Things To Do
in Pretoria
Pretoria, the administrative capital of South Africa, is known for its rich history and beautiful jacaranda trees that bloom in spring. The city features a blend of modern and historical architecture, with prominent sites like the Union Buildings and Voortrekker Monument. Pretoria also hosts a variety of cultural institutions, making it an important center for education and political activity.
Its warm climate and picturesque parks offer a pleasant environment for both residents and visitors.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Union Buildings, the official seat of the South African government. Enjoy the gardens and take in the views of the city.
Head to the Voortrekker Monument to learn about the Boer history and enjoy the panoramic views from the top. Afterward, visit the Freedom Park, which commemorates South Africa's struggle for freedom.
Dine at a local restaurant such as The Blue Crane Restaurant, which offers a variety of South African dishes in a cozy atmosphere.
Spend the morning at the Pretoria Botanical Gardens, where you can stroll through beautiful landscapes and enjoy the indigenous flora.
Visit the National Zoological Gardens of South Africa for an afternoon of family-friendly fun and wildlife observation.
Explore the vibrant nightlife at Hatfield, where you can find bars and clubs to enjoy live music and local craft beers.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at a fast-food restaurant | $5 |
| 🍕Pizza for two | $15 |
| 🍺Local beer (0.5L) | $2 |
| ☕Coffee at a cafe | $2 |
| 🚌Local bus fare | $1 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich historical and cultural experience.
- Pleasant climate and beautiful parks.
- Diverse culinary scene with unique local dishes.
- Traffic can be congested during peak hours.
- Some areas may feel unsafe at night.
- Limited public transport options compared to larger cities.
- "Sawubona" - Hello
- "Ngiyabonga" - Thank you
- "Uphi umbathane?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Ngicela amanzi" - Please, can I have water?
- "Unjani?" - How are you?
Places to Visit in Pretoria
Visit one of these nice places.
The stunning architecture and well-kept gardens provide a perfect backdrop for photography.
The monumental structure and its surrounding landscape offer unique angles for striking photos.
With diverse plant species and beautiful pathways, this location is perfect for nature photography.
Food in Pretoria
Pretoria Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with spicy curry, originating from the Indian community in Durban.
Must-Try!
A South African barbecue, featuring grilled meats, boerewors (sausage), and side dishes like pap and chakalaka.
A traditional milk tart made with a sweet pastry crust filled with a creamy custard-like filling.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A lively market offering fresh produce, artisanal foods, and a variety of street food vendors every Saturday.
A weekend market where visitors can sample local dishes, snacks, and beverages in a vibrant atmosphere.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A handshake is common when meeting someone, and maintaining eye contact is considered polite.
Show respect to elders by using formal titles and addressing them appropriately in conversations.
Dressing neatly is important, especially in formal settings. Casual wear is acceptable in most places.
Safety
Tipping in Pretoria
Ensure a smooth experience
It is customary to tip around 10-15% in restaurants if service is not included. Taxi drivers also appreciate rounding up the fare.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but carrying cash is advisable for smaller establishments and markets.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Jacaranda trees bloom, painting the city in shades of purple. It's an excellent time for outdoor activities and photography.
Expect warm temperatures and occasional thunderstorms. Ideal for enjoying the outdoors early in the day.
Milder temperatures and a beautiful change in foliage color make it a pleasant season for exploring the parks.
Cooler temperatures are experienced, with occasional frost. Perfect for indoor activities and visiting museums.
Pretoria at Night
Hiking in Pretoria
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Offers a variety of trails ranging from easy to challenging, with scenic views and wildlife sightings.
Located just outside Pretoria, these mountains provide numerous hiking trails with breathtaking views and diverse ecosystems.
Airports
How to reach Pretoria by plane.
Located approximately 45 minutes from Pretoria, this is the main international gateway to South Africa, connecting travelers to numerous global destinations.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A significant demographic group in Pretoria, Afrikaners are descendants of Dutch settlers and maintain a strong cultural identity.
The Tswana people are one of the largest ethnic groups in South Africa, with a rich cultural heritage and a prominent presence in Gauteng province.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Rugby is immensely popular in South Africa, and Pretoria is home to the Blue Bulls, a professional rugby team that plays in the United Rugby Championship.
Cricket enjoys a significant following in Pretoria, with matches held at various venues, including the iconic SuperSport Park.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Pretoria.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many restaurants offer vegetarian dishes, and there are dedicated vegetarian restaurants available.
Halal food is widely available, especially in areas with a significant Muslim population.