Best Attractions in Pretoria, South Africa

Often overlooked in comparison to other major South African cities, Pretoria certainly has its own vibe. Here's a list of some of the best attractions!

Undeniably the most iconic landmark of Pretoria, the Union Buildings are the seat of power per se. Apart from the lovely architecture, the pretty gardens in the front of these buildings also serve as a comfy picnic spot.

This impressive public square is lined with public buildings, which are architectural masterpieces in their own right. The statue of Paul Kruger stands tall in the center. Walk across the square and take in the vibe of the city that is Pretoria!

This granite monument was built to commemorate the history of Afrikaners, and is embellished with five colossal statues of Boer leaders. Go for a tea and snack at the Monument restaurant while taking in the picturesque views around!

This is a breeding sanctuary for cheetahs as well as other wild animals like hyenas, African wild dogs, and vultures. The main attraction here is the cheetah runs that happen thrice a week, where you get to see these wild cats in action.

This wildlife sanctuary holds a special place because it presents safari routes with different degrees of endurance for tourists. You can choose whichever difficulty level you want. Guided tours are available too!

About 25 miles northwest of Pretoria lies the enchanting site where approximately 200,000 years ago, a massive meteorite fell. That made a ‘ring’ of hills in the area and is today a saltwater lake. This is an amazing picnic spot for families.

If you are visiting Pretoria during September/October, you will find the entire city in full bloom with purple flowers. That’s why, Pretoria is also known as Jacaranda City. It is an extremely pleasant sight to see.

More commonly known as the Pretoria Zoo, this is a great place to go if you are traveling with children. Adventure lovers can book a place on the Night Safari, a guided tour through the Gardens followed by some braai.

Home to about 40% of the world’s prehistoric human fossils, the Cradle of Humankind is only 90 minutes away from Pretoria by car. Visit to get a guided tour and learn about the evolution of human race from the archaeological perspective.

If you love shopping, art, and dining, you must visit this place. Held on every last Saturday of the month between 11 am to 6 pm, this place is full of celebrations and festivities in itself. Spend a day listening to live music, shopping, and tasting some of the most sumptuous flavors of the city!