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Bloemfontein

South Africa

Pace: relaxed Relaxed Historical Friendly Scenic
Ideal trip length
2 - 4 days
Busiest
Dec-Feb
Bloemfontein
Destination
Dates
Guests 1 room, 1 adults, 0 children
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Where to stay

Hotels in Bloemfontein

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At a glance

Climate
Arid
Languages
English and Afrikaans and Sesotho
Local currency
ZAR (ZAR)
Local time
(GMT+2)
Ideal trip length
2–4 days
Cost level
2 of 5 · our research
Suggested area to stay
Westdene
Tap water
Generally described as safe to drink
Tipping
10-15% for good service

What this place is for

History

95 · Outstanding

Culture

90 · Outstanding

Food

90 · Outstanding

Family 60 · Moderate

Our own 0–100 ratings for this one destination. They describe a city; they are not a league table of cities.

Food to try

Braai (BBQ) Biltong Boerewors Vetkoek

When to visit Bloemfontein

How good each month is here, on this destination's own scale. It compares months within this city, never one city against another.

Best months: April, October Busiest: Dec-Feb
  1. Jan
    70

    Hot, summer rains

  2. Feb
    70

    Hot, summer rains

  3. Mar
    75

    Warm, pleasant

  4. Apr
    80

    Mild, clear

  5. May
    70

    Cool, dry

  6. Jun
    60

    Cold, dry, sunny

  7. Jul
    55

    Coldest, dry, sunny

  8. Aug
    65

    Cooler, windy

  9. Sept
    75

    Warming, spring blooms

  10. Oct
    80

    Warm, pleasant

  11. Nov
    75

    Warm, increasing rain

  12. Dec
    70

    Hot, summer rains

Things to do in Bloemfontein

8 places worth your time, grouped by when they are at their best.

Best in the morning

4 places

Naval Hill & Franklin Game Reserve

City Centre 2 hrs

Enjoy panoramic city views and spot wildlife in an urban game reserve.

Outdoors Good for children

National Museum Bloemfontein

City Centre 2 hrs

Discover natural and cultural history of the Free State.

Indoors Good for children

Cheetah Experience Ashia

Outside City 2 hrs

Get up close with cheetahs and other wild cats at a conservation centre.

Outdoors Good for children

President Brand Street Architecture

City Centre 1 hr

Admire historic buildings like the Fourth Raadsaal and Appeal Court.

Outdoors

Best in the afternoon

2 places

Oliewenhuis Art Museum

Dan Pienaar 1.5 hrs

Explore South African art in a beautiful Cape Dutch manor house.

Indoors Good for children

Anglo-Boer War Museum

General De Wet 2 hrs

Gain insight into the Anglo-Boer War and its impact.

Indoors

Any time of day

2 places

Free State National Botanical Garden

Dan Pienaar 2.5 hrs

Wander through diverse indigenous flora and enjoy birdwatching.

Outdoors Good for children

Loch Logan Waterfront

City Centre 3 hrs

Shop, dine, and enjoy entertainment at this lakeside complex.

Indoors Good for children

Practical ratings

Our own ratings and key insights for this destination.

Eating & Culinary

Braai (BBQ) 95 · Outstanding
Biltong 87 · Outstanding
Boerewors 78 · Very good
Vetkoek 70 · Good

Signature Experiences

Naval Hill & Franklin Game Reserve 95 · Outstanding
Oliewenhuis Art Museum 91 · Outstanding
National Museum Bloemfontein 88 · Outstanding
Free State National Botanical Garden 84 · Very good
Anglo-Boer War Museum 81 · Very good
Loch Logan Waterfront 77 · Very good
Cheetah Experience Ashia 74 · Good
President Brand Street Architecture 70 · Good

Best Suitable For

Families 95 · Outstanding
Budget 87 · Outstanding
History 78 · Very good
Couples 70 · Good

Planning & Tips

Always be aware of your surroundings, especially after dark. 95 · Outstanding
Consider renting a car for easier exploration beyond the city center. 83 · Very good
Book accommodations in advance, especially during peak season or local events. 70 · Good

Ratings and recommendations are curated from local travel data.

Near Bloemfontein

Straight-line distance from the centre of Bloemfontein.

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