Pretoria, South Africa: travel guide
Jacaranda-lined capital of the Union Buildings and Voortrekker history
South Africa's administrative capital, the "Jacaranda City", home to Union Buildings, Voortrekker Monument, and a vibrant cafe scene. Every October its streets blaze purple with jacaranda blossoms.
About Pretoria
Pretoria is South Africa's seat of government, a calm, leafy city in Gauteng best known for the thousands of jacaranda trees that turn its streets purple each October. It is a very different place from nearby Johannesburg, with more sandstone and fewer skyscrapers.
The Union Buildings look over formal gardens from a hillside, and the Voortrekker Monument, a granite landmark on a hill, tells the story of the Afrikaner pioneers. Freedom Park is a memorial and heritage site that offers a broader view of the country's past, Church Square sits at the historic centre, and the National Zoological Gardens and the botanical garden add green outings.
Pretoria suits history lovers and travellers wanting a quieter base in Gauteng. October is the time for the jacaranda blossoms, and the rest of the year is generally sunny and mild.
- Country
- South Africa
- Currency
- ZAR
- Time zone
- Africa/Johannesburg
- Nearest airport
- JNB
Last updated
Top places to visit in Pretoria
National Zoological Gardens Pretoria
zoo · 4.3 rating · about 3.5 h · check the fee at the gate
One of the world's largest zoos by area, housing over 9,000 animals. The famous cable car provides aerial views over the zoo and city — a favourite for families and school groups.
Union Buildings Pretoria
government building · 4.6 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
The official seat of the South African government, designed by Sir Herbert Baker (1913). Beautifully landscaped terraced gardens host the iconic bronze Mandela statue. Free to visit the gardens.
Voortrekker Monument Pretoria
monument · 4.4 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
Imposing granite monument (1949) commemorating the Great Trek — on the UNESCO Tentative World Heritage List. The Hall of Heroes marble friezes depict the entire Trek in extraordinary detail.
Freedom Park Pretoria
Heritage · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
National heritage site commemorating all South Africans who died in conflicts from pre-colonial times through apartheid. The Isivivane and Garden of Remembrance are deeply moving.
Church Square Pretoria
Heritage · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Historic heart of Pretoria surrounded by grand Edwardian government buildings and the iconic Paul Kruger statue.
Pretoria National Botanical Garden
Nature · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
76-hectare SANBI garden with 6,000+ indigenous plant species. Best jacaranda display Sep–Nov; summer outdoor concerts.
Things to do
- Pretoria Jacaranda Walking Tour Cultural · 3 h · from ZAR 78 per person
- Voortrekker Monument Entry & Guided Tour Cultural · 1.5 h · from ZAR 43 per person
- Pretoria City Heritage Cycling Tour Adventure · 2.5 h · from ZAR 66 per person
Day trips and tours
- Cullinan Diamond Mine Heritage Tour 5.5 h · from ZAR 190
- Pretoria Historic Monuments & Jacaranda Walk 7 h · from ZAR 170
- Pretoria Zoo & Botanical Garden Family Day 8 h · from ZAR 150
Where to stay in Pretoria
- Arcadia & Hatfield about ZAR 1,800 per night
Government and embassy district south of the Union Buildings. Hotels, restaurants, and the University of Pretoria area.
- Menlyn about ZAR 2,200 per night
Eastern Pretoria's upmarket commercial hub around Menlyn Park Shopping Centre. Good value for families.
Hotels
- African Pride 15 on Orange Pretoria 4-star · ZAR 1,400 to ZAR 3,200 per night
- Sheraton Pretoria Hotel 5-star · ZAR 2,500 to ZAR 5,500 per night
- Protea Hotel by Marriott Hatfield Pretoria 3-star · ZAR 1,200 to ZAR 1,800 per night
Where to eat
- Craft Restaurant Pretoria south african, farm to table, contemporary · about ZAR 350 per person
- Brooklyn Mood Restaurant Pretoria contemporary, south african, brunch · about ZAR 280 per person
- Café Riche Church Square Pretoria Continental, South African · about ZAR 150 per person
- Tribeca Coffee Pretoria Café · about ZAR 120 per person
- Ritrovo Ristorante Pretoria Italian · about ZAR 220 per person
Getting to Pretoria
Airport: Pretoria (JNB)
How visitors arrive in Pretoria
- By road from Johannesburg By road from Johannesburg · common
Pretoria is reached by road from Johannesburg, the usual gateway for visitors. Source: gauteng.net
- Gautrain from Johannesburg By train from Johannesburg · common
The Gautrain rail link runs from Johannesburg and from O.R. Tambo airport to Pretoria. Source: gauteng.net
- Fly to O.R. Tambo, then onward By air from Johannesburg (O.R. Tambo) · common
International visitors usually land at O.R. Tambo in Johannesburg and continue to Pretoria by Gautrain or road. Source: gauteng.net
From the airport to the centre
- Gautrain from OR Tambo
The Gautrain airport link runs from OR Tambo to Sandton; change there for trains towards Pretoria and Hatfield. Check the Gautrain map for which interchange suits you. Source: bombela.com
- Pre-booked airport shuttle
Private shuttle operators such as JIATA Taxi Association and Ants Events and Tours do airport runs to Pretoria. Book ahead. Source: en.wikivoyage.org
Getting around
- Car Rental Self
- Ride Hail
- Train
The Gautrain connects Pretoria with Centurion, Midrand, Johannesburg and the airport.
- Walking
Safety and scams to avoid
Overpriced Informal Parking Guard
Church Square and Hatfield area
Unofficial "car guards" demand R20–R100 for "watching" your car. Some scratch cars if not paid or extort on return.
How to avoid it: Official car guards wear reflective vests. In secure paid parking areas, no tip is obligatory. R5–R10 is standard courtesy for legitimate guards.
Fake Heritage Tour Guides
Union Buildings and Voortrekker Monument
Unofficial "guides" offer a tour, then demand a steep fee at the end claiming it was a "paid service".
How to avoid it: Book official tours via the Pretoria Tourism Bureau or your hotel. Agree on any fee before starting. Official guides carry accreditation cards.
Best time to visit Pretoria
- Jan 31°C
- Feb 31°C
- Mar 30°C
- Apr 27°C
- May 25°C
- Jun 22°C
- Jul 22°C
- Aug 25°C
- Sep 30°C
- Oct 31°C
- Nov 31°C
- Dec 31°C
More in South Africa
Frequently asked questions about Pretoria
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Pretoria?
- The highest-rated places in our Pretoria guide are Union Buildings Pretoria, Voortrekker Monument Pretoria, National Zoological Gardens Pretoria.
- Where should I stay in Pretoria?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Pretoria: Arcadia & Hatfield, Menlyn.
- How do I get around Pretoria?
- Ways to get around Pretoria covered in our guide: Self-drive car, Ride-hailing app, Train, Walking.
- What scams should I watch out for in Pretoria?
- Scams reported to us for Pretoria include Overpriced Informal Parking Guard; Fake Heritage Tour Guides. Each is explained in the guide, with how to avoid it.
- What is the weather like in Pretoria?
- Average daytime highs in Pretoria run from 22°C in Jun to 31°C in Jan.
- Which airport is nearest to Pretoria?
- The nearest airport to Pretoria has the code JNB.