Pretoria, South Africa Travel Guide

Explore Pretoria, South Africa's administrative capital, renowned for its jacaranda-lined streets, historical landmarks, and vibrant cultural experiences.

Pretoria, the administrative capital of South Africa, is a city of grand avenues, historic buildings, and vibrant cultural experiences. Nestled in the northern part of Gauteng Province, Pretoria is known for its beautiful jacaranda trees that bloom in a riot of purple in spring, giving the city its nickname, 'Jacaranda City'. One of the city's most iconic landmarks is the Union Buildings, the official seat of the South African government. Designed by Sir Herbert Baker, these imposing sandstone structures sit atop Meintjieskop Hill and offer a panoramic view of the city. The surrounding gardens are a lovely place to relax and take in the scenery. For history enthusiasts, the Voortrekker Monument is a must-visit. This massive granite structure commemorates the Voortrekkers who left the Cape Colony between 1835 and 1854. The monument's impressive architecture and the museum inside provide a deep dive into the country's pioneering past. Pretoria also boasts a rich cultural scene. The National Zoological Gardens of South Africa, one of the largest zoos in the country, offers a fascinating day out for families. Additionally, the city's many museums, such as the Pretoria Art Museum and the Ditsong National Museum of Natural History, offer insightful explorations into South African art and natural history. No visit to Pretoria would be complete without experiencing its vibrant culinary scene. From traditional South African fare to international cuisine, the city's restaurants cater to all tastes. Don't miss out on sampling local delicacies like biltong, boerewors, and melktert.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Pretoria.

Visit during spring (September to November) to see the jacarandas in full bloom.
Wear comfortable walking shoes as the city is best explored on foot, especially around historical sites.
Check out the local markets for unique souvenirs and a taste of local culture.
Use the Gautrain for a quick and convenient way to get from Pretoria to Johannesburg and OR Tambo International Airport.
Be mindful of safety; avoid walking alone at night and keep your belongings secure.

Neighbourhoods in Pretoria

Menlyn

Waterkloof

Arcadia

Hatfield

Brooklyn

Explore All Neighbourhoods in Pretoria

Explore Pretoria: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Pretoria

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Montecasino

Explore the vibrant Montecasino in Johannesburg, a perfect blend of entertainment, dining, and cultural experiences for tourists.

4.6

Johannesburg Zoo

Experience the vibrant wildlife and lush landscapes at Johannesburg Zoo, a must-visit destination for animal lovers and families in the heart of Rosebank.

4.2

National Zoological Gardens of South Africa

Visit the National Zoological Gardens of South Africa for an unforgettable wildlife experience in Pretoria, showcasing diverse species and conservation efforts.

4.1

Johannesburg Botanical Gardens

Explore the lush landscapes of Johannesburg Botanical Gardens, a serene paradise filled with diverse flora and beautiful scenery in Randburg.

4.4

Best landmarks in Pretoria

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Brooklyn Mall

Discover a vibrant shopping experience at Brooklyn Mall in Pretoria, featuring a mix of local brands, dining options, and entertainment for all ages.

4.4

National Zoological Gardens of South Africa

Discover diverse wildlife and conservation efforts at the National Zoological Gardens of South Africa in Pretoria, a family-friendly destination for all ages.

4.1

Pretoria National Botanical Gardens

Discover the diverse flora and serene landscapes at Pretoria National Botanical Gardens, a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts in South Africa.

4.4

Voortrekker Monument

Discover the Voortrekker Monument in Pretoria, an iconic tribute to Afrikaner heritage and a window into South Africa's rich history.

4.6

Best restaurants in Pretoria

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Crawdaddy's Brooklyn

Experience flavorful steaks and fresh seafood at Crawdaddy's Brooklyn - your ultimate dining destination in Pretoria.

4.6

Kream Restaurant Brooklyn

Discover exquisite dining at Kream Restaurant in Brooklyn - where modern elegance meets flavorful cuisine in Pretoria.

4.6

The Blue Crane Restaurant and Bar

Discover exquisite flavors at The Blue Crane Restaurant and Bar in Pretoria—where local ingredients meet exceptional service.

4.3

Pachas Restaurant

Experience fine dining at Pachas Restaurant in Pretoria—where exceptional cuisine meets elegance in every bite.

4.7

Best bars in Pretoria

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Eastwoods

Experience the vibrant flavors and lively atmosphere at Eastwoods, Pretoria's favorite grill and sports bar destination.

4.2

Blue Room Hatfield

Experience the vibrant nightlife and delicious dining at Blue Room Hatfield, a premier bar and restaurant in Pretoria's bustling Hatfield area.

4.4

Crawdaddy's Brooklyn

Discover the flavors of Crawdaddy's Brooklyn, Pretoria's premier destination for steak and seafood in a vibrant pub setting.

4.6

Kream Restaurant Brooklyn

Experience culinary excellence at Kream Restaurant in Brooklyn, Pretoria, where delicious flavors meet a stylish atmosphere.

4.6

Best nightclubs in Pretoria

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Propaganda Pretoria

Discover the ultimate nightlife experience at Propaganda Pretoria, where cocktails, music, and vibrant energy unite for unforgettable nights.

4.8

Europa Lounge

Discover the lively nightlife and delicious dining at Europa Lounge, a top destination for tourists in Pretoria's Sunnyside area.

4.9

Presley's

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Presley's Night Club in Pretoria, where dance, music, and fun come together for an unforgettable evening.

3.6

Latino's Bistro

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Latino's Bistro, a disco club in Menlo Park, Pretoria, with great music, dance, and affordable drinks.

3.6

Best shops in Pretoria

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Sandton City

Explore Sandton City, a premier shopping destination in South Africa with luxury brands, diverse dining, and vibrant entertainment options for all ages.

4.6

Menlyn Park Shopping Centre

Discover the vibrant Menlyn Park Shopping Centre in Pretoria, a hub of shopping, dining, and entertainment perfect for all visitors.

4.5

Brooklyn Mall

Explore Brooklyn Mall in Pretoria for a vibrant shopping experience with diverse retail options, delicious dining, and family-friendly entertainment.

4.4

The Grove Mall

Explore The Grove Mall, Pretoria's vibrant shopping hub with diverse retail, dining, and entertainment options for an unforgettable experience.

4.4

Explore Pretoria on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Pretoria, mapped for you.

Pretoria Essentials

Pretoria is served by two major airports: OR Tambo International Airport and Lanseria International Airport. Both airports are located in Johannesburg, about 45-60 minutes by car from Pretoria. From the airport, you can take a taxi, use ride-sharing services, or rent a car to reach Pretoria. Alternatively, the Gautrain, a rapid transit railway, connects OR Tambo International Airport to Pretoria via Sandton and Hatfield stations.
Pretoria has a variety of transportation options. The Gautrain offers quick and efficient travel within the city and to Johannesburg. Public buses operated by Tshwane Bus Services cover many routes, and minibuses are a popular and inexpensive option. However, taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Bolt are more reliable for tourists. Renting a car is advisable if you plan to explore areas outside the city center.
The official currency of South Africa is the South African Rand (ZAR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Pretoria, especially Visa and MasterCard. It is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments, street vendors, and tips. ATMs are readily available throughout the city, but exercise caution and use machines located in secure areas like shopping malls.
While Pretoria is generally safe for tourists, certain areas have higher crime rates, particularly targeting tourists. Avoid neighborhoods like Sunnyside and certain parts of the Central Business District (CBD) after dark. Stick to well-lit, populated areas and avoid showing signs of wealth. Always be mindful of your surroundings and keep your belongings secure. Use taxis or ride-sharing services late at night instead of walking.
In case of an emergency, dial 10111 for police assistance or 10177 for medical emergencies. Pretoria has several hospitals and clinics, including the Steve Biko Academic Hospital. Ensure you have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are widely available and can provide over-the-counter medications.
Fashion: Do dress modestly and comfortably. Avoid wearing flashy jewelry or carrying expensive gadgets in public. Religion: Do be respectful when visiting religious sites. Remove your hat and keep your phone silent. Public Transport: Do keep your belongings close and be cautious of pickpockets. Don’t travel alone late at night. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake, and it's polite to use titles like Mr., Mrs., or Dr. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes like biltong and bobotie. Don’t leave a tip less than 10% in restaurants.
To experience Pretoria like a local, visit the Hazel Food Market on Saturdays for fresh produce and local delicacies. Spend an afternoon at the National Zoological Gardens or take a stroll through the Pretoria National Botanical Garden. Engage with locals at the many cafes and restaurants in areas like Hatfield and Brooklyn. Understanding a few phrases in Afrikaans or local languages like Tswana can also enhance your experience.

When is the best time to visit Pretoria?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Pretoria

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Pretoria. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloHaai
  [haa-ee]
- GoodbyeTotsiens
  [toh-tseens]
- YesJa
  [yah]
- NoNee
  [nee]
- Please/You're welcomeAsseblief
  [us-seh-bleef]
- Thank youDankie
  [dahn-kee]
- Excuse me/SorryJammer
  [yahm-mer]
- How are you?Hoe gaan dit?
  [hoo gahn deet]
- Fine. And you?Goed. En jy?
  [khood. en yai]
- Do you speak English?Praat jy Engels?
  [praht y ai-ngels]
- I don't understandEk verstaan nie
  [ayk feh-stahn nee]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseEk wil die spyskaart sien, asseblief
  [ayk vil dee spay-skahrt seen, us-seh-bleef]
- I don't eat meatEk eet nie vleis nie
  [ayk ayt nee flays nee]
- Cheers!Gesondheid!
  [geh-sund-hate]
- I would like to pay, pleaseEk wil asseblief betaal
  [ayk vil us-seh-bleef be-tahl]
- Help!Hulp!
  [huhlp]
- Go away!Gaan weg!
  [kahn vehg]
- Call the Police!Bel die Polisie!
  [bel dee poh-lee-see]
- Call a doctor!Bel 'n dokter!
  [bel un dawk-tehr]
- I'm lostEk is verlore
  [ayk is fehr-loh-ruh]
- I'm illEk is siek
  [ayk is seek]
- I'd like to buy...Ek wil koop...
  [ayk vil kohp]
- I'm just lookingEk kyk net
  [ayk kai-k net]
- How much is it?Hoeveel kos dit?
  [hoo-vayl kohs deet]
- That's too expensiveDit is te duur
  [deet is tay dure]
- Can you lower the price?Kan jy die prys verlaag?
  [kahn yai dee prees fehr-lahg]
- What time is it?Hoe laat is dit?
  [hoo laht is deet]
- It's one o'clockDit is een uur
  [deet is ayn oor]
- Half past (10)Half tien
  [hahlf teeyn]
- MorningOggend
  [oh-ghent]
- AfternoonMiddag
  [mi-dahg]
- EveningAand
  [ahnt]
- YesterdayGister
  [ghis-tehr]
- TodayVandag
  [fahn-dahg]
- TomorrowMôre
  [moh-ruh]
- 1Een
  [ayn]
- 2Twee
  [twee]
- 3Drie
  [dree]
- 4Vier
  [feer]
- 5Vyf
  [fayf]
- 6Ses
  [sehs]
- 7Sewe
  [seh-weh]
- 8Agt
  [ahgt]
- 9Nege
  [neh-ghuh]
- 10Tien
  [teeyn]
- Where's a/the...?Waar is 'n/die...?
  [vahr is un/dee]
- What's the address?Wat is die adres?
  [vaht is dee ah-drehs]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Kan jy my wys (op die kaart)?
  [kahn yai may vays (ohp dee kahrt)]
- When's the next (bus)?Wanneer is die volgende (bus)?
  [vahn-ehr is dee foel-gende (buhs)]
- A ticket (to ....)'n Kaartjie (na ....)
  [un kah-uh-chi (nah)]

History of Pretoria

Pretoria, named after the Voortrekker leader Andries Pretorius, was founded in 1855. It quickly became the administrative capital of the South African Republic (ZAR). The city's establishment marked the Voortrekkers' quest for autonomy and their effort to create a new homeland in the interior of South Africa.
Pretoria played a pivotal role in the First Boer War (1880-1881), which was fought between the British Empire and the Boer settlers. The war ended with the Pretoria Convention, which granted self-governance to the South African Republic under nominal British oversight. This moment solidified Pretoria's position as a significant political center.
Completed in 1913, the Union Buildings are an iconic symbol of Pretoria and South Africa. Designed by Sir Herbert Baker, they serve as the official seat of the South African government and the office of the President. The buildings are a testament to South Africa's transition from a colonial past to a unified nation.
During the apartheid era, Pretoria was the administrative heart of the regime. Key government offices and institutions that enforced apartheid policies were located here. The city's Union Buildings became a focal point of both the enforcement of apartheid and the protests against it, including significant events such as the Women's March in 1956.
On May 10, 1994, Nelson Mandela was inaugurated as South Africa's first black president at the Union Buildings in Pretoria. This historic event marked the end of apartheid and the beginning of a new era of democracy and reconciliation in South Africa. The inauguration was attended by dignitaries from around the world and symbolized a significant moment in global history.
Pretoria is a melting pot of cultural diversity, reflecting South Africa's rich heritage. The city is home to various cultural landmarks, including the Voortrekker Monument, Freedom Park, and the Pretoria Art Museum. Each of these sites offers a glimpse into the multifaceted history and culture of the region, celebrating both its indigenous and colonial past.
Pretoria is known as an educational hub, housing some of the country's most prestigious institutions, including the University of Pretoria and Tshwane University of Technology. These institutions contribute significantly to the city's vibrant academic and research community, making it a center of learning and innovation in South Africa.