Boasting a thriving food culture, taking influences from Portuguese and Malaysian traditions, as well as plenty of seafood offerings, Port Elizabeth is a melting pot for tastes and flavours. With some excellent swimming and bathing beaches, as well as almost every watersport under the sun, and sensational marine life (dolphins and whales can be spotted year-round) there's plenty to keep traveller's in Port Elizabeth occupied. Our collection of the best places to stay in Port Elizabeth showcase the best places for great-value, heritage, and family-friendly stays.

The city centre, once a place to be avoided, has been smartened up in recent years, thanks to several urban regeneration projects, and now boasts a thriving café culture. There are also plenty of smart heritage buildings, most notably the charming 19th-century Cora Terraces. Though to truly explore the city, set off on the Donkin Heritage Trail. A convenient stop along the way to the Eastern Karoo, it's a great stop off for wildlife lovers and Addo Elephant Park beyond.

What not to miss

• For the best views of the city hike up to Fort Frederik.
• Follow the Donkin Heritage Trail, passing the much-photographed, 19th-century Cora Terrace and Donkin Street Houses.
• Overlooked by the Groot Winterhoek Mountains, take a thirty-minute drive out of town and explore the Groot Winterhoek Wilderness Area, where baboon, bushbuck, mountain reedbuck, and much more can be spotted.
• Take a boat out to Bird Island Marine Protected Area, comprised of Bird, Stag, and Seal Islands. Whilst there, traverse the Bushbuck Walking trail.
• Or venture to Cape Recife Nature Reserve, one of the best bird-watching locations in Port Elizabeth.
• Clip-clop your way along the pristine expanses of the Sardinia Bay Beach with Heavenly Stables.
• Get on your bike! Along the Baakens River Mountain Bike Trail
• Art lovers can wander The Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum, showcasing prominent South African artists, new and old.
• If travelling to town at the end of December, don't miss the three-day Ebubeleni Music Festival, held at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium showcasing some of South Africa's finest music acts.

Our collection of the best places to stay in Port Elizabeth showcase the finest hotels in this welcoming coastal city.

The Best Places to stay in Port Elizabeth

For a great value stay

• Intimate, period, family-run lodgings, St Phillips Guesthouse is excellent value.

For a relaxing stay

• Immerse yourself in an oasis of tranquillity at Singa Lodge. You're moments from the city yet surrounded by lush gardens.
• Charming English-country style gardens and decor Carlslogie House is an intimate and relaxing stay.
• Large suites, roll-top baths, manicured gardens and a very inviting pool Millbury Guesthouse is a place to unwind.

For an intimate stay

• Quirky, modern B&B, Manor 38 offers eight lovingly designed suites at the hand of their delightful owners.
• With just two suites, yet right in the heart of town 23 On Glen is a well-priced and very intimate stay.

For a family-friendly stay

• Well-priced, flexible accommodation Ibhayi Guest Lodge is a great option for the family.
• Laidback living, Admiralty Beach House is a home-away-from-home that all the family can enjoy.
• Rustic thatched cottages, with plenty of family-suites Lenore Guesthouse, is also very budget-friendly.

For a stylish stay

• Quirky interiors, No5 by Mantis provides an ultra-modern stay within easy reach of Port Elizabeth's attractions.

For a heritage stay

• Hacklewood Hill Country House's 19th-century lodgings provide guests with a very refined stay, all period features and silver-service dining, moments from town.

For a stay amidst nature

• Feel as though you're staying in the African bush at Thunzi Bush Lodge - even though you're only a short drive from the city. Luscious grounds, African-inspired decor and cottage style accommodation.

Travel Information

• Want to fly to Port Elizabeth?

• If you want to rent self-drive to explore the Eastern Cape, visit our online partner Rentalcars.
• Port Elizabeth International Airport is just a ten-minute drive from the city centre - taxis can be booked easily.
• Pleasant all year round, the best time to visit depends on your preference. During the summer months, November to March, temperatures range between 16 to 27°C, while winters, May to August, are between 8 and 23°C.

Still not sure?

• Take a look at our top recommendations for the Eastern Cape and The Garden Route.
• Or contact one of our gurus for advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in Port Elizabeth