Whether you want to have a bit of an adventure or a peaceful day out in nature, whether you want to explore South Africa's history and heritage or visit a gallery and appreciate art, Nelson Mandela Bay got you covered.

Nelson Mandela Bay got you covered good...

• Seamless traffic;
• Home to the big seven;
• Bottlenose dolphin capital;
• Home to the endangered African penguin;
• Vibrant city atmosphere;
• Rich in history;
• Rich in culture;
• Rich in heritage sites;
• Markets and festivals;
• Plethora of sport events;
• Friendly people;
• Free and/or affordable attractions;
• High-end and budget accommodation; and
• A Nelson Mandela Bay Pass that enables you to explore more for less.

Here are a few things that you can get up to - not just this weekend, but almost 24/7, 365 days a year - and we look at the what, the why, the where, the when and the who of things to do in Nelson Mandela Bay.

Go explore

What: Route 67

Why: Route 67 consists of 67 Public Art Works symbolising Nelson Mandela's 67 years of work dedicated to the Freedom of South Africa.

Where: Central, South End and Uitenhage.

When: 365 days a year (opt for a tour guide to fully understand this route).

Who: Families and those interested in South Africa's culture, heritage and history.
 

Hike something

What: Blindekloof Hiking Trails in the Groendal Wilderness Area

Why: Numerous hiking trails offering stunning landscapes and natural pools in the only legally-proclaimed wilderness in the Eastern Cape.

Where: Groendal Nature Reserve, just outside of Uitenhage.

When: 365 days a year, weather depending.

Who: Hikers.

Have an adventure

What: Maitland Mines 4x4 Route

Why: Maitland mines is situated between Blue Horizon Bay and Beachview and the trail offers drivers the chance to traverse over dunes, forest thicket and grass.  There are 3 trails (16 km in total) and the 3 km, 9km and 4 km trail should take about 2 hours.

Where: Maitland Nature Reserve, Port Elizabeth.

When: 365 days a year, weather depending.

Who: Experienced drivers (4x4 required).

Family fun

What: Kragga Kamma Game Park.

Why: Kragga Kamma Game Park is a wildlife experience in Port Elizabeth and just a short drive from Despatch, Uitenhage and Port Elizabeth Central.

Where: Kragga Kamma Rd, Farms Port Elizabeth.

When: Monday-Sunday 08:00-17:00.

Who: Everyone, but especially families. 
 

Meet someone

What: Cuyler Manor Museum

Why: Meet Rosy who has been working for 30 years at Cuyler Manor Museum and take one of her guided tours through the homestead of General Cuyler.

Where: Pienaar Road, Manor Heights, Despatch.

When: Monday-Friday 10:00-13:00 and 14:00 to 16:30.

Who: For young and old.

#FilltheBay

What: Rugby test, South Africa vs Argentina

Why: The first match of the Castle Lager Rugby Championship takes place at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth when the Pumas from Argentina will challenge the Boks.

Where: 70 Prince Alfred Road, North End, Port Elizabeth.

When: 19 August, kick off is at 17:00.

Who: Everyone

Appreciate Art

What: ArtEC (The EPSAC Community Art Centre)

Why: Palladio and the Modern Architects Exhibition: The traveling exhibition returns to its home city with a final exhibition being hosted by the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum in Port Elizabeth from the 17th of August to the 15th of September 2017. The opening of the exhibition is on Thursday 17th of August at 6pm at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum. This exhibition is open to the public and free of an entrance fee (read more).

Where: 36 Bird Street.

When: Monday-Friday 09:00-16:00, Saturday 09:00-13:00.

Who: Anyone but especially those in the architectural profession and architecture students.

Get wet

What: Oceanside Surf Store

Why: This is your chance to be a mermaid who knows how to surf (and with your Nelson Mandela Bay Pass you can get a free lesson from Oceanside Surf Store).

Where: No. 1 McArthur Pool and Leisure Complex, Beach Road, Humewood, Port Elizabeth

When: Monday to Sunday.

Who: For the beach bums and ocean lovers.
 

Day trip

What: Take a day trip towards Kirkwood, indulge in some adrenalin activities in Addo such as zipling, drive through Addo Elephant National Park and eat at Jack's Picnic and then end the day off with some more adventure or a leisurely cruise on the Sundays River.

Why: There's more than enough to keep you - and the whole family - busy for a day.

Where: Less than 60 km northeast from Port Elizabeth.

When: 365 days a year. 

Who: For the adventure chasers, the nature lovers and families. 

Stop for coffee

What: Friendly Stranger

Why: Besides good coffee, unique decor and atmosphere, the Friendly Stranger building is believed to be oldest in the Bay. 

Where: Bridge Street, South End, Port Elizabeth.

When: Tuesday-Saturday 08:00-16:00, Sunday 08:00-14:00.

Who: For the caffeine addicts and the brunch eaters.

#ShareTheBay

What: #ShareTheBay

Why: Show the world your favourite Bay experiences by using the hashtag - #ShareTheBay - on social media.

Where: Nelson Mandela Bay

When: 24/7, 365 days a year.

Who: Everyone.
 

Eat a hearty meal

What: Frederick & Son 

Why: Gourmet burgers and boeries, who can say no to that?

Where: 2b Alabaster Street, South End, Port Elizabeth.

When: Monday 09:00-15:00, Tuesday-Friday, 09:00-22:00, Saturday 12:00-22:00, Sunday 11:00-17:00.

Who: For everyone but especially for the foodies.

It’s time to rest

What: No 5 Boutique Art Hotel

Why: The No 5 Boutique Art Hotel was voted by Travellers as the best hotel and it has its own private cinema and wine cellar.

Where: 5 Brighton Drive, Summerstrand, Port Elizabeth.

When: 24/7, 356 days a year.

Who: Famlies, couples and business travellers.