Quick Guide to Port Elizabeth

So you are visiting Port Elizabeth from other parts of the republic, what do you do and where do you go? Obviously there is list upon list of stuff to do around the metro, however have you ever wondered what the local PE crowds get up too and where they go? Well here’s an unofficial list of stuff to do around the metro, in no particular order.

The Valleys Market – This artisans market is held on the first Saturday of every month. Except January. Brainchild of Love Story, a non profit organisation, this market offers some exceptional street food and crafts. Food vendors set in an old warehouse in the Upper Valley Road with various food trucks set up outside the venue along the street. Live music with good food makes for a pleasant day, especially with some sunshine. Check out some specialty foods stalls and food trucks like the Taco Box, Wafelbak, Tio Ze and Culture Kitchen.

De Kelder Restaurant – Situated right on Marine drive at the Protea Hotel, this old school restaurant bring amazing dished to life. It may be a bit pricier than your chains but definitely worth every penny. Try the peri - peri chicken livers and the chateaubriand. La fiesta Restaurant and take away. This budget busting take- away offer great value for money. Specializing in curries, rooti’s and hamburgers, this institution has been around since I can remember with various locations around the city. Sacramento Hiking trail- Starting at Schoenmakerkop it runs along the coast all the way to Sardinia Bay covering about 8km. The Sacramento trail is names after a ship that sank along this coast in the 1647. Definitely worth the walk . Ziggys – A hidden gem in Port Elizabeth. Set among the dunes and vegetation near Cape Recife this is a very cool bar and grill. Great food at reasonable prices with a sea views to die for. Try the big Kuhuna burger. I personally think it’s the best burger in PE! Open till late with live music.

Stanley Street – Located in the heart of Richmond Hill is Stanley Street, a hub of bars and restaurants offering all kinds of cuisines and cocktails in a street cafe vibe. Check out the Two Olive, a tapas restaurant and For The Love of Wine, a wine bar with an extensive wine menu. Also check out Mellas Dim Sim and Noodle Bar just off Stanley Street. Harbour – Port Elizabeth harbour offers a few places with awesome seafood. Firstly, This Is Eat is a seafood take away and restaurant situated on the bank of the Baarken River. It would lean more towards the budget orientated person as prices are reasonable. Buy your seafood and take a seat outside next to the river. For those who feel a bit flashier The Upper Deck offers in my humble opinion the best seafood platters in PE, coupled with a view of the PE harbour that will rival the Mediterranean. Also the Algoa Bay Yacht Club offers a restaurant open to the public.

Maitlands Beach – About 20 minutes drive from Summerstrand is Mailtlands Beach. Apart from being a beautiful beach which stretches for miles, check out the massive sand dunes. Perfect for sand boarding and other downhill dune activity.

Van Stadens Bridge – If you fancy a bit of the macabre try visiting the Van Stadens River Bridge. Also known as the bridge of death, this incredible feat of engineering boast a 140m drop to the river bed below. Follow the R102 to the bottom of the gorge for incredible view of the bridge itself. Walk the river if you feeling adventurous. Along the river you’ll find lots of pools carved in the river bed to swim and cool down. Wear appropriate shoes and be aware of baboons. Also note; there is no tourist walk or handrails.

The Secret Table Restaurant – Ever heard of a pop up restaurant? Well if you have not it’s basically a restaurant that appears for a week or so than disappears. Only to pop up somewhere else for a few days etc. The Secret table, brainchild of Chef Simon, pops up at random venues around the PE area. From parks to old warehouses to restaurants, nobody knows where the next venue will be. Unfortunately you have to be in the know to get a table. Follow the #secrettablepe on twitter for menu and bookings and you might get lucky.

Rooikrans Wilderness Area. If you know the Baviaans kloof Wilderness area, you will know it is a bit of a drive from Port Elizabeth. The Wilderness Rooikrans Area is much closer, be it much smaller it does offer a very scenic and tranquil experience with much less effort to get there. Set on the upper Swartkops River, it also offers a few hiking trails from moderate to difficult grade.

This is just a few places and activities this baainaars enjoy. Others might differ with my recommendations. Also remember there are many more attractions in Port Elizabeth. So when you finished your official list of PE attractions and tourist hotspots check these out cause this is where the locals go.