Things to do in Bloemfontein
Bloemfontein sometimes seems to be on the way to everywhere in South Africa and its central location and position on main highways makes it a popular, and often necessary, stop for road trippers. Tourists seldom choose to stay in the city for long, but this is more a testament to the other fantastic things to see and do nearby, than a negative judgement on Bloemfontein itself. Although it may pale in comparison to cities such as Cape Town, Bloemfontein is certainly not without charm, and the youthful and proud population are good at making their own fun.
Travellers who pass through the city should look out for the lovely gardens, particularly the roses for which the place is named, and the stately old architecture of this judicial hub. President Brand Street is the best road to stroll down to appreciate the rich history of Bloemfontein, and King's Park is a pleasant place to have a picnic and get some exercise.
The top attraction is the Oliewenhuis Art Gallery, which houses some great South African art in interesting exhibition spaces, including an old underground reservoir that has been converted into a gallery. The National Museum and the Anglo Boer War Museum are also rewarding stops. Bloemfontein takes its rugby very seriously and has an exciting local team, the Cheetahs. Sports fans should take in a game at the stadium if possible.
President Brand Street
President Brand Street has been declared a national conservation area, and is home to a number of monuments and buildings of historical value. Nobody visiting Bloemfontein should p…
President Brand Street
President Brand Street has been declared a national conservation area, and is home to a number of monuments and buildings of historical value. Nobody visiting Bloemfontein should pass up the opportunity to stroll down one of the city's most stately and historically important streets, where they'll encounter striking examples of 19th and 20th-century buildings along the way. The South African Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court of South Africa are located on this street, as is the National Afrikaans Literature Museum. Travellers can view the original transcript of South Africa's former national anthem, Die Stem, at the Literature Museum. Travellers will find the equally interesting National Music Museum on President Brand Street too.
Oliewenhuis Art Gallery
From its distinguished setting in a Cape Dutch mansion, the Oliewenhuis Art Gallery is a must-see Bloemfontein attraction that features an expansive display of South African art. D…
Oliewenhuis Art Gallery
From its distinguished setting in a Cape Dutch mansion, the Oliewenhuis Art Gallery is a must-see Bloemfontein attraction that features an expansive display of South African art. Designed in 1935 and completed in 1941, the Neo-Dutch mansion was built as the residence of the Governor General of the Union of South Africa, and once hosted King George VI and his family on their visit to Bloemfontein. The residence was opened as the city's art museum in 1989, after long-term petitioning by Bloemfontein's artistic community. Contemporary paintings and sculptures are exhibited here, as are acclaimed masterpieces from days gone by.
King's Park
Opened by the Prince of Wales in 1925, King's Park boasts over 4,000 beautiful rose bushes. In fact, Bloemfontein literally means 'flower fountain' and is often referred to locally…
King's Park
Opened by the Prince of Wales in 1925, King's Park boasts over 4,000 beautiful rose bushes. In fact, Bloemfontein literally means 'flower fountain' and is often referred to locally as the 'city of roses'. It is the city's largest and loveliest green space and a nice spot to unwind and escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. A colourful and fragrant park set on a lake and with grassy areas where children can expend some energy, the park is a good attraction for those travelling with kids.