The Statue of Nelson Mandela at the Union Buildings, Pretoria, South Africa

Things to do in  Pretoria

Paint the town purple

South Africa’s administrative and executive capital city, Pretoria blooms with vibrant, purple jacaranda trees, and its streets are full of eclectic architecture, from the neo-Byzantine domes of the Old Synagogue to the Cape Dutch-style of Mahlamba Ndlopfu (the president’s house). The city is known for its tree-shaded streets and parklands, but don’t mistake the tranquility for dullness: Pretoria hums with culture and life thanks to a large student population. Things to do in Pretoria include visiting the monuments and museums downtown, exploring the culinary scene in the city's lively suburbs, and hiking in the nearby Groenkloof Nature Reserve.

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Top 7 attractions in Pretoria

#1

Soweto

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For most, Soweto (short for South West Townships) is synonymous with resistance to apartheid, South Africa’s former policy of racial segregation. The township’s complex past is visible in Soweto’s moving museums, historical monuments, and strong traditions.More
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#2

Voortrekker Monument

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The granite Voortrekker Monument towers 200 feet (60 meters) above Pretoria. The monument was built to honor the Great Trek—a 19th-century exodus from the then British-ruled Cape Colony to central South Africa. The monument depicts the treacherous journey in the Hall of Heroes, and an empty tomb represents the lives lost on the trek.More
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#3

Union Buildings

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The neoclassical Union Buildings house Pretoria’s government headquarters and presidential offices. Designed in 1908, the sandstone wings represent South Africa’s Afrikaners and English people—joined by a central courtyard. While the building isn’t open to the public, you can always enjoy the surrounding gardens and statues.More
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#4

Mandela House

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The Nelson Mandela National Museum (Mandela House), is dedicated to the preservation of the history, heritage, and legacy of the Mandela family. Former South African president Nelson Mandela and his family lived in this Johannesburg house from 1946 to the 1990s before dedicating it to the Soweto Heritage Trust.More
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#5

Kruger Museum

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For visitors from outside of South Africa, Stephanus Johannes Paulus “Paul” Kruger’s name may ring a bell – the country’s most popular National Park is named for him. South Africans and world history buffs also know Mr. Kruger as the popular one-time President of the Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek (ZAR), an independent state that persisted for 50 years in the late 19thand early 20th centuries, battling the British during the Anglo Boer Wars. It was Kruger who signed the Pretoria Convention treaty that ended the First Anglo Boer War in 1881. Three years later, he built his private home in downtown Pretoria – today the site is open to the public as a museum tribute to the politician. The reflective museum lies just a few blocks south of the National Zoological Gardens and west of Church Square in busy downtown Pretoria.Three buildings – including the single-story white cement Paul Kruger House – and Kruger’s old private railway car, used on the campaign trail and for official visits, comprise the KrugerMuseum. The home, guarded by stone lions, has been refurbished to look as it did during Kruger’s occupancy and features carpeting, wall décor and furniture from the period. The other two buildings house exhibits on the various periods of his life, including the knife that he used to amputate his own thumb after a shooting accident went awry.More
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#6

Harties Aerial Cableway

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The Harties Aerial Cableway transports visitors to a mountaintop viewing platform and activity area and offers panoramic views of the Magaliesberg mountains and Hartebeespoort Dam. Located just 50 miles (80 kilometers) outside of Johannesburg, the gondola offers an experience similar to a trip to Cape Town’s Table Mountain.More
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#7

Hartbeespoort Dam

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Built for irrigation purposes in the 1920s, Hartbeespoort Dam created a reservoir and a recreation hot spot that now draws visitors to what has become a small resort town. Nestled in the Magaliesberg, Hartbeespoort offers a mountain escape complete with scenic views and everything from cruises to paragliding.More
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Top activities in Pretoria

Johannesburg and Soweto tour

Johannesburg and Soweto tour

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137
From
$74.08
Soweto Walking Tour with Lunch

Soweto Walking Tour with Lunch

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219
From
$38.41
Lesedi Cultural Village & Cradle of Humankind + Lunch

Lesedi Cultural Village & Cradle of Humankind + Lunch

From
$136.64
Magical Kruger National Park 2 Days Safari from Johannesburg

Magical Kruger National Park 2 Days Safari from Johannesburg

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21
From
$521.30
Guided Bicycle Tour of Soweto with Lunch

Guided Bicycle Tour of Soweto with Lunch

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126
From
$43.60
Half Day Pretoria City and Monuments Tour

Half Day Pretoria City and Monuments Tour

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7
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$137.18
Rhino & Lion Park from Johannesburg

Rhino & Lion Park from Johannesburg

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7
From
$156.39
Cradle of Human Kind Tour - Maropeng and Wondercave Tour

Cradle of Human Kind Tour - Maropeng and Wondercave Tour

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24
From
$137.18
Johannesburg & Apartheid Museum Tour

Johannesburg & Apartheid Museum Tour

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6
From
$68.59
Elephant Walk Guided Half Day Tour from Johannesburg

Elephant Walk Guided Half Day Tour from Johannesburg

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24
From
$180.30
One day Kruger National Park tour Private

One day Kruger National Park tour Private

From
$334.87
Johannesburg City Tour(Half-day)

Johannesburg City Tour(Half-day)

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6
From
$68.59
Pilanesberg National Park Day Tour from Pretoria, every SATURDAY

Pilanesberg National Park Day Tour from Pretoria, every SATURDAY

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4
From
$107.83
Johannesburg/Soweto & Apartheid museum private tour

Johannesburg/Soweto & Apartheid museum private tour

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6
From
$101.52
Cullinan diamond mine tour(surface tour)

Cullinan diamond mine tour(surface tour)

From
$60.36
Johannesburg City Half Day Tour

Johannesburg City Half Day Tour

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7
From
$92.19
Soweto and Apartheid Museum Day Tour

Soweto and Apartheid Museum Day Tour

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11
From
$80.00
Private Pretoria City and Cullinan Mine Full Day Tour from Johannesburg

Private Pretoria City and Cullinan Mine Full Day Tour from Johannesburg

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From
$186.57
Cradle of Humankind half day tour

Cradle of Humankind half day tour

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5
From
$101.52
Suncity Transfer

Suncity Transfer

From
$187.92
per group
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All about Pretoria

When to visit

To see Pretoria at its most beautiful, visit from late September to mid-November when the thousands of jacaranda trees start to bloom. Their purple blossoms litter the pavement and herald the coming summer. Skip the worst of the summer rains and travel at the beginning of October for warm weather, sunny days, and stunning views. Head to the Klapperkop Nature Reserve for sweeping views of the trees and the city below.

Getting around

Taxis and rideshare services are cheap and easy to find in Pretoria (although you should always agree on a price beforehand with taxis). The city is also connected to nearby Johannesburg via the semi-high-speed Gautrain. While it's easy to get around the city without a car, renting your own vehicle is the best way to go if you’re hoping to visit some of the further-out nature reserves or smaller towns in South Africa.

Traveler tips

For the perfect place to unwind at any time of day, head to Karoo Café on Lynnwood Road. A cozy blend of indoor and outdoor space, the café also hosts a small gallery and bookstore. In the morning, it serves excellent coffee and South African-inspired breakfasts like perfectly spiced lamb skilpadjies and roosterkoek. Visit in the evening to sip a local craft beer and tuck into the café's traditional bobotie, made with curried ground beef and a rich custard top.

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People Also Ask

What is Pretoria best known for?

Pretoria is South Africa’s executive and administrative capital, and it is where the president lives. The city is also known for its jacaranda trees and nature reserves, as well as cultural attractions like the Voortrekker Monument and the Kruger House Museum.

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Is Pretoria cheaper than Cape Town?

Yes, because it is a less popular destination than Cape Town, accommodation and eating out is generally more affordable in Pretoria. To save even more money, travel during the off-season, May through August, when you can expect to find lower hotel costs.

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What languages are spoken in Pretoria?

South Africa has 12 official languages, and you will hear dozens more as you travel. Pretoria, which is located in the province of Gauteng, sees a diversity of languages; Zulu, English, Afrikaans, Tswana, and Sesotho are some of the most commonly spoken.

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Is it safe to visit Pretoria?

As with most major cities, certain parts of Pretoria are safe for visitors while others are not. During your trip, don’t wear visible jewelry, keep money tucked away in an inside pocket or money belt, avoid walking alone at night, and always be aware of your surroundings.

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Is it worth it to visit Pretoria?

Yes, Pretoria is more low-key than Johannesburg but still full of adventure, and you can learn a lot about South Africa’s history and culture during your visit. It’s also a great home base if you’re looking to explore some of the nearby nature and wildlife areas, including Groenkloof Nature Reserve and Faerie Glen Nature Reserve.

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How can you get from Pretoria to Johannesburg?

The modern Gautrain commuter rail connects the two cities, with the Pretoria stop located near the downtown core. Ending at Park Station in Johannesburg, between Braamfontein and the Central Business District, the trip takes about 40 minutes. Trains run frequently from Pretoria to Johannesburg.

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Frequently Asked Questions
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