Apart from being named the city of roses, Bloemfontein has been a city that exudes a rustic charm and unspoiled beauty that has made it such a popular vacation and cultural hub in the first place.
In this guide will find some of the best things to do in Bloemfontein.
Bloemfontein has it all whether you’re looking for thrilling outdoor adventures, accommodation, or things to do with kids, couples or alone. You will also explore some of the best restaurants in Bloemfontein.
Here are some of the best things to do in Bloemfontein:
1. Visit the Oliewenhuis Art Museum
This spectacular structure, constructed in imitation of Dutch architecture, was named after the lovely wild olives that grew nearby. This famous house also served as King George VI’s host during his visit in 1947. It now serves as a gallery showcasing works of African art. There are four walking pathways around the museum, and admission is free.
Opening times: Monday – Friday, 8 am – 5 pm; Saturday – Sunday, 9 am – 4 pm
Contact: 051 011 0525
Location: 16 Harry Smith St, Dan Pienaar, Bloemfontein
2. Naval Hill – Franklin Game Reserve
Within the Franklin game reserve is Naval Hill. The game reserve is home to numerous wildlife species, including giraffe, buck, and ostrich. The absence of predators has resulted in the creatures being relatively docile, creating a fantastic chance to get in that perfect Instagram flick, but because they are still wild animals, keep your distance at 5 metres.
Opening times: Monday – Sunday, 7 am – 6 pm
Contact: 051 412 7016
Location: 2-22 Delville Dr, Naval Hill, Bloemfontein
3. Enjoy a tour of the first digital planetarium in sub-Saharan Africa
The first digital planetarium in sub-Saharan Africa was opened in Bloemfontein in the form of a domed structure at the Lamont-Hussey Observatory on Naval Hill.
The programme is operated by the University of the Free State and what a treat! View the mysteries of the cosmos in Sub-Saharan Africa’s first digital planetarium with each show lasting just over an hour.
Location: Naval Hill, Bloemfontein
4. Enjoy a day of shopping at Loch Logan Waterfront
The largest mall in central South Africa is located at Loch Logan Waterfront. This 80 000 m2 retail centre, which has more than 100 stores, 17 restaurants and coffee shops, ten fast food restaurants, movies, hairdressers, banks, a gym, and a medical centre, is the centre of Bloemfontein’s shopping, entertainment, sport, and cultural activities. For all your shopping necessities whilst you are in Bloemfontein, head to Loch Logan Waterfront
Opening times: Monday – Friday, 9 am – 6 pm; Saturday, 9 am – 5 pm; Sunday, 9 am – 3 pm
Contact: 051 448 3607
Location: Henry Street 9301 Bloemfontein
5. Bloemfontein Helicopter City Tour
This private flight offers guests the opportunity to see Bloemfontein and the surroundings in a whole new way. The feeling of soaring and taking in the stunning scenery from the helicopter is something that you will never forget. Embrace this ride of a lifetime.
Contact: 051 451 1717
Location: Tempe Airport, Bloemfontein
Things to do with the kids in Bloemfontein
6. Cheetah Experience Conservation Centre
For animal lovers, head on to the perfect outdoor activity with the kids at the Cheetah Experience Conservation Centre. Various educational tours are offered, giving guests a fantastic opportunity to observe the animals up close to take some pictures and learn how you can join them in the struggle to protect this priceless species.
Times: Monday – Sunday; 9 am – 5 pm
Contact: 051 451 1717
Location: Maluti Avenue, Bloemfontein
7. Bloemfontein Botanical Gardens
These lovely gardens provide a tranquil setting for family picnics and are located in a valley on the outskirts of Bloemfontein. Beautiful examples of wild olive and karee trees, an orange flower arbour, and a petrified tree that is said to be more than 150 million years old may all be found in the Free State Botanical Garden.
Location: Rayton Road (off Dan Pienaar Drive), Danhof, Bloemfontein
8. Canvas Club, Bloemfontein
Canvas Club Bloemfontein offers arts and crafts lessons, holiday groups, and even artsy birthday celebrations for toddlers to tweens.
The children will be exposed to a playful setting encouraging innovation and creativity.
Every week at Canvas Club, kids are offered a brand-new, engaging project to work on. They also get the chance to explore with a variety of supplies, such as paint and pool noodles, and sometimes create explosively awesome craft toys for hours of play afterwards!
Location: 4B Leviseur Street, Brandwag, Bloemfontein
9. Catch some local action at the Toyota Stadium
Whether it is PSL action or the Cheetahs, enjoy an evening of sports in this beautiful 36,500 seater stadium, initially built for the 1995 Rugby World Cup. For more information on upcoming fixtures, check out their website.
Contact: 051 407 1700
Location: Willows, Bloemfontein, 9320
10. Bagamoya Wildlife Estate
Lion sanctuaries like Bagamoya allow visitors to get up and personal with the animals. This location also provides lodging, a family-friendly restaurant, a play area for kids, and a range of outdoor activities.
Opening times: Saturday – Sunday, Open all day; Monday – Friday, Closed
Contact: 082 497 7550
Address: Bagamoya Wildlife Estate, Maselspoort, 30 kilometres from Bloemfontein
More things to do in Bloemfontein
11. Get tickets to Mangaung Rose Festival
Take a well-earned moment to pause and appreciate the surroundings at this lovely festival. The celebration, which began in 1976, honours the poetic rose common in Bloemfontein. The Mangaung Rose festival, which takes place in October at several locations throughout the city, includes a flower exhibition, competitions, and a pageant.
Opening times: For ticket info and times, click here
Contact: 051 451 1913
Address: 2147 Eeufeesweg, Bayswater, Bloemfontein
12. Naval Hill Park Run
If you are looking to get some sweat off, there’s no better place than Naval Hill. With the statue of Nelson Mandela overlooking Bloemfontein, The walking and jogging route was improved when the statue was erected, paving the way for Bloemfontein’s first Park Run.
Contact: 051 412 7016
Location: 2-22 Delville Dr, Naval Hill, Bloemfontein
13. Bloemfontein Farmers Market (Boere Mark)
Every Saturday, you can find local farmers selling their goods along with crafts, books, jewellery, and apparel. Of course, there are many different food stalls, as well as gifts and other items. There are pony rides and jumping castles for kids, while for adults, there are a few coffee tents.
Opening times: Saturday 7 am – 1 pm
Contact: 084 919 1676
Address: Langenhoven Park, Bloemfontein
14. Choet Visser Rugby Museum
In 1974, the privately held Choet Visser Rugby Museum first became operational.
The museum, which has more than 200 jerseys and blazers relating to rugby and 450 ties, is the largest private museum of its sort in the world.
The walls are covered with original, hand-signed drawings and images of teams and players. Rugby enthusiasts will find this museum visit to be highly worthwhile.
Opening times: Monday – Saturday; By appointment only
Contact: 082 492-1600
Address: 3 Innes Avenue, Bloemfontein, Free State.
15. First Raadsaal Museum
The First Raadsaal in Bloemfontein is the oldest structure still standing, dating back to 1849. The Orange River Sovereignty’s Legislative Council and the Republic of the Orange Free State both used the First Raadsaal as an assembly hall after it had previously served as a church up until 1852. It was initially established in 1877 as a museum and declared a National Monument in 1936. As a result, it is rich in culture and history. The museum was rebuilt in 1975 to represent its fascinating historical role and opened to the public in July 1977.
Opening times: Monday – Friday, 9 am – 4 pm; Saturday, 10 am – 3 pm
Contact: 051 447 9609
Address: 95 St Georges St, Bloemfontein Central, Bloemfontein
Frequently Asked Questions about Bloemfontein
What language is mostly spoken in Bloemfontein?
The main languages spoken are Sesotho and Afrikaans.
Related posts
- The 15 Best Things to do in Pietermaritzburg
- 20 of the Best restaurants in Sandton
- Stay updated with Daddy’s Deals
