Port Elizabeth Things to Do

I visited the Port Elizabeth Dophinarium in December 1983. That is so long ago, that I doubt I can give advice. Firstly, that is too long ago for me to remember properly. Secondly, over twenty years, so much can happen, that even if I did remember, I doubt it would be accurate so much later. I do remember that I had a wonderful day there! All I can say is, if you are in Port Elizabeth, try out this place and decide for yourself!

One of the popular hotspots in Port Elizabeth, is the Boardwalk Casino and Entertainment World.
Only a few minutes walk from the beach is this resort that offers a variety of things to do for visitors to Port Elizabeth.

Restaurants, Bar's, Casino, a multitude of shops and even a hotel, makes this a popular stop.
Have a cocktail in one of the many bars and then see if you can win the million... enjoy.

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The Walmer Township is one of the only areas to avoid forced removal during the Apartheid era. The community is launching the Sakhume Museum and Xhosa Culture Centre, at the Human Dignity Centre. Local art and cuisine are part of the show and for a small amount extra a local group will entertain.

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I went on a guided tour into one the seven townships in the area of PE. When we arrived at the township, we were met by a local guide who told us about the history of the area. We heard about how it was created during the Apartheid years, but also about the current situation of the township.

We went for a long walk through the township. We were told that many things have improved in the recent years, but it was sad to see the daily life for 75% of PE's inhabitants… On the other hand, we met a lot of friendly people. Kids and youngsters were following us around the small streets, and we visited a small craft centre and a pre-school. It was especially great to see so many happy children at the pre-school.

The visit to the township was the highlight of my stay in PE. We had a really good guide who was doing his best to give us a better understanding of the township. Unfortunately I can’t remember which township I visited, but be sure that the money you pay for a township tour goes back to the township!

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Donkin Reserve was proclaimed a public park by Sir Rufane Donkin, who was the governor of the Cape in 1820. I went for a walk around the park and passed the lighthouse from 1861, now the Tourist Information Office and a small museum, and the old stone pyramid from 1820. The pyramid was erected by Donkin in memory of his late wife, Elizabeth, who had died of fever two years before in India. There are two plaques on the pyramid: “To the memory of one of the most perfect of human beings who has given her name to the town below” and “the husband whose heart is still wrung by undiminished grief”.

From Donkin Reserve there was a really nice view of the harbour – and of Donkin Street, which is located on the north side of Donkin Reserve. It is 18 Victorian houses built between 1860 and 1890, only changed very little in the last +100 years and the whole street is now a national monument. The houses are privately owned and not open to the public.

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Fort Frederick (named after Frederick, Duke of York) is a stone fort built in 1799 by the British Forces to prevent a possible landing of French soldiers. It was garrisoned until 1862 and there were about 380 soldiers stationed at the fort. Fort Frederick was armed with a few cannons, but there was never fired a single shot in anger from the fort. Fort Frederick was declared a national monument in 1936, PE’s first.

It was free of charge to visit the old fort, but there was not that much to see. A few old cannons, the old brick walls, and a nice view over Algora Bay, the harbour, and the Baakens Valley. OK for a short visit.

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The Market Square is located in the centre of PE, and is home to a couple of interesting buildings.

One of them is the colonial style City Hall, which was built between 1858 and 1862 – with the high clock tower added on in 1883. The architectonic building was proclaimed a national monument in 1973, but was severely damaged by fire in 1977. Fortunately, the City Hall was rebuilt four years later, and now houses a council chamber and a concert/lecture hall.

The old library building from 1845 is located across the Market Square from the City Hall. In the beginning the building was used as a courthouse, but since 1902 the building has been used as the public library. The façade was manufactured in England and shipped to PE to be assembled piece by piece, and the beautiful building is regarded as an excellent example of Victorian Gothic architecture. Like the City Hall, the library building was declared a national monument in 1973. In front of the library stands a marble statue of Queen Victoria, which was unveiled in 1903.

I neither visited the City Hall nor the library, but just looked at the buildings from outside.

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The Boardwalk Casino and Entertainment World is located opposite Hobie Beach, and is – as the name says – a huge entertainment complex. It includes hotels, 24-hour open casino, cinema, restaurants, take-aways, bars, and some shops. The Boardwalk is built up around a man-made lake, and was especially very beautiful in the evenings. 25000 lights lit up the garden and lake, apparently inspired by the Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen.

I visited the Boardwalk several times during my stay in PE. I did a little shopping, had dinner and lunch a couple of times, and hang out at the SuperSport Arena bar. The sports bar was located inside the casino and showed international football on big screens TV’s. Nice place for a football match on TV and a beer…