Top 10 Fun Things to do in Pretoria

The Locals Guide: Fun Things to Do in Pretoria for the Family

It’s home to over 130 embassies, sits along the Apies River and the foothills of the Magaliesberg Mountains (approximately 58 km north-northeast of Johannesburg), and is known as South Africa's administrative capital.

Meet the Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality, also known as the city of Pretoria.

Pretoria residents know this area for its political history, unique fauna and flora, universities, and some of the province’s best-tasting meals. If there’s anything you didn’t know about this city, this brief travel guide will share some fun facts and sites you may not have even considered.

Fun Facts: What is Pretoria Most Known For?

Pretoria is best known for some of the country’s most interesting places and facts:

Although this feature is not indigenous to South Africa, locals call it the “Jacaranda City.” Every year, from September to November, the residents get to see the beautiful sub-tropical South American blossoms appear. These purple trees can also be seen around parts of Johannesburg’s affluent neighbourhoods.
Key player to the union buildings, hence the administrative capital, a.k.a the government’s presidential offices.
Known for some of South Africa’s most historic monuments and landmarks.
Offers unique cultural expeditions and attractions.
Populated with over 3 million urban residents (including over 700,000 city inhabitants).
Home to the Blue Bulls rugby team.
Elon Musk graduated from Pretoria Boys High School in 1988 at the tender age of 17.

Pretoria Weather, Map, and Location

Because of its location, temperatures and rainfall vary slightly from those you’d find in its neighbouring city, Johannesburg.

Located in the northern part of Gauteng province, 58 km from Johannesburg.
It’s positioned between the Highveld Plateau and the low-lying Bushveld.
Visitors may find that the weather in Pretoria can remain relatively warm year-round.

Getting There from O.R Tambo Airport

Between driving a rented car, using the Gautrain, Uber, and airport shuttles, visitors aren’t limited to reaching their destination.

If you do decide to take the Gautrain, get familiar with the train schedules and platforms on site. Also, be sure to budget for the trip there and back (return trip).
You can organise shuttles to and from your destination.
Driving a rental? You’ll drive 50 km, roughly 40 minutes, on the R21 to Hatfield, Pretoria. No, you don’t have to worry about toll fees on this specific route. You can find toll fee information in our article here: SANRAL’s toll fees increase in South Africa.

Summer

From October to March, sunny mornings can turn into chaotic late-afternoon thunderstorms. The city’s daytime temperatures can range from a comfortable 25 degrees and exceed 30 degrees Celsius.

Residents also see a great deal of afternoon thunderstorms throughout this period. On average, the city receives 676 mm annually (based on recorded data over a 30-year period: 1990-2020).

Winter

On the other hand, from May to August, winter mornings can start off chilly, with a low of 4 to 6 Degrees. However, afternoons can offer some comfort, with temperatures averaging around 19 degrees and reaching 25 degrees Celsius (excluding cold fronts).

As for the skies, there is very little rainfall this time round, unlike the coast.

View the map of Pretoria.

Top 10 Sights and Activities: What to do in Pretoria?

There’s no shortage of things to do in the city of Tshwane, especially if you’re on a budget or using Gauteng as a stopover on your way somewhere else, and you’d like to kill some time with your loved ones. If you’re central, then you’ll want to try the following sights and activities:

Picnic at the Union Buildings.
Visit the Voortrekker Monument.
Experience a Market @ The Sheds.
Go gaming at The Magic Company in Times Square.
Explore the Kruger Museum.
Have a climb at the Climbing Barn.
Adventure with mountain bikes in Groenkloof Park.
Unwind at Pretoria’s National Botanical Gardens.
Discover the animal kingdom at the National Zoo.
Shop and indulge at Menlyn Maine Shopping Mall.

Regardless of timing and budget, every little experience counts; just make sure your mode of transportation is reliable and in good condition with the right Car Service Plan in Pretoria.

Places to Eat: Pretoria Restaurants

When you can find helpful advice, especially when you have to decide on where to eat, it is always welcome in our books. That said, if you’re not a native to the Pretoria food scene, then you’ll want to have a look at these popular spots:

Smoke Pretoria (American, Steakhouse)
Propaganda Bar and Pub (Steakhouse)
Crawdaddy’s (Seafood)
The Blue Crane Restaurant (International)
Peppertree (Italian, French)
Wood & Fire (European Grill)
Relish Bistro (Steakhouse)
Tasha's Café (Bistro / Café)
Lucky Bread Company (Bistro / Café)

For more assistance, you can find the list of eateries here via TripAdvisor.

Places to Stay: Pretoria Lodges

If you’re stuck on accommodation because you’re on a tight schedule or budget, have a look at the following Pretoria Lodges:

Sherewood Lodge
El-Tsuri Guest Resort
37 on Anderson
The Elegant Lodge
Foundry Guest Lodge

View reviews here via the Booking.com website.

If you’ve loved your stay or plan on staying longer, frequent travellers can also read up on some staycation ideas if you’re visiting in and around Joburg, Cape Town, and Durbs.

The Bottom Line

Whether you’re an international visitor or a local looking for new and unexplored places, this is for you. From family-friendly sights and activities to a couples getaway or a business trip, the city of Tshwane has so much to offer.

We recommend using some of our practical travel and educational tips in the near future as new updates continue to emerge from the police and other motor-related sources.

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