Gqeberha

Travel Guide

Hobie Beach featuring a city, a beach and general coastal views
Bayworld showing outdoor art and art
Port Elizabeth which includes a pond and bird life
Hobie Beach featuring street scenes, a sandy beach and cafe scenes
Hobie Beach which includes surf and rugged coastline

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 kilometers) 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 center 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 organized 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 center. 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

Hobie Beach showing rugged coastline, general coastal views and landscape views

Summerstrand

The beaches and abundant dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Summerstrand. A stop by The Boardwalk Casino & Entertainment World or Hobie Beach might round out your trip.

Summerstrand
Port Elizabeth

Port Elizabeth Central

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Port Elizabeth Central, Market Square and Port Elizabeth City Hall are top sights worth seeing.

Port Elizabeth Central
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Walmer

4.5/5(8 area reviews)

While Walmer might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Greenacres Shopping Centre and St. George's Cricket Ground.

Walmer
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Humewood

You might appreciate the waterfront views and beaches in Humewood, and if you're interested in seeing more of the area, King's Beach and Bayworld are just a few notable stops.

Humewood
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New Brighton

While there might not be top attractions in New Brighton, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium and Greenacres Shopping Centre.

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
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
$103 nightly
The price is $119 total per night from Jul 18 to Jul 19
$119 total
Jul 18 - Jul 19
Total includes taxes and fees
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 ...
8/10 Very Good! (751 reviews)
Great spot
"I arrived after dark and was happy to have a clean quiet room, and in hotel restaurant. The bar was quiet and not staffed, given this was off season this was staffed lighter than may have been during busier times of the year. Light renovations were ongoing to improve the building non impacted me. ..."

Reviewed on Jul 2, 2025

Radisson Blu Hotel, Port Elizabeth
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
$34 nightly
The price is $39 total per night from Aug 2 to Aug 3
$39 total
Aug 2 - Aug 3
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Gqeberha. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Ron Belling Art Gallery ...
8/10 Very Good! (457 reviews)
"Incredibly convenient for our overnight stay to catch our 7am flight. The hotel is literally steps from the airport. We walked with our bags to check-in. Very nice staff. Clean room, comfortable bed. Hotel food good."

Reviewed on Jun 18, 2025

Road Lodge Port Elizabeth Airport
The Boardwalk Hotel

The Boardwalk Hotel

4 out of 5
Beach Road, Summerstrand, Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), Eastern Cape
$128 nightly
The price is $149 total per night from Jul 21 to Jul 22
$149 total
Jul 21 - Jul 22
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Gqeberha. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions The Boardwalk Casino & Entertainment ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (259 reviews)
"This hotel is absolutely GORGEOUS! Every detail is solidly and thoughtfully constructed, from the chair rail lining the hallway to the sliding bathroom door. But form without function is of little value, and the staff brings the function in spades. Everyone we met went out of their way to answer ..."

Reviewed on Jun 22, 2025

The Boardwalk Hotel
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.
302 On Old Seaview Road Chelsea

302 On Old Seaview Road Chelsea

3.5 out of 5
302 Old Seaview Rd, Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), Eastern Cape
Stay at this 3.5-star residence in Gqeberha. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Kragga Kamma Game Park and Holmeleigh Farmyard ...
302 On Old Seaview Road Chelsea
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 Netflix. Popular attractions Museum of Bay World and Bayworld are located ...
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 Feb 28, 2024

Paxton Luxury Apartments
Caulfield self Catering

Caulfield self Catering

3.5 out of 5
19 Caulfield Crecent, summer strand, Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), Eastern Cape
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Gqeberha. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Popular attractions Bayworld and Museum of Bay ...
Caulfield self Catering
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

Things to do

Reviews of Gqeberha

4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
10
5 - Excellent 26%
4 - Good
19
4 - Good 50%
3 - Okay
7
3 - Okay 18%
2 - Disappointing
2
2 - Disappointing 5%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Nice city during the day. Lots of people (including locals) think it isn’t safe in the evening. The beach was pleasant.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Pelliington Bay is a real gem!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

It’s a quiet beach town with cute restaurants & a low key vibe. In addition to the area next to the B&B I’d recommend checking out Stanley street for delicious restaurants like Kindred Kitchen and Upstairs.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

We arrived late and only stayed one night, left early so no opinion on Port Elizabeth

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Beautiful sunrise over the ocean.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

It must off been nice at some point