Topics History South Africa Eastern Cape Port Elizabeth

Population: 312,392

The History of Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape

Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, South Africa — Source

Recent advice...Jane on Stockport, United Kingdom: xThe old parts of town – the underbank and marketplace are much improved. Heaton moor is an excellent place to live. Read more ›

Recent advice...Esther on Sokoto, Nigeria: xThe state is peaceful; low crime rate, affordable accommodations, low transportation prices, good schools and affordable food with an adequate healthcare system. Read more ›

Recent advice...Refilwe on Bethlehem, South Africa: xBethlehem is a small yet vibrant town with all age groups of people and mixed population when it comes to race. The cost of living is fair. I would highly… Read more ›

Recent advice...lucy on Stockholm, Sweden: xStockholm has amazing water views. The Art scene is fab. The food is amazing. Read more ›

Recent advice...MCHARO on Mombasa, Kenya: xIf you are coming to Mombasa you need to visit the pirates beach, Fort Jesus, which is a historical site and the nature trail which is a natural park. Read more ›

Recent advice...Evy on Brussels, Belgium: xIf moving to Brussels, it’s best to avoid the south of Brussels (Schaarbeek, Etterbeek…) The housing is cheaper but much more dangerous. Belgium is a small country but has very… Read more ›

Recent advice...Agbor on Essen, Germany: xEssen is located in the Northwest Region of Germany. It is an average city with lots of foreigners. It has a very good transport system with many African shops. Read more ›

Recent advice...Cassidy on Bogor, Indonesia: xBe prepared to familiarize yourself with public transport because there are a lot of places that have similar destinations but have different routes. The best way to commute within the… Read more ›

Recent advice...Emmanuel on Nairobi, Kenya: xPlanning to move to Nairobi? Get ready for an exciting mix of city living and thrilling adventures! Experience the lively markets, indulge in mouthwatering street food, and have the awe-inspiring… Read more ›

Recent advice...Pierre on Gaborone, Botswana: xWe live on a homestead, about 12 min drive outside the CBD. The blessing of not having traffic, the vibe of city and nature combined is to die for. Read more ›

Recent advice...Xolani on Johannesburg, South Africa: xJohannesburg residents have a 6th sense about people from here and who understand the unspoken rules of the concrete jungle. Plan your routes, always walk like you know where you… Read more ›

Recent advice...James on Nuremberg, Germany: xSpeaking German would be helpful but not necessary. Cold winters, warm summers, nice people. Finding affordable nice accommodation may be difficult. Read more ›

Recent advice...Evans on Los Angeles, United States: xLos Angeles, often abbreviated as L.A., is the largest city in California and the second-largest in the United States, following New York City. Known for its Mediterranean climate, diverse population,… Read more ›

Recent advice...Neha on Faridabad, India: xWell, I’ve stayed in Faridabad for 9 years. The city has come up and developed quiet a lot since then. There are some good malls and big brands to shop… Read more ›

Recent advice...Frenzer on Nairobi, Kenya: xIf you are moving to Nairobi City, everyone is welcoming and cheerful but if you seem to be a newbie the people will take advantage of it. For example, paying… Read more ›

Recent advice...CamCamBlue on Ann Arbor, United States: xIt’s the most expensive city in Michigan, and fast growing. We have a lovely park system and nice small, surrounding towns. Read more ›

Recent advice...Anne on North Adelaide, Australia: xBest kept secret – clean, friendly, beautiful hills and beaches. Read more ›

Recent advice...Dipti on Vadodara, India: xPeaceful place to stay and roam. Very safe. Read more ›

Recent advice...Shannah on Thibodaux, United States: xThibodaux is a quaint town with affordable homes. It’s a great area to raise children! Read more ›

Recent advice...Kaspars on Chiang Mai, Thailand: xAbsolutely stunning city in the northern part of Thailand. I would say spiritual and food capital of Thailand. There are more than 300 temples scattered around the city. If you… Read more ›

Recent advice...Corne on Bloemfontein, South Africa: xBloemfontein is a very close knit community with friendly people. The town isn’t really clean and well maintained. It has really brilliant schools that are affordable. Read more ›

Recent advice...Felix on Johannesburg, South Africa: xJohannesburg, often referred to as Jo’burg or Jozi, is the largest city in South Africa and the provincial capital of Gauteng, the wealthiest province in the country. Here are some… Read more ›

Recent advice...Noemie on Albuquerque, United States: xFor the US the cost of living is low. There is an abundance of things to do in nature & the pace of life is slower than other US cities.… Read more ›

Recent advice...Simona on Bitola, North Macedonia: xIf someone is moving to Bitola they should be at ease in not spending much money on security CCTV for securing their property, grandmas are out on their balconies/windows 24/7… Read more ›

Recent advice...Ahmed on Samanoud, Egypt: xWelcome to Samanoud, a historic gem in Egypt’s Gharbia Governorate! Once known as Sebennytos, this city features remnants of a temple dedicated to the god Anhur and his lioness goddess… Read more ›

Recent advice...Grace on Kadoma, Zimbabwe: xIf you’re moving to Kadoma you’ll need to be prepared for the heat and the dust. The roads are dusty and bad but the biggest plus is that its rich… Read more ›

Recent advice...Jeff on Minneapolis, United States: x4 wondrous seasons and thriving activities in each. Great park system thriving downtown and the Mississippi River are all here. Welcoming people convey the famous ‘Minnesota Nice’. Several world class… Read more ›

Recent advice...Esther on Lagos, Nigeria: xLagos, Nigeria is a vibrant, rapidly growing hub that’s always buzzing with energy. Known for its beautiful beaches and historic sites, it is a must-visit for anyone with an adventurous… Read more ›

Recent advice...Erick on Singapore: xIt’s the best place for working due to safety, high salary, and great transportation. Singapore is a city that is suitable for any lifestyle whether you live a frugal living… Read more ›

Recent advice...Jamie on Highlands Ranch, United States: xA really lovely suburb of Denver. Incredibly clean, well planned community. Low crime rate. Very walkable. Lots of conveniences nearby. Tons of parks for the kids. Only downside is that… Read more ›

Random City

Featured real estate agent: Affinity Real Estate
Featured hotel: We don't have one. Suggest one.
Featured immigration attorney: We don't have one. Suggest one.
Featured tour guide: We don't have one. Suggest one.

From dinosaurs to explorers to wars, here's what 13 local experts had to say about the history of Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape.

We have beautiful cities like Cape Town with one of the listed wonders of the world ‘Table Mountain’ and have rich history of ‘Robben Island’ which kept the freedom fighters captive for 27 years with one of those people being Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela the first black president of South Africa, and a noble prize holder.

HELPFUL REPORT

Port Elizabeth is a city in South Africa’s Eastern Cape Province. It is well known for its beautiful and numerous beaches. The Donkin Heritage Trail takes in the Old Hill neighbourhood’s Victorian landmarks. Coastal boat tours spot whales and rare seabirds, while wildlife reserves outside the metropolitan area are home to elephants, rhinos and other big game.

HELPFUL REPORT

Someone moving to my city should consider the safety and security of the area they want to reside in. The country does have a long history of rampant crime and as a proud citizen I want the best experience for anyone moving to this country. One last thing to consider is the weather, it is always good to be prepared for anything in Port Elizabeth.

HELPFUL REPORT

Find a beach where they can relax. There are also some very nice and upmarket hotel close to the beach, they have great services, including places for children to play and enjoy themselves while they are on holiday and enjoying themselves. Some nice hiking mountains. There are very beautiful heritage sites.

HELPFUL REPORT

Port Elizabeth is a city rich of heritage and culture. From the history of the old city buildings to the vibrant people residing in it. It is known as the Windy City due to the usually windy days we have. PE (Port Elizabeth), is a coastal city with lots of activities and also boasts the Nelson Mandela University which was named in honour of our first black president, Mr Nelson Mandela. You’ll never find yourself running out of things to do!

HELPFUL REPORT

Port Elizabeth is a windy city, you probably need to carry a jacket with you at all times. It has many beautiful tourist sites that showcase the deep roots of South African history. The residents are very friendly and diverse. You will be greeted with a smile when you walk past somebody.

HELPFUL REPORT

Port Elizabeth is such a wonderful place with beautiful holiday destinations. Take for example Summerstrand Beach where one can bask in the sun or maybe surf. The environment helps one relax; it is definitely the best place for family vacations. One place I would definitely recommend for any visitor would be the boardwalk where there are all sorts of fun activities to do including legal gambling, car racing, food tasting, etc. By the King’s Beach there are artists selling quality artifacts.

HELPFUL REPORT

To learn about its history and the beauty of the Xhosa culture. The art and different taste of foods. It would also be imperative to be aware of areas where crime scenes are most rated high and only visit places where you would feel safe at. It would also be important to visit locations or townships to learn and get an understanding on how people face different challenges on daily basis.

HELPFUL REPORT

This is a fun city with a lot of history that you can explore. The first Humans to arrive in South Africa was here in Port Elizabeth. Port Elizabeth is a relaxed, laid-back city with friendly people and very kind. This city has a harbor, beautiful beaches, a university, and a marine world.

HELPFUL REPORT

Port Elizabeth is known as The Friendly City, although it really should be The Windy City. It has perfect weather for watersports, as is evidenced by the annual Ironman and Corporate Ironman tournaments. Surfers can be seen along the pristine Blue Flag beaches daily, regardless of the weather. This laid-back coastal city also has a rich history dating back to the 1820 Settlers, and is also home to the famous Donkin fort, of which the cannon has never fired a shot.

HELPFUL REPORT

Port Elizabeth is a beautiful city with many activities to enjoy. We have many restaurants, cute little shops and many cultural and historical sites. We have a lot of friendly faces willing to help travelers. We are also known as the windy city, due to our extreme weather.

HELPFUL REPORT

Port Elizabeth is an amazing city. It has some of the most amazing beaches in our country as well many Historical Monuments and Museums. We also have many Nature Reserves and Game Parks which one can visit and are within easy reach of the city centre. Port Elizabeth also has many shopping centres and restaurants.

HELPFUL REPORT

Port Elizabeth is a beautiful coastal city in South Africa. It’s also known as the Nelson Mandela Bay. The city is very beautiful and has really nice beaches, although the weather can be very windy most of the time. It’s rich in diversity and cultural heritage. It has a lion park.

HELPFUL REPORT

Beaches Weather Things To Do More...

Education Safety and Crime Shopping Restaurants Sports Transportation Parks Quality of Life Language Cost of Living Diversity Politics Museums Pros and Cons Housing Jobs Art Traffic Nightlife Medicine Mosquitoes Air Quality Coffee Income Inequality Religion

The History of Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape

Sign up for the Crowdsourced Explorer newsletter

Participate in the CE community:

Help others learn about the world:

Help other people by sharing tips about your city:

Possibly win $100 by telling us about your city:

Tell us about your city in 60 seconds:

Leave a comment

Thank you!