Travelling Pretoria
Before You Travel
Pretoria attractions include stately buildings, monuments, and museums tracing South Africa’s transition from Union, to Republic, and now democracy, but also gardens, parks, and places of leisure.
Top of the list of Pretoria attractions is the Union Buildings. The crescent shaped sandstone complex, designed by Sir Herbert Baker, is the administrative headquarters of Government. Best remembered as the site of former President Nelson Mandela’s inauguration, here you can also visit the Deville Wood and the Pretoria War Memorial.
The city’s zoological gardens are a favorite Pretoria attraction. Founded in 1899, and set in 600ha of parkland, it’s a popular local picnic spot with an impressive collection of southern African and other exotic wildlife.
The Voortrekker Monument, the University of South Africa, and the City Hall, are architectural attractions that give Pretoria its character. One of the city’s newest monuments is Freedom Park. Built to commemorate South Africa’s political and cultural heritage, it has one of the best views of Pretoria.
Popular Pretoria activities include a cultural walk around Church Square, and along Church Street, to view numerous statues and historic buildings, including Kruger House.
Visiting museums is another favorite Pretoria activity. There are museums dedicated to natural history, culture, and science and technology. The Pretoria Art Museum and UNISA’s exceptional art collections will please art lovers.
Pretoria attractions include many gardens, parks, and nature reserves within, and surrounding, the city. The Fountains Valley, Groenkloof Nature Reseve, the Pretoria National Botanical Gardens, and the Rietvlei and Wonderboom Nature Reserves are among Pretoria’s best natural attractions.
Pretoria climate makes it ideal for visitors that favour outdoor pursuits and nightlife. A rugby or football match at Loftus Versfeld stadium, Pretoria’s premier sporting venue, is worth attending for the atmosphere alone.
Pretoria entertainments include Roodeplaat Dam, and the Bronkhorstspruit Dam, east of Pretoria, for water sports and fishing; Wonderboom Airbase for skydiving, the MoreletaSpruit nature tail, and the quaint mining town of Cullinan.
At night, Pretoria entertainments include excellent fine dining restaurants courtesy of its diplomatic community, and ballets, operas, and musicals play to packed houses at the State Theatre.
Night owls can stay out late in the suburbs of Arcadia, Sunnyside, and Hatfield where there are countless clubs, pubs, and bars to enjoy.
Menlyn Shopping Centre is another favorite sport for Pretoria entertainments, with indoor adventure sports and a drive-in movie theatre.
Pretoria Tours
