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Our List Of 8 Places To See In Pretoria

Settle in for a local adventure! With so many places to see in Pretoria, we’ve compiled the ultimate travel guide.

Picnic at the Union Buildings

Looking for romantic things to do in Pretoria? The Union Buildings are not only an important South African heritage site, but the impressive presidential complex is surrounded by pretty terraced gardens that offer panoramic views over the city. It’s the picture-perfect spot for a romantic picnic!

Paul Kruger House Museum

One of the not-to-be-missed places to see in Pretoria, this modest and informative house museum outlines the life and times of the 19th-century Afrikaans leader and Transvaal President Paul Kruger. Inside the house, period furniture and personal items show how the Kruger family lived in a style that was extremely modern for the time – the house was one of the very first in the city to have electricity and a telephone connection, while the bathrooms also made use of the latest technologies at the time.

Voortrekker Monument

The majestic Voortrekker Monument commemorates the Pioneer history of South Africa. Inaugurated in 1949, it was designed by architect Gerard Moerdijk and features the world’s longest historical marble frieze. It’s the most visited heritage site of its kind in Gauteng and one of the top 10 cultural historical visitor attractions in the country.

The Cradle of Humankind

Only 90 minutes’ drive from Pretoria and home to around 40% of the world’s human ancestor fossils, the Cradle of Humankind will give you an opportunity to learn about the fascinating archaeological history of the region. Take a tour followed by a dining experience in tranquil surroundings.

Jacaranda trees

Pretoria is known as Jacaranda City because of the purple-flowered Jacaranda trees that line its streets. The trees are especially spectacular during spring (September to November).

The 1000-year old Wonderboom fig tree

The Wonderboom (translated “Tree of Wonder” or “Miracle tree”) is a unique 1000-year-old fig tree and one of the more quirky stops you’ll make when looking for fun things to do in Pretoria. The tree, now a national monument, is unusually large, standing at 25m tall with a 5,5-metre diameter main trunk. Its growth pattern is also unusual: as its branches grew longer, they drooped towards the ground and eventually took root and formed a circle of new trunks around the original tree. There are now a total of 13 trunks and the colossal tree covers an area with a diameter of 55 metres!

Market @ the Sheds

Experience art, music, food, fashion and design at Pretoria’s own inner-city market. Spend the day soaking up the sounds of live blues, folk, rock, jazz, reggae and Afro-soul bands. The market usually takes place on the last Saturday of the month with date changes in between to accommodate holidays and long weekends. It is open from 11h00 to 18h00. Also pop in at the Hazel Food Market early on a Saturday morning for fresh farm produce and home-made eats.

Irene Dairy Farm

One of the must-go places to visit in Pretoria, this family-run dairy farm is a picturesque country gem. Stroll along straw pathways to see the cows and their calves. Children can assist with bottle-feeding the calves at 3pm daily. The Dairy Shop sells fresh farm milk and a wide range of farm products and baked good plus Irene Dairy’s unique and indulgent clotted cream.

Of course, no visit to Pretoria would be complete without exploring the Menlyn Maine precinct. On the doorstep of The Maslow Time Square, Menlyn Maine is Africa’s first green precinct where you'll find a selection of restaurants, excellent shopping and wellness activities.

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