With its King’s Park Rose Garden containing more than 4 000 rose bushes, the Free State’s major city, Bloemfontein, has rightfully earned the nickname City of Roses. The city also hosts an annual rose festival. The Eerste Raadsaal (First Parliament Building), built in 1849 as a school, is Bloemfontein’s oldest surviving building. Still in its original condition, this historical building is used as the seat of the Provincial Legislature.

Reference: The South African Year Book 2005/2006


Attractions and Things to do in Bloemfontein

The Rugby Museum of Choet Visser
Tel: (051) 436 4124 (between 13h00 and 14h00) - By appointment only

Waldie Greyvendsteins' collection of vintage and classic cars and motorcycles
Tel: (051) 430 3761 / 436 4132

Franklin Nature Reserve
Uniquely situated in the heart of the city, on the plains above Naval Hill.

The Free State National Botanical Garden and fragrance garden for the blind
The Orchid House, where one steps into a tropical oasis of lush greenery, a circular wooden walkway taking one around this tiny jungle full of charm. With its astonishing colour and beauty, each type of orchid makes this visit well worth while Tel: (051) 405 8488

The Bloemfontein Zoo
Tel: (051) 405 8483

State President Swart Park and King's Park

Loch Logan
Bloemfontein's own waterfront.

The Unit Museum
1 Special Service Battalion contains articles dating back to the year 1933

Queen's Fort Military Museum
Tel: (051) 447 5478

Anglican Cathedral
By appointment only Tel: (051) 448 2961

Afrikaans Literature Museum
Tel: (051) 405 4711

Freshford House Museum
Tel: (051) 447 9609

National Museum
Tel: (051) 447 9609

The School of Armour
With its fine display of tanks and weaponry, and only of the original military hospitals.

Oliewenhuis Art Gallery
A neo-Cape Dutch manor house originally erected to the house governor generals and later state presidents during their visits to Bloemfontein Tel: (051) 447 9609

Bloemfontein Public Library

Hertzog Square and Hoffman Square

The monthly art market in Kings Park, the Rose Festival in October, and the Agricultural and Industrial Show in March

White Horse
It can be seen from Andries Pretorius Street against the slopes of Naval Hill

Appeal Court
Tel: (051) 447 2631- by appointment only.

The Fourth Raadsaal
Tel: (051) 447 8899 - by appointment only.

Supreme Court
Tel: (051) 447 8837 - by appointment only.

Hiking Trails:

Botanical Gardens
3 kilometers of walking trails have been laid out in the adjacent hills providing stunning views.
Tel: (051) 431-3530

Koppie (Langenhovenpark)
Roughly 2.7 kilometers long
Tel: (051) 405-8023
Contact Person: Mr Fanie van Huyssteen

Madiba (Naval Hill)
Roughly 2.7km long
There is a parking Area
Tel: (051) 447-1351
Contact Person: Mr E. Langer (Navalsig High School)
navalsig@netactive.co.za

Olien
Roughly 2.75 kilometers long
Braai (BBQ) facilities available
Tel: (051) 447 9609 / (051) 4440223
Contact Person: Mr. Du Plessis

Seven Dams Reserve (North Side of the City)
Roughly 4.8 kilometers
Entrances:
Nicolai Street (Hillsboro)
Genl. Beyer Street (Dan Pienaar)
Gascony Cresent (Pentagon Park)
Tel: (051) 436-3971
Contact Person: Miss MM Brynard