"There couldn't be a better base for the 2010 World Cup, we are proud to be an official host city and visitors will be able to watch matches in one of the most spectacular stadiums in the world, while spotting wildlife, enjoying watersports or relaxing on Blue Flag beaches in between the soccer."
While locals simply refer to it as 'PE', most people only know the city as the starting point for the stunning Garden Route. But a World Cup facelift means Port Elizabeth finally has the right mix of venues and vibe to offer a top beachside holiday with great game-viewing opportunities.
Family fun is the order of the day, so hit the beach for watersports or share life-affirming bush experiences, then round the day off by feasting on exciting local cuisine.
Billed as the 'friendly city', PE is home to a host of diverse cultural groups and as a result exudes a lively, cosmopolitan feel.
The area enjoys moderate to warm temperatures with scattered rain showers all year round. Temperatures average 18-20 degrees in summer and rarely drop below 8 degrees in winter.
Unusual game dishes such as springbok carpaccio should be sampled, if only for the experience. Fresh, locally caught seafood done on the 'braai' (barbecue) is a must.
Arnold Vosloo, Hollywood actor and star of The Mummy and Blood Diamond, primarily grew up in Port Elizabeth, where his father owned a drive-in theatre.
Port Elizabeth can lay claim to both the oldest cricket ground and oldest bowling green in South Africa.
"This affordable, fun-in-the-sun family-focused metropolitan city boasts the honour of having the fourth best climate in the world for a coastal city." - Eastern Cape Tourism Board
Nicknamed the 'sunflower' due to its white, petal-like roof, this brand new world-class stadium will play host to many key World Cup matches, including a quarter final.
There are over 1,200 on-site parking spaces.
Missed out on match tickets? Head to the official fan zone, a central spot for locals and tourists to enjoy all 64 World Cup games live on big screens with food, musical performances and family-orientated activities.
Situated in the suburb of Park Drive there are both on-site and on-street parking spaces available.
Built in 1861 the lighthouse is a key stop on the historical Donkin Trail, which was named after Rufane Donkin - acting Governor of the Cape Colony during the pivotal settlement of 4,000 Brits in 1820.
Part of the Donkin Reserve, parking spaces can be found nearby in Belmont Terrace. A number of local hotels also offer paid-for parking.
On-street metered spaces can usually be found on Park Drive and Rink Street.
There are six swimming beaches in the area, but Humewood is one of only two with Blue Flag status. The clean, sandy stretch offers lots of shade and is quieter than crowded King's Beach.
Close to the gardens and trees of Happy Valley, there are plenty of on-street parking spaces available in the neighbourhood, while the car park at Telkom Park Stadium is open all year round.
The Big Five is one thing, but do you want to say you've seen the Big Seven? Incorporating parts of the local bay means Addo is also home to the great white shark and the southern right whale.
Just over 70 miles from the city centre, follow Tofile Street north and continue onto the R75.
Award-winning conservation initiative with incredible game-spotting opportunities, spa facilities, luxury lodges and a conscience. Two on-site centres house big cats rescued from captivity.
An hour from the city centre, follow the National Road Bypass northeast along the coast towards Colchester, merging with the N2 and N10.
Escape 2010 World Cup fever with a hike in this beautiful reserve, home to diverse animal and bird life, including baboons and several varieties of antelope and deer.
Follow Commercial Road/R75 northwest towards Kwadwesi and turn left at Old PE/Uitenhage Road. After around an hour you will see signs for Doornhoek Road and the reserve.
Once a tiny fishing village, the bay is now an international hotspot for surfers who flock to catch the legendary waves in this hippy-style paradise of sun, dolphins, perfect 'points' and reefs.
Drive along the Great West Way and continue onto the N2, taking the exit towards St Francis Street. The journey to the bay should take just under an hour.
Nicknamed the 'sunflower' due to its white, petal-like roof, this brand new world-class stadium will play host to many key World Cup matches, including a quarter final.
There are over 1,200 on-site parking spaces.
Missed out on match tickets? Head to the official fan zone, a central spot for locals and tourists to enjoy all 64 World Cup games live on big screens with food, musical performances and family-orientated activities.
Situated in the suburb of Park Drive there are both on-site and on-street parking spaces available.
Built in 1861 the lighthouse is a key stop on the historical Donkin Trail, which was named after Rufane Donkin - acting Governor of the Cape Colony during the pivotal settlement of 4,000 Brits in 1820.
Part of the Donkin Reserve, parking spaces can be found nearby in Belmont Terrace. A number of local hotels also offer paid-for parking.
On-street metered spaces can usually be found on Park Drive and Rink Street.
There are six swimming beaches in the area, but Humewood is one of only two with Blue Flag status. The clean, sandy stretch offers lots of shade and is quieter than crowded King's Beach.
Close to the gardens and trees of Happy Valley, there are plenty of on-street parking spaces available in the neighbourhood, while the car park at Telkom Park Stadium is open all year round.