Voortrekker Monument and Heritage Site
A granite landmark on Monument Hill with a sculpted marble frieze, a cenotaph lit by a single ray of sun each year, a rooftop viewing platform and a heritage centre that places a contested story in context.
South Africa
Pretoria
Pretoria is South Africa's executive capital, a jacaranda-lined city of sandstone government buildings, hilltop memorials and quiet suburbs, an hour north of Johannesburg.
This guide covers the Union Buildings and the Mandela statue, the Voortrekker Monument and Freedom Park, Church Square and the Victorian houses of Arcadia, then goes further afield to the Cullinan Diamond Mine where the largest rough diamond ever found came to light, the Big Five of Pilanesberg and Dinokeng, cheetah conservation near Hartbeespoort, sunrise balloon flights and the luxury trains of Rovos Rail. Twenty attractions, eight places to stay and six planning guides cover how to organise the city, the east side and the bushveld.
Don't miss
Voortrekker Monument and Heritage Site
A granite landmark on Monument Hill with a sculpted marble frieze, a cenotaph lit by a single ray of sun each year, a rooftop viewing platform and a heritage centre that places a contested story in context.
Union Buildings and Mandela Statue
Herbert Baker's sandstone seat of government on Meintjieskop, with terraced gardens, a bronze Nelson Mandela statue and a skyline view. Free to see from the gardens.
Cullinan Guided Surface Half-Day Tour
The mine where the largest gem-quality rough diamond ever found came out of the ground in 1905, with a surface tour and a charming Edwardian village.
Pilanesberg Big Five Full-Day Safari from Pretoria
A full day in a malaria-free Big Five reserve set inside an ancient volcanic crater, with open-vehicle game drives from Pretoria.
Things to do in Pretoria
Hand-picked: every experience here has strong traveler reviews and a verified booking link.
FreeUnion Buildings and Mandela Statue
Herbert Baker's sandstone seat of government on Meintjieskop, with terraced gardens, a bronze Nelson Mandela statue and a skyline view. Free to see from the gardens.
1 hourDetails →
Freedom Park
A hilltop memorial on Salvokop that tells South Africa's story from earliest times to democracy through gardens, a museum and a wall of names.
FreeChurch Square and the Old Raadsaal
The old civic heart of Pretoria: a statue of Paul Kruger, grand colonial buildings, the Old Raadsaal and a good base for a walking circuit of the central historic district.
45 minutes to 1 hourDetails →
Melrose House Museum
A Victorian mansion in Arcadia where the treaty ending the Anglo-Boer War was signed in 1902, with period rooms, stained glass and a quiet garden.
Sammy Marks Museum at Zwartkoppies Hall
A grand Victorian country house east of the city, filled with the collection of a Lithuanian-born industrialist and set in a garden with a tea room.
Pretoria Capital Highlights Half-Day Tour: Union Buildings, Church Square and Monuments
A guided half day that links the Union Buildings, Church Square, the Voortrekker Monument and Freedom Park in one comfortable circuit.
Cullinan Guided Surface Half-Day Tour
The mine where the largest gem-quality rough diamond ever found came out of the ground in 1905, with a surface tour and a charming Edwardian village.
Pilanesberg Big Five Full-Day Safari from Pretoria
A full day in a malaria-free Big Five reserve set inside an ancient volcanic crater, with open-vehicle game drives from Pretoria.
Dinokeng Game Reserve Open Vehicle Safari
Gauteng's own Big Five reserve, less than an hour from Pretoria, with open-vehicle drives across bushveld and river flats.
Rietvlei Nature Reserve Game Drive
A city-edge reserve with white rhino, giraffe, hippo and a large dam, reachable in minutes from central Pretoria by self-drive or guided half-day tour.
Cheetah Conservation Half-Day Tour at the Ann van Dyk Centre
A breeding and conservation centre near Hartbeespoort where guided tours get you close to cheetah, wild dog, vultures and the rare king cheetah.
Where to stay
Hotels we would book ourselves, from splurges to good-value bases.
$$$Sheraton Pretoria Hotel
Arcadia
A large, business-friendly international hotel in Arcadia, a few minutes from the Union Buildings, Melrose House and the main embassy district.
Check rates →Illyria House Boutique Hotel
Muckleneuk
A small, quiet boutique guest house in a leafy residential suburb, with garden, individually styled rooms and a personal feel.
Check rates →The Capital Menlyn Maine
Menlyn
A modern apartment-style hotel in the Menlyn Maine precinct, with a kitchenette option, rooftop views and walkable restaurants and shops.
Check rates →City Lodge Hotel Lynnwood
Lynnwood
A dependable mid-range hotel in the eastern suburb of Lynnwood, with straightforward rooms, breakfast and easy access to Menlyn, Hatfield and the eastern suburbs.
Check rates →ANEW Hotel Centurion Pretoria
Centurion
A comfortable mid-range hotel in Centurion with consistent standards, a restaurant and easy access to the highway and Gautrain.
Check rates →The Palace of the Lost City
Sun City
The flagship luxury hotel at Sun City, a fantasy palace with lush gardens, a grand lobby and views toward the Pilanesberg hills.
Check rates →Kwa Maritane Bush Lodge
Pilanesberg National Park
A bush lodge on the slopes of the Pilanesberg, with a floodlit waterhole, safari drives and a malaria-free setting.
Check rates →Bakubung Bush Lodge
Pilanesberg National Park
A lodge on the edge of a hippo-filled pool inside Pilanesberg National Park, with game drives and a family-friendly atmosphere.
Check rates →Tour + stay
Ready-made pairings: a top sight and a hotel that suits it. Add both to your trip and book each when you are ready.
Pretoria guides
Pretoria for First-Time Visitors: The Essential Guide
What to see, how the city is laid out, how to get around and what to book first in South Africa's executive capital.
Where to Stay in Pretoria: Neighbourhoods and Bases
A practical comparison of Arcadia, Muckleneuk, Menlyn, the city centre, Centurion and the Pilanesberg lodges for different kinds of trips.
Three Days in Pretoria: Monuments, History and Wild Places
A balanced three-day itinerary that covers the capital's core sights, a day on the east side and a safari or wildlife outing.
Eating and Drinking in Pretoria
Where Pretoria eats: braai culture, Afrikaans classics, Hatfield and Brooklyn dining, wine and local drinks.
Best Time to Visit Pretoria: Jacarandas, Seasons and Safari Weather
A season-by-season guide to Pretoria weather, the purple jacaranda bloom, dry-season safaris and school holiday crowds.
Day Trips from Pretoria: Diamonds, Cheetahs and Big Five Safaris
The best day trips from Pretoria, from Cullinan and the cheetah centre to Dinokeng, Pilanesberg, Sun City and Hartbeespoort.
