Port Elizabeth History and Culture
Port Elizabeth’s rich cultural heritage guarantees history lovers a unique insight into the Bay and the Eastern Cape's diverse and remarkable past.
Historical and significant figures from Nelson Mandela Bay include, amongst others, Govan Mbeki, political activist and father of former President Thabo Mbeki; Oliver Tambo, political activist and life-long friend of Nelson Mandela; Athol Fugard, actor, director and playwright; Olive Schreiner, well-known author and writer of "The story of an African Farm"; and Cliff Drysdale, a well-known tennis player.
Below are links to a number of Tourist Attractions in Port Elizabeth
History and Culture in Port Elizabeth
- More Info Visit WebsiteMastertons Coffee and Tea SpecialistsMastertons Coffee and Tea Specialists are a Port Elizabeth based speciality coffee roastery and have been pioneers in the roasting and blending of top quality coffee since 1924. This makes them one of the oldest, if not the...
- Port Elizabeth
- Hospitality Supplier
- Food / Beverages / Amenities
- 0415854044
- info@mastertons.co.za
- Visit Website
- More InfoSt George's Park Port ElizabethThis large park in the heart of the city with its wide lawns and shady plantations is an old favorite among residents and visitors alike.
- Port Elizabeth
- Sightseeing
- More InfoPort Elizabeth City HallThe City Hall was built between 1858 and 1862. The attractive clock tower was only added in 1883. City Hall was proclaimed a national monument in 1973. It burnt down in 1977 and was rebuilt.
- Central Port Elizabeth
- Sightseeing
- More InfoThe Pearson Conservatory, St George's ParkThis impressive conservatory with its Victorian characteristics was designed and erected by Boyd and Son of Paisley, Scotland, dismantled into sections and transported to Port Elizabeth where it was re-erected under the...
- Central Port Elizabeth
- Sightseeing
- More Info Visit WebsiteA celebration of quilting and textile art as a medium for promoting environmental awareness. Welcome to the home of the 23rd South African National Quilt Festival 2026. As planning proceeds all the necessary information you will...
- Shopping / Interests
- Arts and Crafts
- Festivals & Markets
- 083 400 3705
- 083 356 7466
- chairlady@sewawareness2026.co.za
- Visit Website
- More InfoDonkin ReserveThe historic Donkin Reserve has long been a green lung in the heart of the city.
- Port Elizabeth
- History
- More InfoShark Rock PierThe most prominent feature on Port Elizabeth's shoreline besides the harbours, Shark Rock Pier is the only pier in the city.
- Port Elizabeth
- Sightseeing
- More Info7 Castle Hill MuseumNumber 7 Castle Hill, one of the oldest dwellings in Port Elizabeth, has been beautifully restored to a mid-Victorian style.
- Port Elizabeth
- History
- Museums
- 041 582 2515
- More InfoThe Horse MemorialThe Horse Memorial consists of life-sized bronze figures of a horse about to quench its thirst from a bucket held by a kneeling soldier, together with the inscribed granite plinth on which it stands and the base of which...
- Central Port Elizabeth
- Sightseeing