Port Elizabeth is known to be a wonderful place with rich history. There are various historical monuments here, that displays the splendid history of the place. Hence, it is considered one of the best tourist destinations. The top 10 historical places in Port Elizabeth for tourist attractions are –
- Donkin Heritage Trail – It is a architectural delight and pioneer history of the historical central city and gives visitor an activity of self-guided walking tour of various places of historical interest in the old Hill area of central Port Elizabeth. This is a provincial heritage site.
- Prester John Memorial – It is located at Fleming Square, close to the City Hall. It is a tribute to the legendary king-priest, Prester John. The Monument includes central circles and a large Coptic is the figures of Prester John.
- City Hall – City Hall is situated at Market Square, Govan Mbeki Avenue. The beautiful, colonial City Hall was built between 1858 and 1862. The attractive clock tower was added in 1883. The City Hall currently serves as a Council Chamber as well as a concert hall, a lecture hall and offices for city council employees.
- The Horse Memorial – It is situated at Cnr. Russell & Cape Road, Central. The Horse Memorial was erected and dedicated to the horses killed during the South African War (1899-1902). It is an outstanding and famous piece of sculpture.
- Fort Frederick – It is located at Cnr. Belmont Terrace & Fort Street. Central. Fort Frederick is a stone fort built in 1799 by the British Forces to defend the mouth of the Baakens River. It was named after Frederick Fort. The Fort, contains a powder magazine and a guardhouse, which was originally defended by 2 eight-pounder guns. It was the only stone structure in the district when it was built in the 18th century.
- Campanile – The Campanile is situated at the entrance of the railway station and harbour. The 53.5-m Campanile contains a chiming clock and the largest carillon of bells in the country. The observation room can be reached by climbing a 204-step staircase, offering a magnificent view of the harbour and surroundings.
- Donkin Reserve and Light House – Donkin Reserve was proclaimed a public open space and it includes a monument of stone pyramid, with a touching words which was constructed by Sir Rufane Donkin in remembrance of his wife Elizabeth, after that the city was known as palm-lined walkways and benches. The Light house was established in 1861 as the Tourist Information Office.
- The Main Library – It was established in 1835 and in 1854 it was used as a courthouse. The current library building was opened in 1902. The building is considered as a superb example of Victorian Gothic architecture. At the library entrance, the Sicilian marble statue of Queen was inaugurated in 1903.
- Van Der Kemps Kloof – It is located on the little Swartkops River, Bethelsdorp and was established in 1803 by Dr Johannes Theodosius Van Der Kemp. He was sent by the London Missionary Society to fulfill the missionary work which included the church, market square with mission bell, a square stone house and a row of alms houses.
- Castle Hill Museum – It is located at Castel Hill road. Castle Hill is regarded as one of the oldest surviving Settler dwellings in Port Elizabeth. The interior of this place presents a picture of domestic life enjoyed by an English middle class family in Port Elizabeth in mid-19th Century. The building has Yellow wood floors and beams, and a restored slate roof and displays beautiful early Victorian furniture and household items.