Best South African cities to visit for culture

Sun City, North West, South Africa. Vue du North West en Afrique du Sud. Photo by South African Tourism from South Africa – Wikimedia Commons

Best South African Cities to Visit for Culture

South Africa is one of the most remarkable countries in the world to travel and explore. Often called ‘the world in one country, it is a fascinating country with a diverse mix of cultures, traditions, and people.

With wildlife parks and natural wonders in close proximity to bustling metropolitan areas, you can go shopping, track lions and relax with a pint, all on the same day. While the national parks and scenic highways are heavily promoted, its lively cities are often overlooked.

1. Cape Town is the most visited city in South Africa

Ayuntamiento, Ciudad del Cabo, Sudáfrica, 2018-07-19, DD 08.
Cape Town City Hall, South Africa. Photo by Diego Delso – Wikimedia Commons

The most visited city in South Africa, Cape Town is a gorgeous heartwarming place to go. Located at the farthest southwest, the city is the gateway to the Cape Peninsula. The shimmering waters, countless beaches along with the backdrop of the imposing Table Mountain make the cityscape one of the most picturesque in the world.

A multicultural city with a vibrant arts scene, there are plenty of restaurants and clubs and has an amazing nightlife. You can also go for fun thrilling activities such as jungle safaris, diving with sharks, hiking the Table Mountain, and roaming around the surrounding wineries.

A few miles off the coast of the city lies Robben Island, a testament to the country’s difficult past, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years. There is also Boulders Beach, a part of Table Mountain National Park, which has a penguin colony thriving in the sand and sun.

2. Johannesburg is South Africa’s largest city

Johannesburg In South Africa. Nelson Mandela Square in Johannesburg South Africa. Photo by
safaritravelplus.com – Wikimedia Commons

Johannesburg is South Africa’s largest city and the economic center of Sub-Saharan Africa. After nearly two decades of decay, the city is slowly bouncing back as a powerhouse of economy and tourism.

 The hip neighborhood of Maboneng is one of the most successful urban redesign projects in Africa. For an eye-opening tour, visit the historical sites dotted around the city.

These include the Apartheid Museum, Constitution Hill, and the Soweto settlement, the birthplace of South African figures such as Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu. With great nightlife and urban life, Johannesburg is a must-see city in the southern country.

Filled with rooftop bars, live music venues, and upscale shopping districts, along with safaris and expeditions a stone’s throw away, Johannesburg offers a city trek like no other.

3. Durban has one of the best waterfronts in South Africa 

ECO PEACE Party Protest at USA consul Durban. Photo by ECO PEACE Party – Wikimedia Commons

South Africa’s third-largest city, Durban has one of the best waterfronts in the country. Located on the Indian Ocean coast, Durban has a huge picturesque harbor and a number of sandy sun-soaked beaches. It is also one of the most diverse cities on the southern coast, with huge Kwa-Zulu and Indian communities.

The Durban waterfront is known for its watersports such as snorkeling and diving, along with other attractions such as the uShaka Marine World, one of the largest aquariums in the world. With plenty of markets, restaurants, and street food, Durban is a city filled with fun and frolic that welcomes you with open hands.

4. Pretoria is the administrative capital of South Africa

Union Buildings, Tshwane, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa . The Union Buildings in Pretoria. Photo by South African Tourism from South Africa – Wikimedia Commons

Pretoria, the administrative capital of South Africa, is a cultural hub filled with leafy suburbs. During the spring, jacaranda trees are in full bloom and it gives a pretty purple hue to the entire city.

Within the city, the remnants of the past are visible. Once the center of the apartheid regime, the city transformed itself into a multicultural hotspot. Dotted with museums and historic sites and surrounded by many of the country’s national parks, Pretoria is a melange of all that South Africa has to offer.

5. Port Elizabeth is a great place to catch glimpses of dolphins and whales

Port elizabeth South Africa. This is an image with the theme “Africa on the Move or Transport” from: Photo by Amakosi – Wikimedia Commons

Port Elizabeth is known for its surf, sun, and sand. With abundant marine life in the waters, the city is now a go-to for travelers wishing to catch glimpses of dolphins and whales. The port city is mostly a stopover for travelers.

 The city center once avoided due to indiscriminate industrialization has started to welcome travelers with chic cafes and cozy restaurants, thanks to the urban redesign efforts.

Heritage buildings that showcase the splendor of South African architecture from the bygone days have either been restored or left untouched.

The Addo Elephant Park nearby is a great place to socialize with the trunked giants on their own turf. The azure waters of the Indian Ocean and the rich marine life are what draw visitors to the shores of Port Elizabeth. A perfect spot to stop along the Garden Route, head to Port Elizabeth for a wonderful fun-filled time.

6. Knysna is one of the most famous cities along the Garden Route

Knysna Lagoon, Western Cape, South Africa. Vue de Western Cape en Afrique du Sud. Photo by South African Tourism from South Africa – Wikimedia Commons

Knysna is one of the most famous cities along the Garden Route. Once the center of the timber industry, the city has some intricate wood architecture to take in.

Located on the coast of the Indian Ocean in the Western Cape, Knysna is surrounded by a delightful lagoon. The lagoon is a favorite among sailing and boating enthusiasts and there are a plethora of boating activities.

With amazing hotels and restaurants around every corner, the artsy city is one of the major highlights of the Garden Route. A charming city with lots to do, Knysna is not to be missed.

7. Bloemfontein has plenty of museums and galleries to soak up the history of South Africa

Bloemfontein, Free State, South Africa (19915167294). Vue du Free State en Afrique du Sud. Photo by South African Tourism from South Africa – Wikimedia Commons

Bloemfontein is a rather small and picturesque city despite its importance as South Africa’s judicial capital. While the city does not have much to offer in terms of attractions, the provincial quaint feel of the city is more than enough.

You will definitely pass by the city while traveling through the heart of South Africa, as the city is sort of a crossroads between the cape roads, South Africa’s most famous national parks, and the Kalahari Desert.

While activities are scarce, there are plenty of museums and galleries to soak up the history of South Africa and the province of the Free State.

8. East London is a city not crowded with tourists

East London, Eastern Cape, South Africa (20322534908). Vue de l’Eastern Cape en Afrique du Sud. Photo by South African Tourism from South Africa – Wikimedia Commons

Another picturesque city located on the Eastern Cape, East London is known for its beaches, boardwalks, and surfing. The city is not yet crowded with tourists, making it a great place to visit if you want to avoid the crowds.

As the other beaches are being thronged by tourists, many choose East London as their go-to beach in South Africa. For this reason, it is fast becoming the only South African city yet to be explored by tourists.

9. Stellenbosch is located close to Cape Town

Museum Complex – Stellenbosch, South Africa (3881538828).
The Museum Complex in Stellenbosch in the Western Cape.The Stellenbosch Wine Route is arguably one of the most famous in South Africa. With 106 wine producing cellars one can enjoy a long day of wine tasting and buying. Photo by Vue de Western Cape en Afrique du Sud – Wikimedia Commons

Stellenbosch is South Africa’s wine country, located close to Cape Town. With one of the country’s premier institutions in the backyard, the city has a youthful, carefree feel to it.

 The outskirts of the town are dotted with various vineyards producing a wide range of wines. Wine tasting tours are a favorite among travelers and South Africans on vacation.

 This quaint town is right at the starting point of the Garden Route and you can hit the road after a cozy afternoon here. Just don’t drink and drive.

10. While in Plettenberg Bay you can catch magnificent views of whales breeding in the water

Plettenberg Bay’s Lookout – South Africa . Look out Beach in South Africa. Photo by Vue de Western Cape en Afrique du Sud – Wikimedia Commons  

One of South Africa’s top tourist towns and a must-stop on the Garden Route, Plettenberg Bay is surrounded by rolling hills, white sandy beaches, and crystal clear waters.

During the warm season, you can catch magnificent views of whales breeding in the water. With one of the best coastlines in South Africa, there are a wide range of water sports activities and the opportunity to get up close and personal with the diverse marine life.

The hills in close proximity also allow you to go hiking or climbing and there are a number of wildlife sanctuaries housing indigenous monkeys and birds.