Things to do in Bloemfontein
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Cubana
It’s a self-described ‘Latino social cafe’ that is a popular and sophisticated spot in the heart of the Second Ave scene, and features four pages of cocktails, including a strong caipirinha. The equally lengthy food menu offers lots of chicken and beef dishes with Cuban sauces; although, if you’ve spent time in Latin America you’ll know right away the taste is a bit off. Still, for a small town in the Free State, it’s pretty decent. The ambience here is fantastic. In a semi-open-air, thatched-roof building, the vibe is Caribbean meets Victorian safari – think old school chandeliers, ornate, gold-threaded couches and hookahs. The breezy deck is great for people watching.…
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National Women's Memorial
Commemorating the 26,000 women and children who died in British concentration camps during the 1899-1902 Anglo-Boer War, the National Women's Memorial is the creation of well-known South African sculptor Anton von Wouw. The sandstone obelisk depicts a bearded Afrikaner, setting off on his pony to fight the British, bidding a last farewell to his wife and baby, who are to perish in one of the camps. It's a powerful image and one still buried in the psyche of many Afrikaners.
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Stones
A popular college hang-out with funky Japanese pop art on bright-red walls, throbbing music and lots of pool tables. If the noise is making your head pound, step onto the 2nd-floor deck, play a game of table tennis or just check out the action below on Second Ave. Live bands rock the place on weekends, and there are special students’ and ladies’ nights – check out its Facebook page for the entire scoop.
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Bloemfontein Zoo
Opened by the Prince of Wales – the future Edward VIII – in 1925, Kings Park is the city’s largest green open space and home to more than 4000 rose bushes. It’s a wonderfully colourful and deliciously fragrant place. Inside the park, you’ll find the Bloemfontein Zoo. Established in 1906, it is best known for its large primate collection. The entrance is on Henry St.
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Oliewenhuis Art Museum
One of South Africa’s most striking art galleries, the Oliewenhuis Art Museum is housed in an exquisite 1935 mansion. The gallery’s name comes from the wild olive trees growing in the beautiful gardens that surround it. It holds a collection of works by South African artists, including Thomas Baines. There’s also a strong contemporary collection.
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Manguang Township
The African National Congress (ANC) party was born in a shanty town 5km outside Bloemfontein in 1912. Today, you can experience life, and learn some important history, on a guided tour of Manguang Township, where South Africa’s most powerful political party was formed. Not surprisingly, Manguang, and other black townships around the Bloem area, played an integral role in the fight to end apartheid. Tours visit culturally important sights such as Mapikela House, now a national monument, where Thomas Mapikela, a founding father of the ANC, once resided.
If you are interested in township nightlife, visit after dark. Guided evening tours hit the township’s buzzing shebeens …
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Mystic Boer
Bloem’s most popular long-standing pub and live-music venue provides an eccentric twist to Afrikaner culture – check out the psychedelic pictures of long-bearded Boers on the walls. One ‘big’ band plays per month, and there are regular gigs by unsigned rock and hip-hop outfits. The bar specialises in tequila, while pizza and burgers provide the fuel.
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Fishpaste
Fishpaste is a rare thing - a Free State restaurant with a trendy, funky interior and an interesting modern fusion menu. Choose from blackened Canadian salmon with green-bean salad, Vietnamese prawn rolls or rolled pork fillet. The fashionably black-clad staff are super-friendly, the bar is buzzy and the prices extremely reasonable.
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Waterfront
Yes, Bloemfontein has a Waterfront, modelled on Cape Town's. Although it's a bit tacky, Bloem's Waterfront is a lot more pleasant than the huge shopping malls that are popping up on the outskirts of so many South African cities. It's outside, set on a small body of water, and the atmosphere is relaxed - it's a great place for kids.
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Jazz Time Café
This hip eatery has an interesting menu featuring zippy zivas – Yemeni-style layered dough wrapped around a variety of fillings (such as Cajun chicken, feta and avocado), folded and toasted. There are cocktails and jazz recitals in the evenings – unusual in the rock-orientated Bloemfontein music scene.
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Bella Casa Trattoria
This popular Italian trattoria serves lots of pasta choices, along with pizzas and salads at very reasonable prices. It’s a cheerful, family-friendly place with ample courtyard seating at blue-chequered-cloth-covered tables. If you’d rather dine in your hotel, Bella Casa offers takeaway service.
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Seven on Kellner
An eclectic restaurant with a very trendy lounge vibe, this place does everything from wood-fired pizzas to many Middle Eastern- and Indian-inspired delights. The food is delicious. Afterwards, chill in an ultracool chair on the patio with a bottle of bubbly picked from the extensive wine list.
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Naval Hill
This was the site of the British naval-gun emplacements during the Anglo-Boer War. On the eastern side of the hill is a large white house that served as a landmark for British cavalry during the war.
There are good views from the top of the hill, which is also home to the Franklin Game Reserve. Walking is permitted, so get out of the car and go for an old-fashioned bush romp.
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Barba’s Café
An extensive cocktail list, live music and Saturday-night DJs make this local favourite a staple on a Second Ave pub crawl. The cafe serves Greek specialities, including good garlic snails, but is best known as a sophisticated drinking spot. Sport is shown on a big-screen TV.
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Cool Runnings
Part of a nationwide chain of Caribbean-themed bar-restaurants, with DJs and live bands at weekends and karaoke on Sundays. Forget about reggae – the music on offer is the ubiquitous rock and blues; it’s nonetheless very popular.
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Second Avenue
It’s kind of tacky looking, with galvanised-steel light fixtures and slate tiles, but this student diner-cum-bar gets rocking when university is in session and crowds pile in to socialise and tackle the ‘tower of beer’.
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Franklin Game Reserve
There are good views from the top of Naval hill, where you'll also home to the Franklin Game Reserve. Walking is permitted, so get out of the car and go for an old-fashioned bush romp.
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Anglo-Boer War Museum
The memorial is in front of the Anglo-Boer War Museum, which has some interesting displays, including photos from concentrations camps set up not only in South Africa, but also in Bermuda, India and Portugal.
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National Museum
A great re-creation of a 19th-century street, complete with sound effects, is the most interesting display at this museum. There is also a shop and a cafe here.
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Linda's Coffee House
Near the information desk at the Tourist Centre, Linda's does good breakfasts (and coffee) for those early bus arrivals. If everywhere else is closed, it's a great option.
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Oolong Lounge
This ultra hip lounge attracts a trendy young crowd. The super-mod interior is slick and shiny with black leather chairs and space for dancing. Light meals are served.
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Orchid House
Also in the neighbourhood, Orchid House is a glasshouse with a beautiful collection of flowers. The park outside is an ideal place to take the kids for a picnic.
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Workshop Roadside Cafe
A large, raucous pub with loud music, a big-screen TV and a reputation as a bit of a bikers' hangout, it's a good place to sink a few beers.
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Sand du Plessis Theatre
The local paper lists music, ballet, drama and opera performances held at this striking modern building.
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Loch Logan Waterfront
Adjacent to the zoo, on a small lake, is the newish Loch Logan Waterfront. Modelled after Cape Town’s waterfront, Loch Logan isn’t quite as impressive, but it’s a good, safe spot for dinner, drinks or a movie on a rainy day. Shops and a permanent flea market will keep you busy for a few hours.
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