Location: Bloemfontein
Top Things to do in Bloemfontein
Top 10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Bloemfontein, Free State
Roughly translated as "fountain of flowers," Bloemfontein is known as the City of Roses, both because of the abundance of the blooms throughout the city and the annual festival dedicated to the flower. As the seat of the South African Supreme Court, the city is the judicial capital of the country as well as the provincial capital of Free State. Several sports teams and stadiums also call the city home, and its many museums outline the history of the region.
Restaurants in Bloemfontein
1. Anglo Boer War Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 199 reviews
One of the most significant events in the history of South Africa was the Anglo-Boer War of 1899-1902. Although the protagonists were Britain and the two Boer Republics of the Transvaal and the Orange Free State, the population of South Africa as a whole became embroiled in the war either directly or indirectly. The War Museum in Bloemfontein provides an understanding of the background against which the Anglo-Boer War took place through its unique art collection, dioramas and exhibitions. The course and development of the war unfolds in front of your eyes as you progress through the museum. You are also afforded a glimpse into the life and suffering endured in the concentration and prisoner-of-war camps. We are immensely proud of this historical landmark in South Africa, and urge everyone who wants to understand this part of South African history, to pay us a visit.
Reviewed By waldmeister1 - Aylesbury, United Kingdom
The Museum has an extensive collection of items associated with the Boer War. There are large paintings, the one of the Boers pinned down in the Modder River Banks under fire from the British is very touching when you consider there were women and children there also. It lead of course to the surrender by General Cronje at the battle of Paadeberg. There is an extensive collection of Handicraft items made by the POW's in overseas Camps to which they were "Banished" namely St Helena, Ceylon, India and Bermuda as well as those made in Camps in South Africa. The Women's Monument depicting two women, one holding a baby is very memorable since the ashes of British woman, Emily Hobhouse who did so much to help those suffering during the war are buried there. The recent addition of the lengthy wall, inscribed with the names of the Women and Children who died in the Concentration Camps during Britain's Scorched Earth Policy when farms were burnt and the Women and Children were herded into Concentration Camps with little of no fresh water or medical care is very memorable ! This certainly does not depict the "Best Period" of British History!!
2. The National Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 78 reviews
Excavated fossils are among the many fascinating items at this natural history museum.
Reviewed By jill464 - Cape Town, South Africa
Immense care is taken with the exhibits. It is always most interesting to visit. The staff are friendly and a pleasure to talk to.
3. Free State National Botanical Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 116 reviews
This carefully landscaped and colorful garden, with paved walkways, nature talks and moonlight walks, is popular year round.
Reviewed By Simonwien1961 - Rushden, United Kingdom
This was my second visit to the Gardens its a well maintained beautiful and peaceful place the entrance fee is so cheap 28 Rand under £2 & $2. I walked all around to the top of the hill and down with nice views. There are plenty of different birds to see on my first visit in March 2018 the dam didn't have any water in it but this time it did so able to watch many waterfowl there is a bird hide to view them, I saw a coot couple building a nest on the dam I loved it watching the male swimming out to collect twigs for the female to build her nest it was so sweet. Later in the afternoon the Mongooses come out and walk around. The restaurant is very cheap with nice food too just be careful of the swallow who seems to like to attack you as you enter the restaurant. My only suggestion to make it better is to put the price up a little and supply a map I have seen some people complain about the noise from the Motorway but unless there is a very noisy lorry you hardly notice it.
4. Oliewenhuis Art Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 215 reviews
Reviewed By ruthsZ2714QE
We looked up places to visit and enjoyed going round the museum especially the film of William Kentridge which is very powerful. The sculptures in the garden are amazing and it’s free entry.
5. Naval Hill Planetarium
6. Vodacom Park
7. Loch Logan Waterfront
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 94 reviews
8. South African Armour Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 22 reviews
Reviewed By louiselategan - Durbanville, South Africa
It was an absolute treat to visit this Museum. My son had so much fun inspecting everything. A must visit for every boy
9. Langenhoven Park Farmers Market
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 28 reviews
Reviewed By 899jen - Bloemfontein, South Africa
Has something for everyone. We make it our weekly Sat morning outing for best coffee and pancakes in Bloem
10. Naval Hill
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 250 reviews
Reviewed By CharlNel71 - Potchefstroom, South Africa
Naval Hill is one of our favourite places to visit when in Bloemfontein. Wonderful view of the city especially at dawn and dusk. Even better now that the restaurant has finally opened.
