Things to do in Pretoria
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Top 10 attractions in Pretoria
Union Buildings
Union Buildings are situated atop Meintjieskop in Pretoria, the highest point in the city, offering a panoramic view of the capital from the front of the buildings. Designed by British architect Herbert Baker and completed in 1913, this complex is constructed with light-colored sandstone, featuring reddish-brown roofs that contrast with the beige walls. The overall layout is semi-circular, with two wings extending to either side, connected by a curved colonnade. The architecture blends Italian Renaissance Neoclassical style with Cape Dutch details, and each wing is topped by a domed tower featuring a statue of Atlas holding up the globe. The interior is decorated in the Cape Dutch style, with teak doors and dark beams that contrast beautifully with the white walls.Pretoria · 1.2 km from downtown
Voortrekker Monument
At the heart of the complex stands the Voortrekker Monument, a massive, square granite structure completed in 1949; the surrounding grounds include a nature reserve where animals such as zebras, springboks, and black wildebeests roam the grassy slopes. The site commemorates the pioneers who migrated from the Cape region into the South African interior starting in the 1830s and serves as a key location for understanding the history of the "Great Trek." The Hall of Heroes inside the monument is a highlight of the visit; four large arched windows made of yellow Belgian glass allow light to stream in, illuminating a series of 27 marble relief panels that depict scenes spanning the period from the departure of the first migrant groups in 1835 to the signing of the Sand River Convention in 1852. Looking down through a circular opening in the floor reveals a cenotaph in the center of the lower hall, surrounded by displays of flags, tapestries, and ox-wagons. At noon on December 16th each year, sunlight streams through an opening in the dome to strike the cenotaph, illuminating the inscription "We for thee, South Africa." Outside, a circle of granite ox-wagons forms a defensive laager, and a bronze statue depicting a pioneer mother with her two children stands before the monument. Visitors can climb the steps to the rooftop gallery for a panoramic view of the surrounding hills and the cityscape.Pretoria · 6.6 km from downtown
Church Square
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 · 3.4 km from downtown
Jakaranda Cl
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 · 16.4 km from downtown
Union Buildings Gardens
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 · 1.4 km from downtown
Kolonnade Shopping Centre
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 · 6.5 km from downtown
Tshwane City Hall
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).Pretoria · 4 km from downtown
National Zoological Garden, Pretoria
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 · 3 km from downtown
Loftus Versfeld Stadium
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 · 2.5 km from downtown
Pretoria National Botanical Garden African Hall
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 · 5.6 km from downtown
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What travelers say about Pretoria
M.M.R. MarufFebruary 20, 2025
4.0
"Visited the iconic Union Buildings in Tshwane, and I was absolutely captivated by its grandeur and history. As the seat of South Africa’s government, the architecture is a breathtaking blend of classical and Cape Dutch styles. The panoramic views from the hilltop are unmatched, and the beautifully landscaped gardens add to the peaceful atmosphere. A must-visit for anyone in Pretoria, it's a powerful reminder of South Africa’s journey towards democracy and unity.
Union Buildings
anton_rotheSeptember 12, 2023
5.0
From the top of the monument you have an astonishing view of the grest city of Pretoria
Voortrekker Monument
小鱼儿2015March 31, 2020
4.0
Oh, it is a large city in South Africa, not far from the capital. The whole city also benefits from the development of gold mine resources. It is a resource-rich city. The environment of the square is quite good, and many white people live here.
Church Square
海洋生物小百科December 6, 2020
5.0
I went to South Africa once in 2015 and made a special trip to see the blue flowers. It was in bloom at the time and was very beautiful. Tourists stopped to take pictures, and I was no exception. I took a lot of pictures. The flowering period is highly seasonal. I would like to come to South Africa once in my lifetime if I have the chance.
Jakaranda Cl
NkanduFebruary 5, 2022
3.0
This is one of the biggest zoos ,I have ever seen . Lots of animals to see,suitable for friends and family .
National Zoological Garden, Pretoria
TodemmyMay 21, 2020
5.0
Tram number 18 takes you to the Pretoria Botanical Gardens and Zoo so both attractions are easily accessible. The Botanical Gardens are free and a pleasant walk. We just walked around the front and didn't see the greenhouse. The front lawn, gardens, flowers and fountains are very well maintained, neat and clean. Walking around the front gardens, it is easy to enjoy the views from all angles. The paths are flat and wheelchair accessible. Benches are placed along the path to give us a break and enjoy the views of the Botanical Gardens.
Pretoria National Botanical Garden African Hall
