Location: Pietermaritzburg
Top Things to do in Pietermaritzburg
Top Restaurants in Pietermaritzburg
What to do and see in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal: The Best Free Things to do
Pietermaritzburg (/ˌpiːtərˈmærɪtsbɜːrɡ/; Zulu: umGungundlovu) is the capital and second-largest city in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It was founded in 1838 and is currently governed by the Msunduzi Local Municipality. Its Zulu name umGungundlovu is the name used for the district municipality. Pietermaritzburg is popularly called Maritzburg in English and Zulu alike, and often informally abbreviated to PMB. It is a regionally important industrial hub, producing aluminium, timber and dairy products, as well as the main economic hub of Umgungundlovu District Municipality. The public sector is a major employer in the city due to the local, district and provincial governments being located here. It is home to many schools and tertiary education institutions, including a campus of the University of KwaZulu-Natal. It had a population of 228,549 in 1991; the current population is estimated at over 600,000 residents (including neighbouring townships) and has one of the largest populations of Indian South Africans in South Africa.
Restaurants in Pietermaritzburg
1. Tatham Art Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 47 reviews
The Tatham Art Gallery is one of the major art museums in South Africa. This art museum is funded by the Msunduzi Municipality and belongs to the residents of Pietermaritzburg, the capital of KwaZulu-Natal. The Tatham Art Gallery serves the Msunduzi region through the Visual Arts. A major function of the Tatham Art Gallery, established in 1903, is to display art. This is accomplished through the hosting of a range of art exhibitions. These include travelling and researched exhibitions as well as exhibitions initiated by the Gallery, and based on art works in the permanent collection.
Reviewed By vasigie - Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
When you enter the building, there's a warm welcoming atmosphere. The works of art are extremely beautiful and amazing. The sculptures are well made and makes you realize how well crafted they are. There is a coffee shop where you can sit and enjoy a meal, while taking a break. There's lots to see. You will truly enjoy your visit, just as I did. I've been to the Gallery about 4 times already.
2. Cascades Lifestyle Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10 reviews
The renovated Cascades Lifestyle Centre is a gorgeous, boutique shopping centre in Chase Valley Downs in Pietermaritzburg. This retail hub carries a large Woolworths Food Concept store, Checkers, Sportsman's Warehouse, Outdoor Warehouse, Home etc, and restaurants, Atasca, Olive & Oil, Coffeeberry and W-Cafe. The Cascades Mountain Bike Park creates the perfect backdrop to the Cascades Centre with the Dorpspruit River running past the centre and park. Attached to the centre is a Virgin Active and a few large office parks. Approximately 45 tenants operate out of this beautiful lifestyle centre.
3. Wylie Park
4. Queen Elizabeth Park
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 24 reviews
Reviewed By yadahk - Dublin, Ireland
I was so pleasantly surprised with this mini nature reserve right on our doorstep! Paved hiking trails, tarred road to drive through, braai and picnic facilities with beautiful trees and shrubs in which zebras and other buck roam. Definitely a place for families, couples and those who want to get fit in arriving scenery :)
