28 Best & Fun things to do in Bloemfontein (South Africa)

Looking for the best things to do in Bloemfontein, South Africa? Bloemfontein, also known as Bloem, is the capital and the largest city of the Free State Province in South Africa.

The city is South Africa’s seventh largest city and is notable for being home to the Supreme Court of Appeal of South Africa, Franklin Game Reserve, and Sand du Plessis Theatre.

Bloemfontein is sometimes referred to as the City of Cheetahs and Roses. There are undoubtedly enough activities in Bloemfontein to keep you occupied all day.

Because of the city’s profusion of roses and yearly rose festival, the area is colloquially and poetically called “the city of roses.” Because of its strategic location, Bloemfontein is known as “Central South Africa.”

Taking into consideration as well that it is a place that is ripe with much of South Africa’s history, you shouldn’t be dumbfounded to come across plenty of museum houses, a few of which do make our pick of things to do here.

Get to meet the people and explore the city with helpful locals as they explain all you need to know about Bloemfontein. For a perfect travel experience, here is the list of the best & fun things to do in Bloemfontein.

Things To Do In Bloemfontein

1. Explore the Naval Hill Planetarium

The Naval Hill Planetarium is a tourist attraction for intellectuals and individuals with bright minds; it is a science-based location that takes a much deeper look into the activities of humans launching artificial satellites into space.

This experience isn’t one to be enjoyed alone, as you get to pair up and tag along with fellow space explorers, all doing nothing other than checking out and trying to solve puzzles relating to the mysteries of the universe.

What should I expect?

Here, visitors and tourists get to be part of its guided tours to learn about the ins and outs of space and a further understanding of the planet.

Address: Naval Hill, Bloemfontein, 9301, South Africa.

2. Learn about the region’s culture and history at The National Museum

The National Museum of Bloemfontein, which has existed for over a century, is a tourist attraction of historic significance, housing all ancient collections and displays of rarities worldwide.

Inside this building are many artifacts, giving a deep insight into the region’s history and cultural heritage through its displays and educational programs.

What to expect?

Here, visitors get to be part of its engaging and enlightening tours, enriching themselves with knowledge of the region’s culture and history.

Address: 36 Aliwal St, Bloemfontein Central, Bloemfontein, 9301, South Africa.

3. Appreciate the beauty of Nature at the Free State National Botanical Garden

The Free State National Botanical Garden is one of the best places to visit in Bloemfontein. On the Bloemfontein regional axis, it is more akin to a nature reserve, with tall grassland and woodlands of wild olive and karee trees dominating.

The Free State National Botanical Garden is home to some 400 species of plants, mainly from the Free State, Northern Cape, and Lesotho. The gardens are accessible to the physically challenged and older visitors thanks to a winding concrete route, while the more agile will enjoy the koppies.

The Free State Botanical Garden has some spectacular specimens of wild olive and karee trees, an orange flower arbor, and a petrified tree that is estimated to be more than 150 million years old. Please visit the Free State Botanical Garden for further details.

The garden’s nursery is also well worth a visit as they have a well-stocked supply of extra indigenous trees, succulents, shrubs, and bulbs. Additionally, the Botanical Society hosts presentations, sunset concerts in the summer, and moonlight walks.

What other things happen here?

Aside from getting up close with the wildlife in this garden, it is also perceived to be an ideal location to enjoy a picnic, relax on its manicured lawns, and enjoy the heat of the day.

Address: Rayton Rd., Dan Pienaar, Bloemfontein, 9310, South Africa.

4. See the wildlife of Naval Hill Nature Reserve

Visitors to Naval Hill Nature Reserve, whose name refers to the two Naval Guns from the Anglo-Boer War, come here solely to take a stroll through the reserve and observe the wildlife, which includes various species of giraffes, bucks, ostriches, and more.

While enjoying this experience to the fullest, visitors and tourists alike should be assured that there is no harm intended against them, as no such large predators are present on site to warrant any fear.

Why should you visit?

Here, visitors get to enjoy the experience of being present at a zoo and seeing different animal species of wildlife, even though they aren’t at a zoo. So, if you are looking for what to do in Bloemfontein, you should see the wildlife at Naval Hill Nature Reserve.

Address: Naval Hill, Bloemfontein, 9301, South Africa.

5. Check out the Nelson Mandela Statue

The Nelson Mandela statue, now a lookout point, is another tourist attraction gaining popularity recently, one monstrous edifice watching over Bloemfontein, the birthplace of the ANC.

There is no doubt that it has been able to gather popularity in recent times since, at the moment, it presently holds the bragging right of being the largest bronze statue of a South African hero in the world.

What to expect?

Since it has a legendary status and is now serving as a lookout point in the region, visitors and tourists get to take in the beauty of the whole city just by standing therein.

Are you about to embark on an adventure to South Africa? For a memorable vacation? Why not check out the best things to do in Gariep Dam (South Africa), Dullstroom (South Africa), and Parys (South Africa).

6. Try out the puzzles in the Elude Escape Rooms

Suppose you are looking for the best things to do in Bloemfontein this weekend. In that case, you should visit the Elude Escape Rooms, which are more like a game center offering innovative adventure that is best enjoyed with family or friends and revolves around games of deep thought, a fun activity to engage with, and enjoying the thrills that come with every single one of its challenges.

Offering the very best escape room experience, tourists are tasked with solving puzzles immersed in a themed room, finding a way to escape with their creativity and perception.

What to expect?

Here, visitors and tourists get to be part of the fun and thrills of solving a series of puzzles and riddles to escape.

Address: 14 Louw Wepener Straat, Dan Pienaar, Bloemfontein, 9301, South Africa.

7. Try out something different with Boyden Observatory

The Boyden observatory is more like a science-based laboratory designed to entertain items relating to stable atmospheric environments and perfect weather conditions, one known for its high-tech adventures.

Showing up at this science-based attraction is solely for its high-tech experience of gazing through the night skies utilizing its Impressive telescopic lenses.

Why should you try it out?

Visitors can watch the beautiful Bloemfontein sunset or rise by standing on its observation platform. Subsequently, I learned about South Africa’s history with space and space agencies.

8. Hangout at the Gwen Bali Water World

Hanging out at the Gwen Bali Water World tourist attraction is one of the few options available for family-packed attractions. One family gets to take a day out cooling off inside its water bodies.

Known for its water-based adventures, it has proven to be an ideal location to splash around in its paddling pool or perhaps go racing on its Kamikaze Slide.