StudentUniverse.com

Port Elizabeth (or P.E. as it is locally known) is a beautiful city located halfway between Durban and Cape Town on the South Eastern coast of South Africa. Port Elizabeth offers the total South African experience with the Garden Route, Settler Hinterlands, the Sunshine Coast and the year-round moderate climate that spoils its residents. Port Elizabeth is known as the friendly city because of its major sea port and popular tourist destination along the Nelson Mandela Bay. Port Elizabeth is home to the famous cricket house, oldest bowling green in South Africa, and the Donkin heritage trail which allows visitors the ability to follow in the footsteps of the 1820 settlers into the area.

Port Elizabeth Pictures

Things to do in Port Elizabeth

Port Elizabeth is most commonly visited as a stopping point along the “must-do” Garden Route or for the Malaria-Free Game Reserves. However, for those visitors looking to stay in the Friendly City, a trip to the beach for some surfing and watersports is essential. The warm Indian Ocean and location in the Nelson Mandela Bay allow for Port Elizabeth to offer YEAR-ROUND surfing, diving of reefs and shipwrecks, and sailing. For those who want to venture away from the beach, many people check out the Shamwari Game Reserve which is home to the “Big Five” of Africa or Addo Elephant Part which is dedicated to the preservation of the Eastern Cape Elephant. Both locations are within an hours drive of the city.

Nightlife in Port Elizabeth

Port Elizabeth is home to several taverns and bars to enjoy some quality African nightlife. For those interested in African Jazz, the Ekhaya Pub is most see and always provides a good quality time. Tapas, a part of Brooke’s Pavillions, is always popular on the weekends with Live music. Get there early though if you want a seat. The News Cafe is located right on the boardwalk in Port Elizabeth and a great place to relax and enjoy a drink over the water. Lastly, for those who want a lively pub atmosphere, Barney’s Tavern is the place to be.

Dining in Port Elizabeth

Port Elizabeth has a variety of places to enjoy for all types of food. A great place to always go is the Brooke’s Pavilion which is home to several restaurants and great breakfast stops for those interested in an excellent ocean view. If you want to enjoy some local seafood cuisine, you must check out the Fishmonger which offers melt-in-your-mouth prawns, calamari, and fish and chips. If you want to keep it simple, Leonardo’s on the Boardwalk has delicious pizza and a vibrant atmosphere. The most popular restaurant in Port Elizabeth, however, is The Oyster Catcher which is known for its tasty seafood. If you want a table here though, you must make a reservation. Lastly, another great upscale restaurant is the Ocean Grill which again offers seafood with a classy and elegant decor. A great place for Sushi as well!

Shopping in Port Elizabeth

If you want to go shipping in Port Elizabeth, you should definitely head to the Boardwalk Shopping Mall or the Greenacres Shopping Centre. The Boardwalk is home to several shops, restaurants and a casino. GreenAcres Shopping Centre is an great places to spend an afternoon with many ships and restaurants, easy accessibility, and a lively vibe over the weekends. If these do not sound appealing to you, there are always local dealers selling African Curios throughout the city.

Port Elizabeth Travel Tips

• Visit Port Elizabeth as a pit stop in your South African travels, most notably before of after the Garden Route or a Malaria Free Game Reserve.
• Be cautious of your belongings, like anywhere in South Africa take extra care and use common sense when traveling.
• If you want a cheap form of travel, take the minibuses around the city. Wave to them when you want to get on, and yell next stop when you need to get off. However, be careful as this is not always a safe mode of transportation.