With its distinction of being the sole river port in South Africa, this lively city has various attractions for tourists to explore.
Firstly, it’s home to several historic buildings, such as the stately Victorian-style City Hall, and boasts a rich heritage that visitors can learn more about at the East London Museum.
It also makes a great base from which to explore the Wild Coast, one of South Africa’s most spectacular natural wonders.
That being said, the region’s beaches are undoubtedly one of its most popular attractions.
The ocean temperatures are slightly warmer here than in other parts of the country, resulting in an abundance of water-related activities to take part in, including surfing, swimming, and fishing.
Whale-watching can also be enjoyed here between the months of July or December, when the coastline is visited by Southern Wright Whales and Humpback Whales.
Discover more places to visit with the following list of must-see destinations in East London
The 35 Most Popular Things To Do In East London, South Africa
35. Latimer’s Landing
3.0 (1 review)
Location: Harbour East London
34. Gately House
5.0 (2 reviews)
Location: 1 Park Gates Road East London Cbd East London
Tel: 43-731-1500
Web Address: http://theheritageportal.co.za/thread/gately-house-east-london
33. Igoda Beach
4.2 (5 reviews)
Credit: Adria van Rooyen, Google Maps
32. German Settlers Memorial
3.9 (10 reviews)
Credit: South African Tourism, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: East London Cbd East London
31. Queens Park Zoo & Gardens
3.9 (15 reviews)
Credit: Jessica Cloete, Google Maps
Location: Beaconsfield Road East London City Ctr East London
Tel: 43-742-5386
30. Orient Beach
4.0 (18 reviews)
29. On The Rocks Nahoon River Cruises
4.8 (18 reviews)
Credit: Evan Saunders, Google Maps
Location: Nahoon River Nahoon East London
Tel: 76-647-8625
Web Address: http://nahoonbarge.co.za/
28. Beach Front
4.1 (20 reviews)
Credit: Lysippos, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: Unnamed Rd. Streetirling East London
27. Umtiza Nature Reserve
3.3 (21 reviews)
Credit: Anele Anele, Google Maps
Location: East London
Tel: 43-736-4014
26. Hood Point Lighthouse
3.6 (40 reviews)
Credit: Bfluff, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: East London Cbd East London
Tel: 43-700-9056
25. Bat’s Cave
4.6 (41 reviews)
Location: Stirling East London
Web Address: https://showme.co.za/east-london/tourism/bats-cave-bats-cave-trail/
24. Cove Rock Beach, East London
4.0 (42 reviews)
Credit: Sayed Ahmed, Google Maps
23. Amathole Museum
3.9 (58 reviews)
Credit: Nathan Adams, Google Maps
Location: Alexandra Road Qonce
Tel: 43-642-4506
Web Address: https://museum.za.net/
22. Nahoon Point Lighthouse
4.2 (61 reviews)
Credit: Allan Watt, License, Flickr
Location: 5241 Streetirling East London
21. Bubble Jungle
4.2 (110 reviews)
Location: Quenera North East London
Tel: 86-158-6453
20. Electric Avenue
4.4 (123 reviews)
Location: Western Avenue Two Rivers Dr East London
Tel: 43-726-9727
Web Address: https://electric-avenue.co.za/
19. BEACON BAY EAST BEACH
4.0 (130 reviews)
Credit: Innocent Sanele Mkhwebane, Google Maps
18. Orient Beach
3.8 (202 reviews)
Location: Quigney East London
Tel: 43-705-2538
17. Dassie Trail
4.4 (237 reviews)
Credit: grant macgregor, Google Maps
Location: 2 Blue Waters Road Beaconhurst East London
Tel: 43-748-1722
16. West Bank Golf Club
4.3 (254 reviews)
Credit: David Rhys Monda, Google Maps
Location: West Street Race Track East London
Tel: 43-731-1523
15. Kwelera National Botanical Garden
4.4 (259 reviews)
Credit: Herman Lintvelt, Google Maps
Location: Kwelera River Mouth
Tel: 12-843-5000
Web Address: https://sanbi.org/gardens/kwelera/
14. Aquarium
3.7 (393 reviews)
Location: 13 Esplanade Street Quigney East London
Tel: 43-705-2637
Web Address: http://elaquarium.co.za/
13. Gonubie Boardwalk
4.4 (393 reviews)
Credit: Daniel Manyemwe, Google Maps
Location: Gonubie East London
Tel: 83-531-7476
12. Buffalo Park
4.2 (468 reviews)
Credit: Daron Mann, Google Maps
Location: Buffalo Park Dr Arcadia East London
Tel: 43-709-9710
Web Address: http://bordercricket.co.za/contact-us
11. Python Park Mashie Golf Course
4.5 (489 reviews)
Credit: Python Park Mashie Golf Course, Google Maps
Location: Thornpark East London
Tel: 82-553-0347
10. The Lion Park
3.9 (497 reviews)
Location: N6 East London
Tel: 71-564-0445
Our Top picks
9. Nahoon Estuary Nature Reserve
4.4 (37 reviews)
Credit: Wesley Oliver, Google Maps
Location: Beaconhurst East London
Tel: 43-748-1722
8. Ann Bryant Art Gallery
4.4 (98 reviews)
Credit: Janek Szymanowski, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: 9 Street Mark Road Belgravia East London
Tel: 43-722-4044
Web Address: http://annbryant.co.za/
7. Gonubie Main Beach
4.5 (166 reviews)
6. Bonza Bay Beach
4.3 (254 reviews)
Credit: Harry de Kock, Google Maps
5. Nahoon Corner
4.6 (290 reviews)
Credit: Jacques Fourie, Google Maps
Location: East Unnamed Road London
4. East London Museum
4.3 (341 reviews)
Credit: South African Tourism, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: 319 Oxford Street Belgravia East London
Tel: 43-743-0686
Web Address: http://elmuseum.za.org/
3. Inkwenkwezi Private Game Reserve
4.5 (513 reviews)
Credit: Inkwenkwezi Private Game Reserve, Google Maps
Location: Schafli Road Chintsa West East London
Tel: 43-734-3234
Web Address: http://inkwenkwezi.com/
2. East London Zoo
3.1 (540 reviews)
Location: Beaconsfield Road Parkside East London
Tel: 43-722-1171
1. Hemingways Casino
4.2 (1,242 reviews)
Credit: Hemingways Casino, Google Maps
Location: Two Rivers Dr & Western Ave East London
Tel: 43-707-7777
Web Address: https://hemingways.co.za/
Final Words:
Thank you for reading our list of the best things to do in East London, South Africa! We hope it helped you plan the perfect itinerary for your next trip to this fantastic destination. Happy travels!
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