Pretoria is the administrative capital of South Africa and is rich in history, culture and natural beauty. Now people tend to overlook Pretoria when they visit South Africa, but it is honestly worth spending a day or two here.
Pretoria is known for its jacaranda-lined streets and significant landmarks, Pretoria offers a variety of activities and attractions for visitors. From tall standing buildings, plenty of nature reserves and shopping malls to choose from, there is something for everyone.
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Pretoria Attractions
Here is a list of some of the best things to do in Pretoria.
Explore the Union Building
Probably the most well-known building in Pretoria is the (📍) Union Building. It is not only the seat of the South African government but also an architectural marvel. These buildings are surrounded by beautiful gardens and offer a panoramic view of the city. Visitors can explore the grounds, take in the historical significance, and admire the statues, including the iconic statue of Nelson Mandela.
Have fun at Irene Farm
(📍) Irene Farm is a working dairy farm that offers a serene escape from the city hustle. This is quite a unique experience as the farm is situated right in the middle of the city.
Visitors can enjoy farm-fresh meals at the on-site restaurants, explore the farm on a scenic walk, and watch the milking process.
The farm also has a shop where you can purchase fresh dairy products and homemade goods.
Entry to the farm is free and they are open 7 days a week from 8 am to 5 pm.
There are two restaurants to choose from:
- The Barn is the biggest restaurant on the farm and you can either sit inside or outside under the big oak trees. There are plenty of play areas for the kids as well. Try to visit on a weekend, as they offer a weekend buffet which is a must!
- The Deck is more of a café and is ideal for light meals. They offer beer, gin or milkshake tastings.
Go on a Hiking Adventure
Even though Pretoria is one of the biggest cities in South Africa, there are so many great nature reserves in the area. With amplified hiking trails to choose from, it is the perfect place for the nature seeker. Just don’t expect massive mountain trails, but be on the lookout for some wildlife at some of these nature reserves.
Some of my favourite hiking trails are:
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Learn some history at the Voortrekker Monument
A tribute to the Voortrekkers who left the Cape Colony in the 19th century, this massive granite structure is both a museum and a historical monument. (📍) The Voortrekker Monument is situated in a large nature reserve and stands tall on a hilltop south of Pretoria. It provides insight into the early pioneers’ lives.
Once you enter the premises, you’ll have to pay a fee per vehicle, then you go to the ticket office where you have various ticket options. There are two popular options. Either you just explore the Voortrekker Monument or you can buy a ticket that’ll give you access to the Voortrekker Monument, the Pioneer Museum and the Fort Schanskop. Check out their website for more information or to buy tickets online.
My favourite part was climbing the stairs to the top of the Voortrekker Monument to enjoy the city skyline views. You can also grab a bite to eat at the restaurant ‘Skool op Wiele’ or ‘Uitspan Restaurant’.
Grab a cup of coffee
Pretoria has some great coffee spots and I’ve made it my mission to try as many of them as I could. So I’ve written a dedicated blog on the best coffee shops in Pretoria.
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Shop at Pretoria's Premier Malls
Pretoria boasts several premier shopping malls that cater to all your retail needs, dining and entertainment desires.
Here are some of my favourites:
- (📍) Menlyn Park Shopping Centre – One of the largest malls in Africa.
- (📍) Menlyn Maine – Just opposite Menlyn Park Shopping Centre. This is especially ideal if you want great dining options.
- (📍) Brooklyn Mall – Situated in the upmarket suburb of Brooklyn, this mall combines luxury shopping with a relaxed atmosphere.
- (📍) Woodlands Boulevard – Located on the eastern side of Pretoria, and has a great family-oriented environment.
- (📍) Irene Village Mall – This charming mall offers a unique shopping experience with a mix of stores and family-friendly eateries. The village-style layout and open-air design make it a pleasant place to spend an afternoon.
- (📍) Castle Gate – This newly opened mall has a lot of great eateries situated in the centre with a large play area for kids.
- (📍) The Grove – Especially popular for its ice-skating facility within the mall itself.
Visit the Big Red Barn
(📍) The Big Red Barn has so many activities for everyone.
There are two restaurants and also a Clay Café where you can paint the day away. For the kids, there are some tree-top adventures (Acrobranching) and there are hiking and cycling trails.
You’ll also find the lovely Irene Village Market here on the first and last day of the month.
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Wander around Pretoria National Botanical Gardens
A haven for plant lovers is the (📍) Pretoria National Botanical Gardens which showcases South Africa’s diverse flora. The garden features various themed gardens, a waterfall, and numerous walking trails. It’s an excellent spot for a peaceful walk, a picnic, or simply to enjoy nature.
You can also grab something to eat at the restaurant located on the premises.
And if you like jogging, then join the Parkrun every Saturday morning.
Operating Times: 08 am to 6 pm.
Check out their website on entrance fees.
Enjoy Jacaranda Season
Pretoria is known as Jacaranda City, and this is mainly because, during October and November, the whole city turns into an array of purple blossoms.
And you cannot miss the photo opportunity if you are in the area during this time.
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Spend the day (or weekend) at Rosemary Hill
(📍) Rosemary Hill Farm is known among locals for its unique stays. There are also so many great activities to do like horse riding, Segway tours, picnics, hiking trails, etc.
If you decide not to stay over, you can still visit the farm as a day trip.
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Wine and Dine
Pretoria has so many great restaurants to choose from.
The areas where there are some great options are Hazelwood Village, Castle Gate, and Menlyn Maine. Here you can walk around and see what fancies your eye.
Relax at a Spa
There are some great Spa’s in and around Pretoria. A very luxurious one is (📍) Soulstice which is located at the Lombardy Estate in Silverlake.
They have some great options to choose from and also different packages.
Some of the things they offer:
- Spa packages
- Skin Care
- Massages
- Body treatment
There is also a steam room, sauna and a heated indoor pool.
Rietvlei Nature Reserve
(📍) Rietvlei Nature Reserve is a great destination for wildlife enthusiasts. The reserve is home to a variety of animals, including rhinos, zebras, and numerous bird species. Visitors can enjoy game drives, bird watching, guided hikes and even fishing in the Rietvlei Dam.
Go to a market
Experience local culture at the many markets available in Pretoria. There are so many vibrant markets throughout the month, featuring local food, crafts, art, and live music. It is a great way to mingle with locals, enjoy gourmet street food, and discover unique handmade goods. Some are held during the day, while others are night markets.
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Go on an ice-cream run
Ice cream has to be my favourite dessert and there are so many great ice cream spots in Pretoria. From gelato to ‘draai roomys’ you’ll definitely find a great spot in Pretoria.
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Catch a show at Sun Arena at Time Square Casino
For world-class entertainment, visit the (📍) Sun Arena at Time Square Casino. This venue hosts a variety of events, including international concerts, theatre performances, comedy shows, and sporting events. The area, part of the larger Times Square complex, is one of the largest event spaces in Pretoria. After the show, you can try your luck at the casino, dine at one of the many restaurants, or unwind at the hotel within the complex.
Day trips from Pretoria
These are some of the best day trips you can take from Pretoria:
Sun City
Taking a day trip to (📍) Sun City offers an exhilarating escape to one of South Africa’s premier entertainment and resort destinations. Located about two hours from Pretoria, Sun City offers a diverse range of activities suitable for all ages. Visitors can enjoy thrilling rides and a wave pool at the Valley of Waves water park, try their luck at the casino, or explore the Lost City Golf Course, renowned for its scenic beauty and challenging layout. For a more relaxed experience, the resort also offers luxurious spas, fine dining, and leisurely walks through the lush, tropical gardens.
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Hartebeespoort
If you want a delightful getaway filled with scenic beauty and recreational activities. Just an hour’s drive from Pretoria is (📍) Hartbeespoort, nestled in the Magaliesberg Mountains. It features the stunning Hartbeespoort Dam, which is perfect for a variety of water sports. Visitors can take a cable car ride up the mountain for panoramic views, or visit other popular attractions.
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Johannesburg
Take a day trip to the bustling economic heart of South Africa. Just an hour’s drive from Pretoria, you’ll find Johannesburg, also known as Joburg. This vibrant city has so much to offer and is in contrast to Pretoria’s more relaxed pace.
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