Here are our top 10 things to do as a NMMU student in Port Elizabeth. You can have fun while staying within your budget. Score!
As an NMMU student in South Africa’s friendliest city – Port Elizabeth, there are hundreds of fun, affordable and unique things to do to get a break from your studies. It’s time to get away from the bars and clubs and try something new. From museums to good food markets, PE is an endlessly entertaining city.
In no particular order, below are 10 of the most interesting things to do while on a student budget in PE.
1. The Volkswagen Auto Pavilion
Car and history enthusiasts will love this exhibition. VW brings you their history and exciting future innovations. Held within this one-of-a-kind Autopavilion is the all famous Herbie Beetle, SA’s oldest VW Kombi and loads more.
Price: R10
Contact: Pre-booking is not necessary but call 0419945941 if you would like to book ahead.
Location: 103 Algoa Rd, Uitenhage
Trading Hours: The VW Auto Pavilion is open on weekdays from 08:30 until 16:00 and the first Saturday of every month from 10:00 until 13:00 and is located at 103 Algoa Road, Uitenhage.
2. Bridge Street Brewery
Live music, the best pizza in town and burgers to die for – need I say more? This is a fun outing for a group of friends or even a great date idea for a couple looking for a non-run-of-the-mill dinner idea.
Price: R70 – R100
Contact: 0415810361 to book a table
Location: 1 Bridge Street, South End, Brickmakers Kloof
Trading Hours: This casual little brewery is open every day of the week from 10:00 until 22:00.
3. Ganache Patissier and Chocolatier
Anyone with the slightest sweet tooth will love this quaint shop in Baywest Mall. Perfect hand-crafted pastries, artisan chocolates and Madelines, that could be from Paris itself, are held inside. Do not let your time at NMMU go past without visiting Ganache Patissier and Chocolatier.
Price: R60
Contact: 041 492 0414
Location: 100 Baywest Boulevard, Hunters Retreat
Trading Hours: 9:00 – 19:00
4. Hobie Beach
Hobie Beach is one of the best and busiest beaches in Port Elizabeth. Just off Marine Drive, this is a great spot for some ocean fun. Windsurfing, swimming or simply bathing in the sun is a fantastic (and free) way to get a well-deserved study break. Interesting rock pools are dotted along the beach for the curious to explore.
Price: Free
Contact: N/A
Location: Off Marine Drive in Summerstrand
Trading Hours: N/A
5. Addo Elephant Park
Just a short drive from PE is a nature reserve where you can see all of the Big 5 and even the Great White shark and Southern Right whale. R54 gets you access for the day into the third largest national reserve in South Africa. If you have a Wildcard, entrance is completely free.
Price: R54 or less
Contact: 042 233 8600
Location: R335 Paterson Road, Addo
Trading Hours: 7:00 – 18:00
6. Grass Roof Farm
Quirky and unique, this eatery’s distinguishing feature is its pitched roof with grass and wild flowers growing on it. Grass Roof Farm means that handmade pastries, artisan bread as well as full meals are not far from Port Elizabeth. With emphasis placed on promoting healthy and wholesome eating, owners Nicky and Mike have created an authentically Port Elizabethan laid-back vibe.
Price: R65
Contact: 041 366 2379
Location: Corner of New Seaview and Heron Road, Sardinia Bay
Trading Hours: 08:00 – 17:00
7. The Valley Market
This market is held on the first Saturday and third Thursday of every month. You will find artisanal foods and confectionery, as well as fresh fruit and veggies. Head down to Baakens Valley for mouthwatering paella, freshly homemade bread and delicious smoothies. Entrance is R10 and all the proceeds go back into developing the community.
Price: R10 entrance
Contact: N/A
Location: Corner of Alabaster Road and Lower Valley Road, Baakens
Trading Hours: The first Saturday of every month from 09:00 – 14:00 and the third Thursday of every month from 17:00 – 21:00
8. Original Vovo Telo
The bread and pastries of Vovo Telo have become something of a nation-wide craze. All of this started with the advent of a little bakery in PE named after the town Vovo Telo in Madagascar. With a massive variety of different breads and some of the best coffee in town, go to the original Vovo Telo in Richmond Hill for bread, coffee or a meal and prepare to be amazed.
Price: R140
Contact: 041 585 5606
Location: 16 Raleigh Street, Richmond Hill
Trading Hours: 07:15 – 15:15
9. Grillers Diner
Get a group of friends and head to 330 Cape Road for a throwback to your childhood. With thick milkshakes and club grillers, this is a must-do for anyone in Port Elizabeth.
Price: R100 average meal
Contact: 041 365 1688 to book a table
Location: 330 Cape Rd
Trading Hours: 08:30 – 21:00
10. Summerstrand Boardwalk
Looking for a quiet walk, a new outing location or perhaps a date idea? Go for a stroll on the Summerstrand Boardwalk for another classically PE blue flag beach experience. This is a guaranteed way to escape the inevitable biannual exam stress or a sure-fire way to impress that someone special.
Price: Free
Contact: N/A
Location: Summerstrand Beach
Trading Hours: N/A
South Africa is a truly majestic country and the East Coast is arguably one of the most interesting regions in South Africa. Take advantage of your unique and beautiful surroundings and go try new things.
FundiConnect 2Cents
There is never any reason to sit at home doing nothing, especially in a place as rich and diverse as Port Elizabeth. There are so many places to see and experience, so go out and find them.
