Located in the picturesque grasslands and low hills of Free State Plateau, Bloemfontein (also called Mangaung) is not just a natural haven but a vibrant city with friendly and warm people. Meaning ‘fountain of flowers', the city was named by its original Dutch and English settlers and holds a rich historical cache. The best places to view this are the the various museums.
Stadium
The Free State Stadium is set to grab a lot of attention during the World Cup because it was the venue for last year's FIFA Confederations Cup's remarkable semi final match between Spain and USA.
Built in 1952, today it can accommodate over 45,000 people. The stadium is bound to be packed with the Siwelele or the Bloemfontein Celtic (the city's football club) fans.
Where to eat
>> Mid-range restaurants
LBloemfontein's Loch Logan Waterfront and the adjacent Westdene area is a hub for dining out - it is home to a large number of excellent restaurants, coffee shops and pubs, which offer food, live music and hospitality to cater for every taste.
Some options around town are:
Barba's Café: For Greek and light meals (051) 430 2542
Panarotti's: For Italian (051) 444 6813
Oolong Lounge: For Indian, Thai and Sushi (051) 448 7244
Margarita's: For grills and seafood (051) 436 3729
Seven on Kellner: For African and Mediterranean (051) 447 7928
Cape Town Fish Market: For seafood and sushi (051) 436 6148
Where to stay
>> Budget to high end
4B&B@53: This three star B&B that provides guest accommodation in an old Edwardian style home, built in 1927. Situated in Andries Pretorius Street at the foot of the famous Naval Hill, close to the city centre and well positioned to be near to the following places of interest.
Rates: From 180 rand
For more information log on to www.bandbat53.co.za or write to bandbat53@internet-sa.co.za
Location: No 53 Andries Pretorius Street, Hilton / Navalsig
Contact: +27 (51) 4473845/083 270 5212
Abba House & Flats: A practical facility for either self-catering or bed and breakfast guests.
Rates: From 190 rand
Location: 87 Albrecht St, Dan Pienaar
Contact: +27(0)72 515 2688 or write to kitty@kiepersolacc.co.za
Aldersgate: Aldersgate is a peaceful B&B just outside Bloemfontein. It offers three luxury en-suite family rooms and a honeymoon suite too with delicious home cooked breakfasts and dinners. You can catch spectacular sunsets, nature walks and trails.
Rates: From 260 rand
For more information log on to www.aldersgate.co.za or write to info@aldersgate.co.za
Contact: 083 3129137 (cell)
Nature's Crest: Experience nature in style at this quaint guesthouse that is 5-12 minutes drive from all main attractions. The accommodation consists of four stylish spacious bedrooms with undercover parking and own entrance.
For further information, log on to www.naturescrest.co.za or write to GerberAM@ufs.ac.za
Rates: From 320 rand
Location: 13, New Market Street
Contact: Dr Tonie Gerber on 072 180 3663
The Golf Lodge: This five-star guesthouse is based on a unique concept. The décor of each of its nine rooms represent nine golf courses from the British Open Championship. Choose from St Andrews or Turnberry or Royal St George's, to name a few.
Rates: From 450 rand
For more information log on to www.thegolflodge.co.za or write to info@thegolflodge.co.za
Location: Milner Road
Contact: 051-4365370
Flo-Ben: Situated in the Northern suburb, Dan Pienaar, close to all amenities within a 4-10 minutes drive, Flo-Ben is a 4-star graded guest house. Choose your favourite colour scheme rooms from lavender to biscuit.
Rates: From 500 rand
For further information, log on to floben.co.za or write to info@floben.co.za.
Location: 3 Paul Roux Street, Dan Pienaar
Contact: 051 436 7453/051 436 2919
Belmont Guest House: A new luxury guesthouse situated in a well established residential area just north of the city centre. The guesthouse has twelve stylishly furnished en-suite bedrooms.
Rates: From 550 rand
For more information log on to www.belmontguesthouse.co.za or write to stay@belmontguesthouse.co.za
Location: 4 Sixth Street, Arboretum
Contact: 051-4488168
Anta Boga Boutique Hotel: A five star property that is inspired by the myth and wonder of Bali.
Rates: From R680.
For more information log on to www.antaboga.co.za or write to reservations@antaboga.co.za
Location: 6 Stapelberg Street, Brandwag
Contact: +27 (051) 444 4647
Protea Hotel: Situated on Nelson Mandela Drive, this modern 4-Star hotel is set in secure landscaped gardens with 94 bedrooms, offering crisp white duvets with separate bathroom and shower.
Rates: From R695
For more information log on to www.proteahotels.com or write to fom@phbloemfontein.co.za
Location: 202 Nelson Mandela Drive, Brandwag
Contact: +27 51 4444321
Bloem Spa Lodge: Relax in 66 traditionally styled rooms. Self catering with en-suite bathrooms is also available. The hotel provides lunch or dinner on request, secure parking, outdoor swimming pool, spa facilities.
Rates: From R650
For more information log on to www.bloemspa.co.za or write to info@bloemspa.co.za
Location: Rayton Road, LilyVale, Heuwelsig
Contact: +27 51 436 1550
What to see and do
National Museum: See one of the biggest collections of fossils and archaeological artefacts in South Africa.
Queen's Military Museum: This museum captures scenes and implements from all major conflicts, including apartheid, in the Free State from 1820.
Modenso Park Model Steam Trains: If you happen to have a free Sunday afternoon, take a ride on one of these model trains.
King's Park Arts & Crafts Market: In the lush grounds of the King's Park on the first Saturday of the month, artists from all over the country offer handmade products.
Fragrance Garden for the Blind: This garden, catering especially for the needs of visually impaired people, is situated at the foot of Naval Hill.
Bloemfontein Zoo: Apart from the nearby Maria Moroka Game Reserve and Rustfontein Dam Nature Reserve, come up close to the wild at the Bloemfontein Zoo
