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South Africa Pretoria travel guide
12 things to do in Pretoria, where to stay, airport transfers. Pick places on the map and get a day-by-day walking route from your hotel with steps, kilometres and minutes.
Top things to do in Pretoria
- Voortrekker Monument — monument in Pretoria, South Africa, to commemorate the Voortrekkers who left the Cape Colony between 1835 and 1854 (visit ≈ 15 min)
- National Zoological Garden of South Africa — zoo in Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa (visit ≈ 150 min)
- Ditsong National Museum of Natural History — museum in Pretoria, South Africa (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Freedom Park — museum in Pretoria, South Africa (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Church Square, Pretoria — formerly Market Square (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Melrose House — building in South Africa (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Pretoria Art Museum — art museum in Pretoria, South Africa (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Ditsong National Museum of Cultural History — history museum (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Mahlamba Ndlopfu — an official residence of the President of South Africa (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Ditsong Museums of South Africa — military museum, cultural museum, archaeology museum, anthropology museum, natural history museum in Pretoria and Johannesburg, South Africa (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Lukasrand Tower — Communications tower in Pretoria, South Africa (visit ≈ 40 min)
- Pretoria Reformed Church (GKSA) — church building in Pretoria, South Africa (visit ≈ 30 min)
3-day Pretoria walking itinerary
Starting point: Hatfield. The top 4 places at a normal pace (up to ~10 km of walking a day), in this order. Change places or your hotel on the map and the route is recalculated; distances are estimates with a street allowance.
- Day 1 (≈ 7.6 km · 10,260 steps · 1 h 42 min on the way): Mahlamba Ndlopfu → Pretoria Art Museum
- Day 2 (≈ 11.7 km · 15,790 steps · 2 h 36 min on the way): Melrose House
- Day 3 (≈ 9.4 km · 12,680 steps · 2 h 6 min on the way): Lukasrand Tower
Where to stay in Pretoria
- Hatfield: Gautrain station is here; restaurants around the university.
- Brooklyn: Calm and leafy, with a mall and good restaurants.
- Menlyn: Modern hotels around a huge shopping mall.
- Arcadia / Union Buildings: Embassy area close to the Union Buildings and gardens.
Getting from the airport to Pretoria
- O. R. Tambo (Johannesburg) (JNB): Gautrain with a change at Marlboro to Hatfield ≈ 45 min; taxi or Uber ≈ 45–60 min.
Getting around
The Gautrain is fast and safe; within the city use Uber or Bolt. At night call a car rather than walk.
Classic places to eat
- Café Riche: Historic café in a 1905 building on Church Square.
- Blue Crane Restaurant: South African food overlooking a bird sanctuary.
- Pachas: Long-running restaurant known for steaks.
- La Pentola: Long-loved smart restaurant in Riviera.
- Capital Craft: Big beer garden in Menlo Park; local craft beer and burgers.
Romantic views
- Union Buildings Gardens (Sunset): From the terraced gardens you watch the sun set over the city.
- Pretoria National Botanical Garden (Early morning): The garden along a rocky ridge is calm for a morning walk.
- Fort Klapperkop (Sunset): The city view from the old hilltop fort is lovely at sunset.
- Church Square (Afternoon): Ringed by historic buildings, the square is framed by purple jacarandas in spring.
Football stadiums in Pretoria
- Loftus Versfeld Stadium: Home of Mamelodi Sundowns F.C.
- Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium: Home of SuperSport United F.C.
Good to know before visiting Pretoria
- Fine: Drug offences carry severe penalties.
- Warning: Traffic drives on the left.
- Warning: Keep windows up and valuables out of sight at traffic lights.
- Warning: Avoid walking after dark and don't flash valuables or phones.
- Warning: Follow lifeguard flags and shark warnings at beaches.
- Scheduled power cuts (load shedding) can happen.
- Emergency: 112 (police 10111, ambulance 10177)
- Plugs: C/D/M/N, 230V
- Tap water: Tap water is safe in major cities.
- Tipping: Tip 10–15% in restaurants and a few coins to car guards.
Sources: UK FCDO — Foreign travel advice: South Africa, Wikivoyage — South Africa, T.C. Dışişleri Bakanlığı — Türk vatandaşlarının tabi olduğu vize uygulamaları · For information only; rules change, check official sources before you go. Last checked: 2026-10
Pretoria travel FAQ
- How many days do you need in Pretoria?
- The top 4 places in the centre take about 3 days at a normal pace on a walking route from your hotel.
- What are the top things to do in Pretoria?
- Highlights: Voortrekker Monument, National Zoological Garden of South Africa, Ditsong National Museum of Natural History, Freedom Park and Church Square, Pretoria. The map has 12 things to do in total.
- Where to stay in Pretoria?
- Hatfield: Gautrain station is here; restaurants around the university. Other options: Brooklyn, Menlyn and Arcadia / Union Buildings.
- How do you get from the airport to Pretoria city centre?
- O. R. Tambo (Johannesburg) (JNB): Gautrain with a change at Marlboro to Hatfield ≈ 45 min; taxi or Uber ≈ 45–60 min.
- How do you get around Pretoria?
- The Gautrain is fast and safe; within the city use Uber or Bolt. At night call a car rather than walk.
- What is the emergency number in Pretoria?
- Emergency: 112 (police 10111, ambulance 10177).
- Do you tip in Pretoria?
- Tip 10–15% in restaurants and a few coins to car guards.
Nearby cities
Gaborone · Mbabane · Lobamba · Maseru · Bloemfontein · Maputo · Harare · Lusaka
South Africa travel guide: all cities · All cities