Where to Stay in Bloemfontein – A Guide to the City of Roses
Bloemfontein, also known as Mangaung, is the capital of South Africa’s Free State Province and the seventh-largest city in SA. Located in the heart of the country, Bloemfontein is famous for its yearly rose festival and for being the judicial capital of South Africa. In this post, we will explore the best areas to stay in Bloemfontein.
Bloemfontein is one of South Africa’s cultural hubs, this city is home to several important museums covering history and art.
The most important tourist attractions in Bloemfontein‘s City Centre include the National Museum Bloemfontein, Freshford House Museum, First Raadsal Museum, the Old Presidency Museum, and Queen’s Fort Military Museum. See accommodation in Bloemfontein Central.
Other important landmarks located in the outer districts include the Oliewenhuis Art Museum, the War Museum of the Boer Republics and the National Women’s Monument.
But Bloemfontein is more than culture and history. This South African city is also known for its natural spaces and wildlife areas. Places like the Orchid House, the Free State National Botanical Garden, Cheetah Experience and Bagamoya Wildlife Estate are unmissable attractions to get in touch with nature while in Bloemfontein.
Every spring, Bloemfontein is host to the Mangaung Rose Festival. This major event brings people from every corner of the country to take part in the celebrations. The festival includes rose exhibitions and competitions, open-air markets and beauty pageants. The Mangaung Rose Festival usually takes place in October with locations spread out across the city.
Because of its location on the southern edge of the Highveld, Bloemfontein has a semi-arid climate. Summer days in Bloemfontein are hot and dry; high temperatures in January can reach 35ºC. Meanwhile, the winters are cool with frequent frosts. Average temperatures in July usually hover between -2ºC and 18ºC. The best time to visit Bloemfontein is the spring (September through December). Not only does the spring bring pleasant temperatures to the city, but it is also when the Mangaung Rose Festival takes place.
To get to Bloemfontein by air, the city is served by the Bram Fischer International Airport. Located about 8 km east of the city centre, this primary airport offers domestic connections to a few destinations such as Durban, Cape Town and Johannesburg.
Bloemfontein is also connected by train and long-distance buses to other places in South Africa.
The best area to stay in Bloemfontein is the CBD or Bloemfontein Central Business District. This lively area of town is home to several cultural attractions and some of the best local and international hotels. See accommodation in Bloemfontein’s CBD.
Other districts to keep in mind when choosing the best location in Bloemfontein include Willow and Westdene.
Keep reading to find out more about the best areas to stay in Bloemfontein.
The Best Areas to Stay in Bloemfontein, ZA
1. Recommended area: Bloemfontein Central (CBD)
The Central Business District (CBD) of Bloemfontein is one of the oldest districts in the city, as well as its main commercial area.
The vast majority of historical monuments of the city are located in this area, next to modern buildings, shopping centres, museums and squares.
One of the most visited places in the CBD is Hoffman Square, which serves as the setting for the opening of the Festival of Roses and is ideal for walking.
Another popular attraction in the area is the Naval Hill, home of the statue in honour of Nelson Mandela, from where you can see the best views of the Bloemfontein skyline, as well as a modern planetarium.
To know the CBD, the best alternative is to walk since it is a pedestrian-friendly area.
The train station connects the CBD with the rest of Bloemfontein and is located on the east side of the district, on Harvey Rd.
The Central Business District is the best area to stay in Bloemfontein because it offers accommodation close to the attractions and it concentrates the best tourist activities in the city.
Why is this a recommended area to stay:
- Heart of the city
- Hoffman Square
- Naval Hill
Accommodation in this area
-
Top Choice
aha Bloemfontein
aha Bloemfontein is located in the business and sports centre of Bloemfontein, less than 5 minutes walk from the Mimosa shopping centre. It offers modern rooms with a flat-screen TV via.
-
Budget
Rosedene
The Rosedene offers accommodation with terrace and barbecue, is located near the Mega World and the Oliewenhuis art gallery. Nearby attractions include the Mimosa shopping centre, the On Leviseur Bloemfontein gallery and the Sand du Plessis theatre.
-
Luxury
Anta Boga Hotel
Anta Boga Hotel is located in the centre of Bloemfontein. It has an outdoor pool, a restaurant and a solarium. Bloemfontein Airport is 12 km away and the Loch Logan Promenade is 1.9 km away.
2. Willows
Willows is a district located on the west side of Bloemfontein, a 6-minute drive from the Central Business District.
Willows is known as the intellectual corner of the city for having the University of Technology, the Museum of Presidents and Art Galleries.
The city’s Zoo is the epicentre of entertainment in Willows, the favourite place to meet a wide variety of animal species, have a picnic or just take a breath of fresh air.
Other recreational sites in the district include the Kin Park Rose Garden, the Tennis Free State Stadium, and the Fotz Park.
Willows lacks public transport, but it is a well-located area and fairly close to the centre of Bloemfontein.
The three-star apartments and hotels in Willows are a good alternative when looking for where to stay in Bloemfontein and they allow you to enjoy another facet of the city.
Why is this a recommended area to stay:
- Bloemfontein Zoo
- Free State Stadium
- Galleries and museums
Accommodation in this area
-
Top Choice
The Nightingale Guesthouse
The Nightingale Guesthouse is located in Bloemfontein, 8 km from Northridge Mall, and offers air-conditioned rooms and a shared lounge. It also has a shared kitchen and barbecue.
-
Budget
3 Lavenders
3 Lavenders is a guest house with garden located in Bloemfontein, 2.3 km from Mega World, 5 km from Oliewenhuis Art Gallery and 13 km from JBN Hertzog.
-
Luxury
College Lodge
The College Lodge, which has an outdoor pool, is located in Bloemfontein. It offers free Wi-Fi connection.
3. Westdene
Westdene is north of the centre of Bloemfontein, near Brandwag and Arboretum.
Westdene is a remote area, far from the Central Business District and its attractions, but it is one of the newest, most modern and peaceful areas of Bloemfontein.
Although it does not have the monuments and historical heritage of other districts, it is popular with tourists because it concentrates the greatest number of restaurants and gastronomic options in the city.
Westdene is the ideal district to enjoy Italian, German, Chinese and, above all, typical South African food. In addition, it offers a very attractive nightlife, formed by bars and live music venues.
Westdene has several car rental offices that make it possible to move easily within the area and to other places in Bloemfontein.
Westdene stands out for its mixed accommodation that is cheaper than in other districts, which makes it one of the best areas to stay in Bloemfontein on a budget.
Why is this a recommended area to stay:
- Great food
- Good area for nightlife
- Cheap hotels
Accommodation in this area
-
Top Choice
Villa Bali Boutique Hotel
This Balinese-style boutique hotel in Bloemfontein offers comfortable rooms with matching bedspreads and curtains. The breakfast room overlooks the quiet courtyard.
-
Budget
Premiere Guesthouse
Premiere Guesthouse is located in Bloemfontein, 1.3 km from Hydromed Hospital. It offers air-conditioned rooms. This bed and breakfast is 3.2 km from the University of the Free State.
-
Luxury
Protea Hotel by Marriott Bloemfontein Willow Lake
The Protea Hotel by Marriott Bloemfontein Willow Lake enjoys an ideal and exclusive location next to the Bloemfontein Zoo. Guests can enjoy the views from the magnificent patio.
Read this in other languages
