Top Things to Do in Pretoria

About the City

Discover Pretoria, South Africa: A Tale of Charm and Challenge Pretoria, the administrative capital of South Africa, stands as a city steeped in history and brimming with purple prettiness each spring when its thousands of jacaranda trees are in full bloom. This picturesque scene has earned the city the affectionate nickname 'Jacaranda City'. With an array of historical landmarks such as the Union Buildings and the Voortrekker Monument, Pretoria offers a glimpse into the country's past, while also serving as a seat of governance and shaping its future. Visitors and locals alike can delight in a variety of outdoor pursuits. From picnicking in the lush greenery of Freedom Park to visits to the National Zoological Gardens, there's no shortage of natural beauty to soak in. Cultural enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the vibrant mix of museums, galleries, and theatres that dot the city’s landscape, reflecting a blend of African roots and global influences. But it's not all jacarandas and jovial times; traffic congestion can test the patience of drivers, especially during rush hour, and as with any major city, Pretoria has its share of crime-related challenges. Nevertheless, the positives of Pretoria – its people, scenery, and spirit – more often than not outshine the negatives, making it a place of both enduring character and endearing quirks.

Things to Do in Pretoria

Spear a Skewer of Sosaties

Food & Drink

Get skewered in the flavor department with sosaties, mate! These juicy, marinated meat kebabs are a braai (BBQ) essential and a fab way to taste the rainbow of South African spices.

Trekking at Groenkloof Nature Reserve

Outdoors

Put on your best boots and hit the trails at Groenkloof Nature Reserve. You'll be huffin' and puffin' as you discover South African bushveld and maybe glimpse some game!

Decode the City's Oldest Puzzle

The Unexpected

Got a knack for cracking codes? Pretoria's full of history, so grab a map and get ready to decipher the tales behind some of the city's oldest buildings and monuments!

Strike a Pose with Pretoria's Street Art

The Unexpected

Add some color to your feed by snagging pics with Pretoria's vibrant street murals. Discover the local artistic vibes one graffiti-tagged wall at a time.

Bop to Boere music

The Unexpected

Let's add a beat to your adventure by jiving to traditional Boere music. Find a local haunt or a music event and swing your partner round and round to some foot-stomping tunes!

Concoct a South African Spice Mix

The Unexpected

Fancy yourself a bit of a spice whisperer? Here's a zesty challenge: blend your own signature South African spice mix. Pair local herbs and spices to create a tantalizing mix that’ll jazz up any braai...

Bask in the Sunshine at Wonderboom Nature Reserve

Outdoors

Wanna get wild in the city, but in a good way? Head to Wonderboom for a day of basking in good ol' nature. Hike around, spot some wildlife, and relax under the shade of an ancient fig tree. Remember t...

Catch-and-Release Fishing at Zwartkops Resort

Outdoors

Hook, line, and sinker! Anglers can cast away their worries with a day of catch-and-release fishing at Zwartkops Resort. Remember, it's all about the one that didn't get away!

Waterfall Wandering at the Moreleta Kloof Nature Reserve

Outdoors

Got a hankering for a tranquil saunter? Moreleta Kloof Nature Reserve is your go-to for an easy-going walk with a reward – a pretty little waterfall to gush over!

Pedal Power at the Pretoria National Botanical Garden

Outdoors

Fancy a two-wheeled adventure amidst a floral wonderland? Zip around on your bike at the Pretoria National Botanical Garden. It's pedaling with a side of petal-peeping!

Crunch into Chakalaka & Pap

Food & Drink

Take your taste buds on a local journey with Chakalaka and Pap, a spicy vegetable relish paired with our iconic maize porridge. It's a blend of heat, sweet, and umami that'll have ya comin' back for m...

Soak Up History at the Union Buildings

Sights

Get ready to walk in the shoes of giants! The Union Buildings aren't just the seat of South Africa's government; they're also a beacon of the country's political journey. The architecture? Stunning. T...

Stroll in the Shade of Magnolia Dell

Sights

Ready for a nature-filled timeout? Magnolia Dell's lush lawns and shady trees are perfect for picnics, lazy afternoon naps, or just frolicking about. And hey, you might even catch an outdoor concert!

Wander Around Church Square

Sights

Kick back in Pretoria's heart where history's whispers mingle with today's hustle and bustle. Church Square is the spot to watch pigeons play tag and soak up the vibes of the old city center!

Marvel at Melrose House

Sights

Channel your inner Victorian as you explore the opulent Melrose House. This grand ol' mansion is a jaw-dropper with its well-preserved decor and historical vibes. It's a like stepping straight into a ...

Saunter Through the Sunnyside Streets

Sights

Time to lace up those walking shoes and take a casual jaunt through the historic hood of Sunnyside. It's a blend of architectural old charm, street cafés buzzing with local chatter, and a sprinkle of ...

Dive into a Decadent Milktart

Food & Drink

For all the sweet tooths, milktart is like a creamy dream cuddled in a pastry crust. A cinnamon-kissed, milky filling that's smooth as silk will make you swoon. It's a true blue, boere delight!

Nibble on Amagwinya with a Twist

Food & Drink

If vetkoek had a cousin, it'd be amagwinya, but here's the twist – head out and find them stuffed with innovative, non-traditional fillings. It's a fun foodie challenge to taste these modern takes on ...

Sip on Some Marvellous Mampoer

Food & Drink

Bold adventurers, here's your spirit quest – sampling mampoer, the potent traditional fruit brandy that'll give your insides a cheery warm hug. It’s the stuff of legend and grand tales of bravado!

Craft Your Own Gallivanting Hat

The Unexpected

Put those creative juices to work and fashion your very own out-of-the-box headgear! Stroll around town sporting your wacky creation and watch the smiles bloom faster than Jacarandas in spring.