Bloemfontein experiences hot summer days with an average temperature of 73ºF (23ºC) and cooler winters with an average temperature of 46ºF (8ºC). Rainfall season is in the summer months and winters are sunny but frigid.

South Africa has 11 official languages, including Afrikaans, English, Xhosa, Zulu and Sotho. English is widely spoken.

South Africa's currency is the Rand (ZAR), which is divided into 100 cents. Money can be exchanged at banks, bureaux de change and the larger hotels. ATMs are widely available (there is a daily limit for cash withdrawals) and major international credit cards are widely accepted, except in petrol stations where cash is required. Visitors should be vigilant when drawing cash from ATMs, as con artists are known to operate there. Travellers cheques and some foreign currencies are accepted at larger hotels and shops, but commission is charged, otherwise all commercial banks will exchange them.

Bloemfontein is pretty darn quiet in comparison to most major cities in South Africa and travellers from abroad looking for a hip and happening scene would be better off in Cape Town or Johannesburg. But for those who are content to stay and stick out the Bloemfontein nightlife scene, there is a decent variety of after dark entertainment to keep those die hard party animals sane - relatively speaking. The Lock Logan Waterfront is a good place to kick things off with a wide variety of bars and restaurants to choose from, have a few drinks or dinner here before heading off to the suburb of Westdene, which offers a comparable amount of bars and restaurants. For a really authentic Bloemfontein experience, visit the one and only Mystic Boer on Kelner Street for some local beer and a rip roaring good night out with the charismatic locals. Other popular bars include Cool Runnings, or Stones Pub and Pool bar, while Cubana Latino Cafe and Coobah are the perfect place to meet friends and enjoy a few cocktails before moving on to more upbeat venues such as Roxy's Rhythm Bar, a gay friendly bar where revellers are guaranteed a good night out.

Like most things in Bloemfontein, the shopping may not be world-class or even on par with many of its counterparts like Durban and Cape Town, but the 'City of Roses' still has enough to give shopaholics their retail fix while on holiday. The Sanlam Plaza and Middestad Centre in the Bloemfontein CBD are good places to start where major retail chains and fashion outlets can be found, while just outside the Sanlam Plaza plenty of street stalls selling curios such as African bead work, clothing, cheap handbags and music can be found. The Loch Logan Waterfront is also a good place to enjoy a few hours browsing the stores before stopping to refuel at one of the many restaurants and eateries surrounding the artificial lake, while the upmarket Mimosa Mall also offers plenty in the way of specialty shops and chain stores. Head to 'Die Volksblad' arts and crafts market in Kings Park which takes place on the first Saturday of every month. The Westdene Park Market and the Show Grounds Fleamarket. which take place every second and third Saturday of the month respectively, are the perfect place to spend a morning snacking on delicious local food such as boerewors rolls while browsing through the stalls selling everything from clothing, leather goods and accessories to plants, ceramics and home wares. Best buys in Bloemfontein? Apart from a one way ticket out of there you'll be looking for African woodcarvings, traditional boereWitblitz spirit, and sporting goods bearing the image of Freestate Cheetahs, the local rugby franchise.

Local time is GMT +2.