Grahamstown

A historic university town with significant literary and cultural heritage, hosting the acclaimed National Arts Festival and featuring colonial architecture, museums, and galleries. It's the intellectual and cultural heart of the Eastern Cape.

Things to do

• Cathedral of St Michael and St George — Explore this striking Victorian Gothic cathedral completed in 1824, featuring beautiful stained glass and commanding views over the town from its tower.
• National Arts Festival — Attend South Africa's largest arts festival held annually in July, showcasing theatre, music, dance, visual art, and literature across multiple venues throughout the town.
• 1820 Settlers National Monument — Visit this imposing monument and museum dedicated to the British settlers of 1820, with panoramic views over the surrounding valley.
• Rhodes University Campus Walk — Stroll through the historic university campus featuring colonial and modern architecture, beautiful gardens, and the impressive Drostdy building.
• Albany Museum — Discover the region's natural history, ethnography, and colonial heritage through diverse collections including San rock art and colonial artefacts.
• High Street Heritage Walk — Take a self-guided walking tour along the charming High Street lined with Georgian and Victorian buildings, galleries, bookshops, and heritage sites.

Food to try

• Pap and Relish — Try this traditional Eastern Cape staple of maize porridge served with spiced vegetable relish, commonly found in local eateries and township restaurants.
• Sorghum Beer — Sample umqombothi, a traditional fermented sorghum and maize beer that represents local brewing heritage and is served in informal venues.
• Grahamstown Farm Fresh Market — Visit the weekly farmers market to taste local cheeses, breads, preserves, and fresh produce from Eastern Cape smallholders.
• Oxtail Stew — Enjoy this slow-cooked regional favourite typically prepared with local vegetables and served in family-run restaurants around town.
• Melktert (Milk Tart) — Taste this sweet custard tart dusted with cinnamon, a beloved South African dessert available at local bakeries and tea rooms.

Local customs & good to know

• Festival Season Dominance — Plan your visit around July's National Arts Festival when the town transforms completely, but expect accommodation to be heavily booked and prices to peak significantly.
• Walking Town Culture — Grahamstown is best explored on foot through its compact historic centre where locals appreciate leisurely pace and spontaneous street conversations.
• Literary Heritage Respect — The town deeply values its literary tradition; visit independent bookshops and literary landmarks, and respect the intellectual atmosphere that defines local identity.
• Township Engagement — Consider respectful township tours with local guides to understand the full story of Grahamstown beyond colonial heritage and support community-based tourism.

Nearby

• Addo Elephant National Park — 71 km
• Port Elizabeth — 112 km
• Jeffreys Bay — 190 km
• Tsitsikamma National Park — 252 km