A city in full “Bloem”, it’s Bloemfontein – the City of Roses

TThe South African Armour Museum displays tanks, weaponry and an original military hospital. Overlooking the city is Naval Hill, with a striking white horse marking its slopes. The horse was laid out during the Anglo-Boer War as a landmark for approaching horsemen. Naval hill is also home to a statue of Nelson Mandela, which is placed to look directly at the birth place of the ANC in Bloemfontein. It is also home to one of the most advanced planetariums in South Africa, which has undergone a massive refurbishment.

If you need to put a spring in your step, colourful flowers are always in bloom at King's Park, where you can take in the popular monthly art markets and all that they offer.

While in Bloem, you also have to pop by the Windmill Casino, and the zoo for some brilliant outdoor picnics.

IIt doesn’t stop there, if you’re fan of architecture, you have to see the only twin-inspired Dutch Reformed Church in South Africa, built in 1880. You should also visit the Oliewenhuis Art Gallery – a neo-Cape Dutch manor house. Then there’s the Freshford House Museum, which brings to life the 1890s. Make sure you pay a visit to the Supreme Court of Appeal and Fourth Raadsaal and the City Hall, one of the impressive sandstone buildings designed by Sir Gordon Leith. The Old Presidency and Twin Spire Church are also fascinating buildings, and the National Museum is home to one of the most extensive fossil collections in South Africa.

Other noteworthy historical attractions include the National Women's Memorial and Anglo-Boer War Museum, the Free State Agricultural Museum, Hertzog Square, New Clare Township and the Dam of Tears.

Art lovers should be sure to visit the Oliewenhuis Art Museum, an attractive Cape-Dutch-inspired gallery filled with creative treasures and significant artworks. There are also the Motheo Art Route and the Mangaung Cultural Route for those who like to get involved in culture in a real way.

TThe Basotho have a proud and tenacious history, and one of the historic highlights of a trip to the Free State is a visit to the Basotho Cultural Village in QwaQwa, close to the Golden Gate Highlands National Park.

Of course, if you're in the mood for something rather different (and sporty) whilst in Bloemfontein there's always the Choet Visser Rugby Museum.

Beyond the city, the Franklin Nature Reserve is home to a dynamic array of wildlife; and the Cheetah Experience is another must-see.

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