Pretoria
Save28 hand-picked places in 10 lists. Tick the categories you want to see on the map.
Only have a day? See 2 ready-made day plans ↓10 places on the map
Top 10
- 1
Sandstone seat of government with terraced gardens and a Mandela statue
- Tip: Go early
2 tips
- Gardens are free to enter
- Jacaranda season is October
📷 Photos
- 2
Granite monument and museum on a hill south of the city
3 tips
- Climb to the dome for views
- Check opening hours
- Allow two hours
📷 Photos
- 3
Historic central square with the Paul Kruger statue
- Tip: Weekdays
2 tips
- Surrounded by grand old buildings
- Keep valuables out of sight
📷 Photos
- 4
Heritage site and memorial to South Africa's struggles
3 tips
- Join a guided tour
- Allow half a day
- Wear comfortable shoes
📷 Photos
- 5
Large zoo with a cable car and many species
- Tip: Go early
2 tips
- Take the cable car
- Bring water
📷 Photos
- 6
Garden of indigenous plants with trails and a waterfall
3 tips
- Good for a picnic
- Check opening hours
- Spring is colourful
📷 Photos
- 7
Victorian mansion where the Treaty of Vereeniging was signed
3 tips
- Small entry fee
- Check opening hours
- Near Church Square
📷 Photos
- 8
Home of President Paul Kruger, preserved as a museum
3 tips
- Check opening hours
- See his private carriage
- Combine with Church Square
📷 Photos
- 9
Reserve with rhino, zebra and antelope close to the city
- Tip: Go early
2 tips
- Drive yourself
- Bring binoculars
📷 Photos
- 10
Reserve known for its ancient wild fig tree
- Tip: Go early
2 tips
- Short walks
- Check opening times
📷 Photos
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Before you go: Pretoria tips
Transportation
- Ride the Gautrain: The Gautrain links Pretoria (Hatfield and Pretoria stations) with Johannesburg and OR Tambo Airport; use a Gautrain card or bank card.
- Use ride-hailing apps: Uber and Bolt are widely used and safer than flagging cars on the street.
- Drive with care: If renting a car, keep doors locked and windows up in traffic, and plan routes before driving at night.
Security
- Don't walk alone at night: Avoid walking after dark, especially in the city centre; use a rideshare even for short trips.
- Be ATM smart: Use machines inside malls or banks, and never accept help from strangers at an ATM.
- Keep valuables hidden: Don't flash phones, cameras or jewellery in public and keep bags secure.
Saving
- Visit Union Buildings for free: The gardens and Nelson Mandela statue at the Union Buildings are free to visit.
- Eat at local markets: Weekend markets like Hazel Food Market offer good-value local food and crafts.
- Use public parks: Many city parks and walking trails are free and great for picnics.
Weather/Clothing
- Expect summer storms: From November to March, afternoons often bring dramatic thunderstorms; carry a rain jacket.
- Pack warm layers for winter: June to August has sunny days but cold nights, and homes often lack heating.
- See the jacarandas: In October and November the city turns purple with jacaranda blossoms; pack light spring clothes.
Cultural
- Greet before asking: South Africans value a friendly greeting before getting to business, even in shops.
- Try a braai: Braai, the South African barbecue, is a social event; accept an invitation if you get one.
- Learn about history: The Voortrekker Monument and Freedom Park offer contrasting views of South African history.
Local Hacks
- Visit Groenkloof Nature Reserve: This reserve near the city lets you spot zebras and giraffes without a long drive.
- Tip car guards: Informal car guards watch parked cars in many areas; a small tip when you leave is customary.
- Go to Church Square: The historic square in the city centre is best seen during the day with a guide.
1-day itineraries in Pretoria
Only have a day? Each one keeps you in one area, from morning to late afternoon, with lunch nearby.
Day 1 of 2
Union Buildings and around
🕘 9:30–18:00📍 5 stops
- 1Union Buildings
- 2Melrose House
- 3Church Square
- 4Kruger House Museum
- 5National Zoological Gardens
Day 2 of 2
Voortrekker Monument and around
🕘 9:30–15:45📍 4 stops
- 1Voortrekker Monument
- 2Freedom Park
- 3Groenkloof Nature Reserve
- 4Fort Klapperkop