Things to do in Pretoria

Pretoria · 1.2km from downtown

92 reviews

Union Buildings are situated atop Meintjieskop hill in Pretoria, at one of the highest points in the city. Standing in the terraced gardens, you can enjoy a view of the city. Designed by British architect Herbert Baker, the complex was completed in 1913. The buildings feature light-colored sandstone walls, with reddish-brown roofs contrasting against the beige walls. The overall layout is semi-circular, with two wings extending to the sides, connected by a curved colonnade. The architecture blends Italian Renaissance neoclassical style with Cape Dutch details, and at the end of each wing stands a domed tower topped with a statue of Atlas holding up the globe. The interior is decorated in the Cape Dutch style, with teak doors and dark beams contrasting with the white walls. The large terraced gardens in front of the building are planted with native South African plants and are dotted with several commemorative sculptures. The garden lawns also serve as a venue for public gatherings and celebrations.

No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Tshwane

Voortrekker Monument

6

Pretoria · 6.6km from downtown

88 reviews

Voortrekker Monument is located on a hill in the southern suburbs of Pretoria and is surrounded by a nature reserve. This granite structure was completed in 1949 and designed by architect Gerard Moerdijk to commemorate the pioneers who left the Cape region and trekked inland between 1835 and 1854. The building's exterior is imposing and solid, combining European monumental architecture with indigenous African elements. Upon entering, the Hall of Heroes is the core space, with its four walls inlaid with historical reliefs consisting of more than 20 marble panels, narrating the entire process of the Great Trek. In the center of the hall floor is a circular opening, which overlooks the Cenotaph Hall below. The cenotaph is the spiritual heart of the entire building, inscribed with the Afrikaans phrase "We for thee, South Africa". At noon on December 16 each year, sunlight shines through the opening in the dome onto the cenotaph. This lighting design symbolizes respect for the pioneers' struggle and is a moment many visitors travel specifically to experience. Surrounding the building is a circular formation of more than 60 granite ox wagons. At the foot of the hill stands a bronze work by sculptor Anton van Wouw, depicting a Voortrekker mother with her two children. The entire area also includes nature reserve trails, offering panoramic views of the building and the Pretoria city center from different angles.

No. 3 of Best Things to Do in Tshwane

Church Square

5.6

4.3/5

46 reviews

Church Square is a historic square in the old city of Pretoria. It served as a market and church site since the city's founding. Farmers once drove ox wagons here to sell their produce, and the square's name is derived from the church that once stood in the center. Today, a bronze statue of Paul Kruger stands in the center of the square. The statue depicts him in traditional attire, holding a walking stick, with four bronze statues of Boer citizen soldiers standing around the base. It was created by sculptor Anton van Wouw and officially placed in the center of the square in 1954. The square is surrounded by historic buildings constructed between the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Palace of Justice on the north side once hosted the Rivonia Trial, while the Old Council Chamber on the south side was the meeting place of the old republic. Other preserved buildings in the vicinity include the Old General Post Office, the Tudor Chambers, and the old Netherlands Bank building. Walking along the square, you can see historic facades and decorative details of various architectural styles. Today, the square remains a public space for citizens to rest and gather, with benches set under the shade of trees and cafes and small restaurants located nearby. The square is well-lit during the day, making it perfect for observing the facades, carvings, and columns of the surrounding historic buildings, or for appreciating the Kruger statue and surrounding architecture from different angles.

Pretoria · 3.4km from downtown

No. 1 of Spring Outings in South Africa

Jakaranda Cl

5.5

3.5/5

24 reviews

Jakaranda Cl is known for its rows of jacaranda trees. Native to South America, jacarandas were introduced to the area in the late 19th century and gradually planted along the city streets, making their purple-blue blossoms part of the urban scenery of Tshwane (Pretoria). Every spring in the Southern Hemisphere, the trees begin to bloom, with their canopies intertwining above the roads to form a continuous corridor of purple and blue. During the flowering season, clusters of blossoms cover the branches, while petals drift down and spread across the roads and sidewalks, adding soft colours to the streetscape. The streets around the embassy district also feature dense rows of jacaranda trees, offering lovely views when the flowers are in bloom. The flowering season usually lasts for several weeks in spring, and the changing scenes of blossoms and falling petals give this tree-lined avenue a distinctive seasonal character.

Pretoria · 16.4km from downtown

Pretoria · 6.5km from downtown

Kolonnade Shopping Centre

4.3

Kolonnade Shopping Centre is a popular shopping and leisure destination for local residents and visitors alike. The mall features a variety of retail stores, including clothing, home goods, electronics, and daily necessities, making it easy to shop at your own pace. There is also a diverse range of dining options, from fast food and snacks to full meals and coffee, perfect for taking a break between shopping. For visitors, this is more than just a place to shop. The mall includes a cinema and entertainment areas where you can watch a movie or relax. The overall environment is clean, with spacious walkways and convenient parking, making it suitable for those driving. There are also supporting facilities nearby, such as supermarkets and gas stations, making it easy to restock during your trip. If you want to experience the local pace of life in Pretoria, feel free to stroll around, pick up some souvenirs, or taste local flavors at a restaurant. Whether for a short stop or a leisurely half-day, Kolonnade Shopping Centre provides a comfortable indoor space to escape the sun or changing weather, adding a sense of ease to your itinerary.

Pretoria · 4km from downtown

Tshwane City Hall

4.2

4.0/5

21 reviews

Old Town Hall is adistinctive European-style building. The giant domed clock tower features a unique carillon with 32 bells, as well as a massive pipe organ with 6,800 pipes. In front of the Old Town Hall stands a statue commemorating the founders of Pretoria, the Pretorius father and son (Andries Pretorius & M.W. Pretorius).

No. 1 of Family-friendly Attractions in Tshwane

Union Buildings Gardens

4.2

Union Buildings Gardens is an iconic public landscape space in Tshwane, Gauteng, South Africa, closely connected to the Union Buildings, the administrative center of the national government. The entire complex was designed by British architect Sir Herbert Baker and built between 1910 and 1913, symbolizing the unity of different groups in South African history and national reconciliation, while also serving as an important venue for political life. As a carefully planned garden area, it features extensive terraced lawns, flower beds, and tree-lined avenues. These spaces not only extend the visual appeal of the buildings but also provide peaceful walking, picnicking, and leisure areas for residents and visitors. The garden is planted with a variety of native plants and flowers that change color with the seasons, making it an ideal spot for photography, quiet reflection, or birdwatching.

Pretoria · 1.4km from downtown

No. 13 of Family-friendly Attractions in South Africa

National Zoological Garden, Pretoria

4.1

3.0/5

1 reviews

National Zoological Garden, Pretoriais located on Boom Street and is one of the largest zoos in the world, housing over 3,500 species of animals. Visitors can take a cable car to the viewing platform above the animal enclosures. There is a street market in front of the zoo selling wood carvings, baskets, and stone carvings.

Pretoria · 3km from downtown

Pretoria · 2.5km from downtown

Loftus Versfeld Stadium

4.1

Loftus Versfeld Stadium is known for its blend of history and modern facilities, carrying over a century of sports history and urban cultural memories. Built in 1903, it has undergone multiple renovations and upgrades, and is now a modern, well-equipped, and multi-functional venue with extensive seating and excellent views, suitable for watching matches and city events. It can host major sports events like rugby and football, as well as entertainment events like large concerts, and is vibrant all year round. The stadium houses a sports museum, displaying a rich collection of event memorabilia, historical photos, and player collectibles, clearly showcasing the development of the venue and local sports. During non-match days, visitors can tour areas such as the player tunnel and stands to immerse themselves in the unique charm of the stadium and relive moments of passion and emotion in sports.

Pretoria · 5.6km from downtown

Pretoria National Botanical Garden African Hall

3.9

5.0/5

7 reviews

The Pretoria National Botanical Garden was established in 1946 and is located in the east of Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa. It is one of the nine national botanical gardens in South Africa. The botanical garden mainly cultivates subtropical and temperate plants. The botanical garden consists of cycad botanical garden, succulent botanical garden, aloe vera plantation, etc. The plants with strange shapes can be seen everywhere. Tourists can watch subtropical and temperate plants here, as well as local endemic flora of South Africa. In addition to a wide variety of plants, there are many birds and many reptiles and mammals living in harmony here.

Pretoria · 8.9km from downtown

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Pretoria Today's weatherClear with poor air quality 18-34℃

Pretoria weather for the next 2 days11/12: 18-34℃, 11/13: 19-34℃

Free things to do in Pretoria

Union Buildings

7.2

Pretoria · 1.2km from downtown

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5.6

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