike.

Port Elizabeth features 25 miles (40 kilometres) of pristine beaches, which stretch along Algoa Bay and Nelson Mandela Bay. Swim in the calm waters of King’s Beach and learn about the Eastern Cape’s underwater world at Bayworld. Enjoy family-friendly beach fun at Humewood Beach, one of South Africa’s oldest Blue Flag beaches. Hobie Beach is an exciting destination for surfing, windsurfing and scuba diving. Spot migrating whales from Shark Rock Pier and join local cultural festivals. 

Discover Port Elizabeth’s history on the Donkin Heritage Trail, a self-guided walk past approximately 50 historical city centre sights. Among these are Market Square, Donkin Reserve, No. 7 Castle Hill Museum and the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum. Follow Route 67 to discover 67 public works of art that celebrate Nelson Mandela’s 67-year contribution to politics and anti-apartheid movements. Learn about local apartheid struggles at the South End Museum. Step onboard military aircraft at the South African Air Force Museum. 

Rent a car or join an organised tour and visit the nearby wildlife centers for the chance to spot Africa’s famous “big five” animals. See buffalo, cheetahs and giraffes roaming free at Kragga Kamma Game Park. Get up close to lions at Seaview Predator Park. Find Addo Elephant Park, Amakhala Game Reserve and Shamwari Game Reserve within 90-minutes’ drive from the city.

Reach Port Elizabeth by flying to Port Elizabeth International Airport, just a 10-minute drive from the city centre. Get around using public buses, low-cost taxis or a rented car. With plenty of outdoor activities, average temperatures of 63°F (17°C) and the mild water of the Indian Ocean, Port Elizabeth is a true year-round destination.

Where to stay in Gqeberha

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Walmer

4/5(8 area reviews)

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Walmer and surrounding area, you can visit Greenacres Shopping Centre and Port Elizabeth Golf Club.

Walmer
Port Elizabeth

Port Elizabeth Central

2.5/5(2 area reviews)

While visiting Port Elizabeth Central, you might make a stop by sights like Port Elizabeth City Hall and St. George's Cricket Ground.

Port Elizabeth Central
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New Brighton

New Brighton might not have many top sights, but Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium and Newton Park Swimming Pool are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

New Brighton
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Newton Park

While visiting Newton Park, you might make a stop by sights like Newton Park Swimming Pool and Main Public Library.

Newton Park
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Pollok Beach

4/5(12 area reviews)

Seaside views, waterfront views and restaurants are some highlights of Pollok Beach. Make a stop by Hobie Beach or Piet Retief Monument while you're exploring.

Pollok Beach
Road Lodge Port Elizabeth Airport
Road Lodge Port Elizabeth Airport
1 out of 5
Cnr of De Havilland and Airport West Rd, Port Elizabeth Airport, Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), Eastern Cape
The price is ₹2,734 per night from 30 Mar to 31 Mar
₹2,734
per night
30 Mar - 31 Mar
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Gqeberha. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and breakfast. Popular attractions Ron Belling Art Gallery and St. George's Cricket ...
7.8/10 Good! (387 reviews)
Airport Getaway
"Great hotel in the perfect location for early morning flights. Room has everything you require. Restaurant had good choice of meals."

Reviewed on 1 Mar 2024

Road Lodge Port Elizabeth Airport
Radisson Blu Hotel, Port Elizabeth
Radisson Blu Hotel, Port Elizabeth
4 out of 5
Corner of Marine Drive And Ninth Avenue, Summerstrand, Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), Eastern Cape
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹7,126 per night from 14 Apr to 15 Apr
₹7,126
per night
14 Apr - 15 Apr
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Gqeberha. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Piet Retief Monument and Lighthouses Tenpin ...
8/10 Very Good! (661 reviews)
"Grear location, very friendly staff"

Reviewed on 9 Mar 2024

Radisson Blu Hotel, Port Elizabeth
Town Lodge Port Elizabeth
Town Lodge Port Elizabeth
2 out of 5
Cnr of Beach & Lodge Rds Summerstrand, Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), Eastern Cape
The price is ₹3,600 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
₹3,600
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Gqeberha. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and breakfast. Popular attractions Humewood Beach and The Boardwalk Casino & ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (197 reviews)
"Everything"

Reviewed on 26 Jan 2024

Town Lodge Port Elizabeth
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
First Group Brookes Hill Suites
First Group Brookes Hill Suites
4.5 out of 5
Lower Brookes Hill Street, Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), Eastern Cape
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Gqeberha. Enjoy free parking, WiFi and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Bayworld and Museum of Bay World are ...
First Group Brookes Hill Suites
Paxton Luxury Apartments
Paxton Luxury Apartments
4 out of 5
1 Humewood Rd, Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), Eastern Cape
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Gqeberha. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and barbecues. Popular attractions Museum of Bay World and Bayworld are located nearby. ...
7.2/10 Good! (10 reviews)
Paxton not so luxury apartments
"For the price paid for a “luxury” establishment extremely dissatisfied! NO AIRCON OR FAN 32degree days, oh its a new place was the response…huh😡 I booked into the wrong Paxton the actual hotel is R700 per night cheaper in a better area with AIRCON!!"

Reviewed on 28 Feb 2024

Paxton Luxury Apartments
Paxton Luxury Apartments
Paxton Luxury Apartments
3.5 out of 5
Cnr. Humewood Road and Mansions Avenue, Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), Eastern Cape
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Gqeberha. Enjoy a front desk safe. Popular attractions Museum of Bay World and Bayworld are located nearby. Discover genuine ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
"Very clean and the rooms are very modern. Great experience!"

Reviewed on 17 Oct 2023

Paxton Luxury Apartments
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Gqeberha

3.8
Guest rating
5 - Excellent
7
" "5 - Excellent 20%
4 - Good
17
" "4 - Good 48.57142857142857%
3 - Okay
8
" "3 - Okay 22.857142857142858%
2 - Disappointing
3
" "2 - Disappointing 8.571428571428571%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
6 Feb 2020

Loved it - great vibe

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
23 Jan 2020

Great place to visit especially for cricket!

4/5 - Good

Jon
22 Jan 2020

If you're travelling without a car, do make sure you have Uber. Taxis are hard to find considering it is a fair-sized place and are relatively expensive by SA standards

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
21 Jan 2020

The cricket experience at St Georges Park was very good

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
5 Nov 2019

Enjoyed the beach, and especially Raggy Charters boat trip

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
29 Oct 2019

Best kept secret of South Africa

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