People tend to overlook Pretoria when they visit South Africa. But honestly, there is so much to do in this big city. And it is worth it to spend at least two days here.
From tall standing buildings, plenty of nature reserves and parks, and also plenty of 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.
Union Building
Probably the most well-known building in Pretoria and a visit to the Union Buildings is simply a must! The Union Building is a heritage site and it holds the Presidency of South Africa. You are not allowed to enter the building itself, but you can wander around the gardens at the front that overlooks the beautiful skyline of Pretoria. This is also the perfect spot for having a picnic.
Irene Farm
This is quite a unique experience and is especially perfect for the family! The cow farm is situated right in the middle of the city and is perfect for exploring. It is free to enter and wander around and pet the cows. Open from 08h00 to 17h00, 7 days a week.
There are two restaurants to eat at:
- The Barn is the biggest one that offers to seat inside or under the big oak trees. There is plenty of play area for the kids as well. The Barn also has a weekend buffet option which is great.
- The Deck is more of a coffee shop and is perfect for light meals. They also offer beer, gin or milkshake tastings, which is a must-try.
You’ll also find a Deli on the farm that sells fresh milk and other produce. They also offer delivery services.
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 amplify hiking trails to choose from, it is the perfect place for the nature seeker. Just don’t expect massive mountain trails.
Some of my favourite hiking trails are:
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Voortrekker Monument
The Voortrekker Monument is a granite structure that stands tall on a hilltop south of Pretoria.
You pay R18 per vehicle (2022) to enter the premises.
There are different ticket options to choose from, and it all depends on what you want to explore. This can be bought at the information center right in the parking area.
OPTION A: You can just explore the Voortrekker Monument, either by yourself or with a tour guide.
Price (2022)
- South African Adult (R72pp)
- International Adult (R162pp)
- 6-17 years (R45pp)
- Preschool child (R18pp)
- Pensioners and Students (R36pp)
OPTION B: You get access to the Voortrekker Monument, the Pioneer Museum, and Fort Schanskop.
Price (2022)
- South African Adult (R135pp)
- International Adult (R225pp)
- 6-17 years (R72pp)
- Preschool child (R36pp)
- Pensioners and Students (R63pp)
There are more options available, but these two are the most popular ones.
You can climb the stairs to the top of the Voortrekker Monument where you’ll get a stunning view of Pretoria’s skyline.
You can also grab a bite to eat at the restaurant located on the premises known as the Skool op Wiele. Their food is so delicious and the portions are also massive.
Grab a cup of coffee
Pretoria has some great coffee spots and I’ve tested some of the best that has been recommended by people living in Pretoria.
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Shopping
Pretoria has so many great shopping spots to choose from.
My favourite is:
- Menlyn Shopping Centre
- Menlyn Maine
- Woodlands
- Castle Gate
- Brooklyn Mall
- The Grove
- Irene Mall
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 adventure (Acrobraching) and there is a hiking and cycling trail.
You’ll also find the lovely Irene Village Market here on the first and last day of the month.
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Pretoria Botanical Gardens
Wander around the beautiful gardens which are open from Monday to Sunday from 08:00 to 18:00. You can also visit the restaurant located at the Gardens, take your own picnic with or hike the hiking trail.
Entrance Fee (2022)
- Adults R55
- 6-17 Years R20
- Pre-Scholar FREE
- Students R35
- Pensioners R15 (and FREE on Tuesdays)
Jacaranda Season
Pretoria is also 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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Take a day trip to Hartebeespoort
Hartebeespoort has so many activities to do and is only an hour’s drive from Pretoria. Here you get a beautiful view of the Magaliesburg Mountain range and can either go on the cable car ride, visit the dam wall, eat at the quirky restaurants or visit the upside-down house.
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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.
Some of the best restaurants are:
- Goddess Cafè
- Capital Craft
- Blue Crane Restaurant
- Turn n Tender
- Mythos
- Forti Grill and Bar
- Blos Cafè
- Crawdaddy
- Social Grill
- 23 on Hazelwood
- Old Town Italy
- Pltfrm Wolwespruit
- Skyline Rooftop Restaurant
- Diep in die Berg
- Hudsons
- Piza e Vino
Spa session
There are some great Spa’s in and around Pretoria. A very luxurious one is Soulstice that 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
- Messages
- Body treatment
There is also a steam room, sauna and a heated indoor pool.
Rietvlei Nature Reserve
If you want to get away from the busy city life, then doing a self-drive through the Rietvlei Nature Reserve is an activity for you. You can also do some guided hikes in the reserve.
Price (2022)
- Adult – R55
- 6-16 years – R30
- Pre-school – R10
- Pensioners – R32
- Infants (0-2 years) – Free
Go to a market
There are so many great markets during the day, as well as in the evenings.
Here is a list of my favourite markets:
- Hazel Food Market
- Cow House Market
- BusStop 7 Open Air
- Irene Village Market
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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.
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Watch a show at Sun Arena at Time Square Casino
Some great shows are being held at the Arena. And even if you don’t want to attend a show, you can just wander around the Casino or hang out at one of the many restaurants there.
Take a Day trip to Sun City
If you are looking for a fun day in the sun, then pack the car and make the two-hour drive to Sun City. There are many activities to do here from enjoying the tubes and man-made ocean, trying your luck at the casino, or just exploring the lush greenery.
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