23 Things to Do in Pretoria in 2023
Pretoria has a warm climate, wide streets and leafy suburbs with well-kept gardens. It is a pleasure to walk or drive around, especially when the Jacarandas are in purple bloom. The vibrant student lifestyle has meant that small markets, art galleries, theatres and eclectic eateries are to be found tucked away in most suburbs. Even the shopping malls boast art sculptures commissioned by famous artists.
2min read
Published 31 May 2023
Pretoria has a warm climate, wide streets and leafy suburbs with well-kept gardens. It is a pleasure to walk or drive around, especially when the Jacarandas are in purple bloom. The vibrant student lifestyle has meant that small markets, art galleries, theatres and eclectic eateries are to be found tucked away in most suburbs. Even the shopping malls boast art sculptures commissioned by famous artists.
The city is cosmopolitan and accommodation is generally affordable and centrally located.
When was the last time you explored your backyard? It is only 45mins away from JHB after all and from our list below, you can see that it is worth the day trip to visit some sites you may never have heard of!
1. Spiced Coffee Restaurant
Spiced Coffee is a restaurant amongst the roses. It smells like roses and the menu is bursting with interesting and unique rose dishes. You can wash down rose-shaped freshly baked farm scones (served with rose jam, cream, cheddar, and butter) with a rose milkshake. They also serve rose smoothies, rose sodas, rooibos honey rose tea, rose-flavoured coffee, rose mojitos and rose liqueur.
German apple pie and lemon meringue are baked daily, along with an assortment of other delicious treats - and you don't want to miss their ice cream desserts!
The speciality lunch menu includes German favourites such as bockwurst, kassler kotelett and chicken schnitzel, bacon/asparagus quiche and vegetarian rosehip quiche to enjoy with a selection of salads. Of course, for the less adventurous, they have hamburgers and toasted sandwiches available too.
2. The Austin Roberts Bird Sanctuary
The Austin Roberts Bird Sanctuary is a regular Sunday afternoon picnic spot for families. It lies in the Walkerspruit Open Space System. Two streams feed into the wetland basins and attract many water bird species. The dam area and reed beds in this 12-hectare sanctuary attract blue cranes, grey crowned cranes, rock doves and speckled pigeons. There is an exhibition hall, guided walks and a bird hide for visitors.
In January 1998, the Blue Crane Restaurant, which has been built on the waterfront of one of the lakes (originally a disused clay quarry), was established as a non-profit organisation known as The Friends of Austin Roberts. The organisation maintains the sanctuary. There is a wonderful collection of contemporary art housed in association with the Arts-Pretoria art gallery in the park adjacent to the restaurant.
The restaurant has an informal, relaxed atmosphere and is open from breakfast until late. The African Mask Bar is a piece of heaven when the sun sets over the lake at night. There is a tea garden, which is a beautiful setting for breakfast and afternoon tea. The menu offers breakfasts, pastries, light meals, and freshly baked cakes.
3. The Pretoria Art Museum
The Pretoria Art Museum collects, documents and conserves outstanding examples of South African Art. It researches and compiles exhibitions from its permanent collection and hosts national and international travelling exhibitions.
4. Horseback Africa Hiking Trails
The trails at Horseback Africa are for all ages, including children, and are meant to be enjoyed at your leisure. They are free to all overnight visitors staying at Colin's Horseback Africa, which is a beautifully appointed lodge where you will feel one with nature. There is a sparkling pool and heated spa pool, and the lodge offers both cheaper and more exclusive accommodation options.
The trails are set in a nature reserve and go past scenic dams, and bird hides and there is a chance that you may see a giraffe or kudu as you navigate the trails by foot, horseback, or mountain bike. The Forest Hiking Trail, which takes you through a poplar forest close to the river, is the shortest and would take about 20 minutes to complete. There are hundreds of bird species in the area and there is a swing bench at the dam to sit at and take in the beauty of your surroundings.
The Blue Hiking Trail takes one over the mountains behind the stables to a lovely view of the dams and river. Although in places you may need to do a little clambering, it is an easy trail that takes about an hour.
If you looking for a longer more strenuous hike, The Waterfall Trail will take about 5 hours. There are spectacular views from on top of the cliffs and a stunning waterfall where you can swim and enjoy a picnic.
5. Kruger House Museum
Just a few blocks away from Church Square, where the bronze statue of President Paul Kruger takes centre stage, is the Kruger House Museum. It is the last house the president stayed in, between 1883 and 1901, before going into exile in Europe.
The house is fully restored and contains his personal belongings. The reception room has many significant historical pieces which include the table where Paul Kruger sat with Cecil John Rhodes, Mark Twain, and Henry Stanley. You can also view his private railway carriage and the State coach.
6. Josephine’s Tea Room
Josephine's Tea Room boasts 28 teas and includes Sweet Marzipan, Coconut Almond Rooibos and Apple Strudel tea. Although a speciality tearoom, coffee lovers can still enjoy a cappuccino with a slice of flourless Turkish Delight Cake or Beetroot and Camembert Quiche.
7. Freedom Park
Freedom Park is a monument to democracy and serves as a symbol of the sacrifices made for freedom. It is located on a 52-hectare site on Salvokop. Tours at Freedom Park take between 1.5-2 hours, depending on the number of visitors.
The Park was opened in December 2007 and has become a popular spot for South Africans and international tourists to reflect on the past and consider the future of the country while taking in the expansive views. The views themselves are interesting because they are so sharply contrasted - The busy industry of the city to the north is juxtaposed against the tranquillity of the lush vegetation to the south.
8. Sunday Morning Concerts
The Black-Tie Ensemble conducts prominent works from the operatic repertoire at the South African State Theatre every Sunday morning.
9. Sammy Marks Museum
If you are looking for a day out with a difference, why not visit the Sammy Marks Museum? This lovely Victorian mansion is from a bygone era and dates back to 1884. It was the residence of Sammy Marks. He was respected for his contribution to mining, industrial and agricultural development around that time.
10. Snyman Sjokolateur Chocolates
At Snyman Sjokolateur Chocolates, you will find hand-made delicatessen chocolates and pralines made from fine chocolate imported from Belgium. You can learn about chocolate craftmanship at the factory, where you can even take part in a chocolate-making course. There is also a chocolate painter on site who will personalise any special chocolate treat for you. Could you think of a more romantic gift?
11. Smuts House Museum
The Smuts House Museum stands as a significant part of South African heritage. General Jan Christian Smuts, also known as Oubaas, was a Boer general in the Anglo-Boer War. He was also a commander in World War One and second-in-command to Winston Churchill during World War Two.
Not only that, but he was also a chancellor of Cambridge University and the University of Cape Town.
The Smuts House is a beautiful example of the architecture of that time and was the residence of Smuts and his family. The exhibition includes fascinating memorabilia (all three wars included), photographs, original furniture, and the family’s original library. The library is where he would read and research, mainly on botany and philosophy.
Jan Smuts had a deep love of plants and flowers. He spent much of his time exploring South Africa and collecting samples that he planted in his garden.
Today, the gardens host events which include an annual fete, an organic market and the bi-monthly Irene Market.
There is also a 2.3-kilometre circular walking trail that takes you up to the koppie (hill/outcrop) behind the house and rewards you with gorgeous views.
12. Horse Riding at Voortrekker Monument
Fancy a moonlight horse ride? Cape Riding Horse offers horse trails for both inexperienced and experienced riders alike. They have 20 horses and offer the option of horse riding lessons, too. This is a great way to explore the expansive 340-hectare nature reserve around the Voortrekker Monument and look out over the lavender-speckled city, with its Jacaranda trees in bloom, during the day or the city’s shimmering night lights under the starry skies.
The Voortrekker Monument can be seen from the highways as you enter Pretoria and you can access it via the Gautrain, which runs from the OR Tambo Airport.
13. Klitsgras Drumming
Klitsgras Drumming is a family-friendly venue that offers a fun and unique African experience. It is built around an amphitheatre especially designed to bring professional and novice Djembe drummers together to beat away their stress and have an evening to remember! If you have never drummed before, that is just fine. You can hire a drum at the venue, and you just follow along with the professionals that keep the beat.
Fire dancers, didgeridoo players and percussionists often join in.
It is an interactive experience, and most people participate in some form.
After the drumming, there is often live acoustic entertainment.
You can purchase drinks and food in the hall which turns into a family-friendly nightclub after the drumming sessions. Be prepared to go well into the early hours.
14. Venning Park
Today Venning Park is known as Rose Park, due to the Rosarium which has over 3000 rose bushes. Rose Park covers 30 000 square meters.
15. Mary Gunn Library
If you are a botanical enthusiast, the Mary Gunn Library is something of a treat. Mary Gunn was a clerk at the Department of Agriculture Botany Division in 1916. She established the most comprehensive botanical library on the continent. It is in the National Herbarium at the Pretoria National Gardens. The collection now has more than 11 700 books, 1 000 journal titles and prides itself on its Africana and Rare Antiquarian Book selection.
16. Scottish Country Dancing
Scottish Country dancing is fun. You will undoubtedly make friends and have a great time as you learn to dance reels to traditional Scottish music. Visitors and newcomers are welcome and because it is run by The Royal Scottish Country Dance Society, a non-profit organisation, fees are kept to a minimum.
17. Ditsong Museum of Natural History
At the Disong National Museum, South Africa’s history has been carefully preserved and beautifully displayed. It is one of the largest and most impressive natural history museums in the country and is well worth a day visit.
It houses many collections which include cultural history, geology, military history, archaeology, palaeontology, flora and fauna and anthropology.
For an evening with a difference, why not book a Night at the Museum tour?
18. Groenkloof 4x4 Trail
The Groenkloof 4x4 Trail is a 14km circular route that will take about 2 hours. As a 4x4 enthusiast, you will be happy to hear that the trail has water, mud, steep slopes and rocky climbs.
There is also accommodation available for anyone wanting to make a weekend of it and there is a restaurant where you can sit back and relax after your drive.
19. Fort Klapperkop
Close to the Groenkloof 4x4 trail is the majestic Fort Klapperkop. It is renowned as one of the best 19th-century weaponry defences in the world!
It is a very nostalgic museum, with dedications made to men who lost their lives to protect the country.
It has a German-style dry moat and houses an incredible collection of rifles and furniture used during the Anglo-Boer War. Artefacts include a steam locomotive that was used to transfer troops, a duplication of the long tom gun and the last tram used in the streets of Pretoria. The vantage point of the fort means that the views are spectacular.
20. Voortrekker Monument
The Voortrekker Monument pays tribute to the Afrikaaners who migrated by the thousand on ox-wagon in protest to the British Colonial rule of the Cape between 1835 and 1854.
The monument has been designed to contain mainly symbolic pieces, such as the spear of the Zulu chief, Dingane, being welded into the gate and the laager of 64 wagons representing the number of wagons used in the Battle of Blood River.
The building itself is colossal and is decorated with motifs that imbue a sense of pride and heritage.
21. Mariamman Temple
The Mariamman Temple is Pretoria’s oldest Hindu temple. Visitors are drawn to the temple’s colourful, intricate detail, exotic colours, carvings, and rich history.
22. Bullcook & Co
Craft Beer lovers would do well to visit Bullcook and Co. The premium beers include a spicy malted beer called The Bullcook Blonde, a pilsner known as the Land Looker Larger and an Axe Man Pale Ale.
Visitors can taste and compare the beers with a beer tasting and tour before settling down to a cold one of their favourites.
23 CowHouse Market
The CowHouse Market began in the milking parlour of the Ayrshire Dairy Farm. It is held every Saturday and Sunday from 9 am to 4 pm. It's one of the most popular and loved markets in the area, especially because it caters well to kids. There is a covered play area with a water slide, jumping castle and climbing walls. Pony rides, a cycle track for younger children and an 800-meter cycle track for older children ensure that the little ones are entertained as you enjoy the market at your leisure.
There is so much more to see in and around Pretoria. There are little gems everywhere!
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