Lush and green, affluent and sunny, Pretoria is the legislative capital of South Africa and boasts an array of natural beauty. It is the host of all foreign embassies in the country and serves as the seat of the executive branch of the South African government. The landscape of the city is truly beautiful, with a calming atmosphere and multicultural environment. In fact, Pretoria has been nicknamed ‘Jacarda City’ after the way the city comes alive with vibrant blossoms in full bloom.
Pretoria is truly breathtakingly beautiful, with so many opportunities to take stunning photographs and admire some incredible landscapes. Not only does the city boast so much visual beauty, but there is also so much to explore and discover. Why not visit some of the incredible buildings and admire the architecture, take a trip to a nature reserve, or expand your mind at one of the many museums? To help plan your trip, here are this author’s top ten things to do in Pretoria!
The Union Buildings
Forming the official seat of the South African government and housing the offices of the President of South Africa, the Union Buildings of Johannesburg are of strong importance. The buildings occupy the highest point of Pretoria and host many significant occasions, including for instance presidential inaugurations and political ceremonies. In fact, the site hosted the inauguration of former President, Nelson Mandela. There is a statue of Mandela commemorating this event. The Union Buildings are built in the English monumental style, dusted in light sandstone and surrounded by masses of greenery in the form of beautiful gardens. The architectural design of the buildings is significant, the structure forming a semi-circular shape with two wings on either side, representing the union of the formerly divided South African people and the two national languages; English and Afrikaans. Visiting the Union Buildings is free of charge, though if you are wanting a guided tour there may be a small additional fee. Make sure to stop by one of the most important sites in the entire country of South Africa during your trip to Pretoria!
Location: Government Ave, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa
Kruger House
Kruger House exists as the previous residency of the former Boer Leader and President of the South African Republic, Paul Kruger. The former president lived in the building from 1883 until 1901. Nowadays, the site exists as a historical site and museum, educating locals and international visitors on Paul Kruger and his presidential career in an authentic and immersive way. The building itself is beautiful, built in a Victorian style, with its bricks welded together using milk-mixed cement rather than water-mixed, making it a very unique construction. In fact, Kruger’s home was the first in Pretoria to use electricity and to possess a fitted telephone. The museum is filled with fascinating artifacts, giving an insight into the life of a very interesting man. Kruger House is an authentic way of gaining insight into the interesting political past of Pretoria, South Africa.
Location: 59 WF Nkomo St, Pretoria Central, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa
The Hazel Food Market
Open every Saturday and home to some of the best food products that Pretoria has to offer, the Hazel Food Market is your one-stop shop to satisfy your hunger and tantalize your tastebuds. With food from South Africa, Italy, Greece, and Portugal, to name but a few, the Hazel Food Market is one of the best international food markets in the country. Broaden your culinary horizons and try foods you’ve never had the opportunity to try before! With the wide array of food available, there is truly something for everyone to enjoy – even the very pickiest of eaters! Make sure you spend a Saturday touring around the Hazel Food Market and feast on some of the tastiest food in the entire world!
Location: 378 Queen’s Cres, Lynnwood, Pretoria, 0081, South Africa
The Pretoria Zoo
The National Zoological Garden of South Africa, or the Pretoria Zoo, exists as an eighty-hectare zoo sitting comfortably in the city of Pretoria. Founded in 1899 by J.W.B Gunning, the Pretoria Zoo is the national zoo of South Africa. It is also one of the eight largest zoos in the entire world, and one of the best-rated, making this site of particular interest to international tourists. In fact, more than six hundred thousand people visit the Pretoria Zoo every year! With so much to see and do, this figure is not surprising in the slightest. Pretoria Zoo houses two hundred and nine mammal species, one hundred and ninety fish species, four invertebrate species, ninety-three reptile species, and seven amphibian species. In other words, make sure to keep an entire day free if you’re planning on visiting this wonderful attraction! Complete with an aquarium, a multitude of animal exhibits, a reptile park, and the third-largest collection of exotic trees in the world, you simply must visit this incredible site for the wildest adventure of a lifetime!
Location: 232 Boom St, Daspoort 319-Jr, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa
Jacaranda City
If you’re wanting to fully immerse yourself in the breathtaking greenery and blossoms of Pretoria, then make sure to make your way around the gardens of Jacaranda City. Boasting lush, purple blooms, towering in the tall Jacaranda trees, the landscapes of Pretoria are truly beautiful. For outdoor lovers, Pretoria is one of the best cities you could possibly visit in the Spring. Admire the blossoming flowers, the vibrant colors, and the stunning trees that tower over your head. There are several key spots you may want to note down to catch a glimpse of some of the very best of Pretoria’s agricultural beauty. Why not stop by the Pretoria Botanical Gardens, the National Zoological Gardens, or the Austin Roberts Bird Sanctuary. Pretoria is known for its stunning natural and agricultural beauty, so you simply must take some time to admire all that the city has to offer and snap a photograph or two!
Location: 911 21st Ave, Rietfontein, Pretoria, 0084, South Africa
The Loftus Versfeld Stadium
Sports fans! The Loftus Versfeld Stadium is a must-see tourist attraction for all sports lovers! Pay tribute to the rugby and soccer legends of South Africa in one of the most iconic stadiums in the world! Established in 1923, the stadium can hold over fifty-one thousand people, and boasts a wonderful atmosphere, especially during sports matches. Though officially home to the ‘Blue Bulls’ rugby team, the venue has hosted a multitude of soccer matches, including many world cup matches. If you’re not wanting to watch a sporting event, good news! The Loftus Versfeld Stadium can be visited under a number of other circumstances! Why not visit to watch the players practice? Or admire the statues and relics? Or, for a fully immersive experience, why not take part in a guided tour of the stadium and learn more about the history of the fantastic stadium in which you stand?
Location: 416 Kirkness St, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0007, South Africa
The Zeppelin Craft Brewery
Everyone loves a beer brewery! Zeppelin Craft Brewery is known for making a wonderfully unique mix of craft beers, as well as serving some fabulous food. The atmosphere here is fantastic and there are beers to suit anyone. Fancy IPA? Draft lager? Bottled lager? This place has it all. If you’re looking for a laid-back venue boasting some fantastic beer, a wonderful atmosphere, and delicious food, then the Zeppelin Craft Brewery is a must-see for you. Top tip – order a beer flight to cost-effectively try a large number of the beers on offer at this fabulous brewery!
Location: 80 Oak Ave, Cullinan, Pretoria, 1000, South Africa
The Tswaing Meteorite Crater
Situated forty kilometers northwest of Pretoria lies the Tswaing Meteorite Crater and museum. The crater is believed to have been created by a meteorite or chondrite during an impact event, resulting in this awe-inspiring sight. The Tswaing Meteorite Crater has been around for over one hundred thousand years, with implements from stone tools, seemingly from the Middle Stone Age, showing signs of individuals visiting the crater to hunt and collect salt. In fact, Tswaing translates to ‘place of salt’ in the Setswana language! Nowadays, the area boasts so much beauty and is classed as an official nature reserve. The bottom of the crater now exists as a blind salt lake, surrounded by dense tree growth and hiking trails. There is also an on-site museum, detailing incredibly fascinating information about the site, and is well worth a visit! The Tswaing Meteorite is a fascinatingly beautiful area with a rich history and is one of this author’s favorite tourist attractions in all of Pretoria, South Africa.
Location: Onderstepoort Road, Soshanguve – T Ext, Soshanguve, 0152, South Africa
Dinokeng Reserve
The Dinokeng Game Reserve is one of the largest wildlife reserves in the world, sitting comfortably between Pretoria and Johannesburg. With thousands of acres of land, complete with a multitude of species of incredible animals, the Dinokeng Game Reserve is a fantastic, authentic attraction that is dedicated to protecting these wonderful creatures. The reserve offers many excellent activities. Why not take part in one of the walking trails, admiring the animals as you go? Or, observe some of the conservation practices that take place. The Dinokeng Game Reserve takes donations that go entirely towards the conservation of these wonderful animals, and visiting the site you can truly see what this conservational work goes toward. The reserve is beautiful, educational, insightful, and exciting. Make sure you stop by!
Location: N1 North, Hammanskraal, 0400, South Africa
Afroboer
One of the best coffee shops in Pretoria! Afroboer is quaint, sweet, peaceful, and truly a hidden treasure. The coffee shop boasts some wonderful cuisine alongside the typical drinks offered. So, if you’re wanting an authentic, South African meal, you should definitely stop by!
Location: Meerlust Rd, Equestria, Pretoria, 0050, South Africa
