- The city was renamed Makhanda in 2018 to honor a 19th-century Xhosa warrior and prophet who led an attack against the British during the Frontier Wars.
- It is often referred to as the 'City of Saints' due to the remarkably high concentration of churches and religious denominations relative to its size.
- The city is home to one of the oldest botanical gardens in South Africa, established in 1853.
- It hosts the National Arts Festival annually, which is the largest cultural event of its kind in the African continent.
- The city’s architecture displays a unique blend of Victorian, Edwardian, and Gothic Revival styles preserved from the early settlement period.
About Grahamstown
Known officially as Makhanda, this Eastern Cape city is a historic educational and religious hub centered around Rhodes University. Visitors can explore local heritage at the Albany Museum Makhanda or delve into national literary history at the Amazwi South African Museum of Literature. The cityscape is defined by its colonial architecture and proximity to the 1820 Settler's National Monument The, which overlooks the surrounding valley. It remains a key cultural focal point in South Africa, frequently hosting large-scale arts events that utilize venues like the Grahamstown City Hall.
Highlights of Grahamstown
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Historical places
Provides a panoramic vantage point of the city and context on the 1820 British settlement.
Museums
Features comprehensive exhibitions dedicated to South Africa's diverse literary traditions.
Museums
Houses significant natural history and cultural collections documenting the Eastern Cape.
Museums
Contains a Victorian-era camera obscura offering unique perspectives of the town streets.
Venues
Serves as the architectural anchor of the city center with its prominent clock tower.
Temples
Displays striking Gothic Revival stonework and stained glass characteristic of the region's religious heritage.
Top things to do in Grahamstown
The 60 highest-rated places in Grahamstown, ranked by travellers.
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Zoos
Amakhala Game Reserve is a privately owned conservancy in the Eastern Cape established in 1999 as a joint conservation v...
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Parks
Kwantu Private Game Reserve is a malaria-free Big Five safari destination located in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. S...
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Historical places
The 1820 Settlers National Monument is a cultural and arts complex located on Gunfire Hill in Makhanda, designed to comm...
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Parks
Sibuya Game Reserve is a Big Five safari destination uniquely accessible only by boat from the reception area in Kenton-...
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Venues
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Museums
Amazwi South African Museum of Literature is housed in a historic building located at 25A Worcester Street in Makhanda (...
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Zoos
Boknes Lagoon is a coastal estuary system located in Boknes Strand, South Africa, adjacent to the mouth of the Boknes Ri...
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Parks
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Natural attractions
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Places of interest
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Museums
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Parks
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Temples
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Temples
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Museums
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Museums
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Temples
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Venues
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Places of interest
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Temples
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Parks
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Temples
Around Grahamstown
Worth the short trip out of the city.
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Jump straight to what you're into.
Grahamstown on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Grahamstown
July, when the annual National Arts Festival takes place, or the mild spring months of September to November.
2-3 days to explore the museum district and historic religious sites.
The central core is largely walkable, though a car is recommended to reach peripheral sites and nearby nature reserves.
The quiet residential streets near Rhodes University offer the most convenient access to historical landmarks and local cafes.
Mid-range; the city offers a variety of affordable guest houses and university-adjacent lodging.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 60 curated attractions in and around Grahamstown, ranked by traveller ratings.
Amakhala Game Reserve is the highest-rated place to visit in Grahamstown right now.
The largest category is museums, with 20 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Cape Town, Johannesburg, Pretoria.
Explore more of South Africa
Other cities ranked by number of curated places.
