Top 21 Best Things to Do in Pretoria 2026

If you are searching for the Best Things to Do in Pretoria, you are about to explore one of South Africa’s most elegant and historically rich cities. Known as the Jacaranda City because of its purple blooms in spring, Pretoria blends grand government buildings, cultural landmarks, peaceful gardens, and vibrant neighbourhoods into one compelling destination.

The Best Things to Do in Pretoria range from monumental architecture and museums to wildlife reserves and lively markets. As the administrative capital of South Africa, the city carries political significance, yet it also offers green spaces, scenic viewpoints, and relaxed dining experiences.

This complete guide to the Top 21 Best Things to Do in Pretoria provides detailed insights, practical tips, and structured highlights to help you plan a rewarding visit.

Why Visit Pretoria?

The Best Things to Do in Pretoria reflect a city that balances heritage and greenery. Wide streets, diplomatic buildings, and shaded parks give Pretoria a calm and refined character.

Reasons to visit include:

Iconic monuments
Beautiful jacaranda-lined avenues
Proximity to wildlife reserves
Rich political history
Relaxed city atmosphere

The Best Things to Do in Pretoria combine learning, leisure, and scenic exploration.

1. Visit Union Buildings

The Union Buildings rank among the most recognisable Best Things to Do in Pretoria. As the official seat of the South African government, this architectural landmark reflects both political history and national pride. Designed by Sir Herbert Baker, the structure sits on Meintjieskop hill, offering sweeping views across the city.

Visitors can enjoy:

Panoramic views over Pretoria
Strolling through beautifully landscaped terraced gardens
Viewing the towering statue of Nelson Mandela
Photographing the curved sandstone architecture
Relaxing on wide lawns beneath jacaranda trees

The elevated position makes the Union Buildings especially appealing during late afternoon, when warm light enhances the city skyline. Including this landmark in your itinerary ensures that the Best Things to Do in Pretoria begin with a powerful and inspiring setting.

2. Explore Voortrekker Monument

The Voortrekker Monument is one of the most historically significant Best Things to Do in Pretoria. Built to commemorate the Voortrekkers who migrated inland during the 19th century, this massive granite structure stands prominently on a hill south of the city centre.

Highlights of a visit include:

Museum exhibits detailing early pioneer history
Intricate marble friezes inside the monument
Elevated viewpoints offering city and reserve views
Historical artefacts and informative displays
Access to the surrounding nature reserve trails

Climbing to the top of the monument rewards visitors with panoramic scenery that stretches across Pretoria’s landscape. The combination of architecture, history, and natural surroundings makes the Voortrekker Monument an essential stop among the Best Things to Do in Pretoria.

3. Walk Through National Botanical Garden

Walking through the National Botanical Garden is one of the most refreshing Best Things to Do in Pretoria. This beautifully maintained garden stretches across a mix of landscaped lawns and natural bushveld, offering both structured flower displays and untouched indigenous vegetation. It is a peaceful retreat from the city’s administrative buzz.

Visitors can enjoy:

Expansive green lawns ideal for picnics
Indigenous plant collections
A scenic waterfall dividing the garden
Birdwatching opportunities
Paved walking paths suitable for all ages

The garden is particularly vibrant during spring and summer when flowers are in bloom. Including this stop in your itinerary adds calm, colour, and natural beauty to the Best Things to Do in Pretoria.

4. Visit Freedom Park

Freedom Park stands as one of the most meaningful Best Things to Do in Pretoria. Located on Salvokop Hill, this heritage site honours South Africa’s journey toward democracy and recognises those who contributed to freedom and reconciliation.

Highlights include:

The Wall of Names memorial
Panoramic views over the city
Symbolic architecture and sculptures
Educational exhibits about South African history
Guided tours offering deeper context

Freedom Park combines reflection with remarkable scenery. Its elevated position offers sweeping city views, making it both emotionally powerful and visually impressive among the Best Things to Do in Pretoria.

5. Explore Ditsong National Museum of Natural History

Exploring the Ditsong National Museum of Natural History adds educational depth to the Best Things to Do in Pretoria. Often referred to as the Transvaal Museum, this institution houses extensive collections of fossils, minerals, and wildlife displays.

Inside the museum, visitors can see:

Dinosaur skeletons and prehistoric fossils
Indigenous wildlife exhibits
Geological displays
Interactive educational sections
Informative scientific presentations

The museum appeals to families, students, and anyone curious about South Africa’s natural heritage. Including this stop balances outdoor exploration with scientific insight among the Best Things to Do in Pretoria.

6. Relax at Burgers Park

Relaxing at Burgers Park is one of the most peaceful Best Things to Do in Pretoria, especially if you want a quiet break in the city centre. This historic Victorian-style park dates back to the 19th century and features mature trees, fountains, and carefully maintained flowerbeds. It feels like a calm oasis surrounded by government buildings and urban streets.

Visitors can enjoy:

Shaded benches beneath tall trees
Ornamental fountains and statues
Gentle walking paths
A peaceful picnic setting
Historic park design elements

Burgers Park offers a slower pace and a chance to unwind. Including it in your itinerary adds balance to the Best Things to Do in Pretoria, especially after exploring major landmarks.

7. Visit Rietvlei Nature Reserve

Rietvlei Nature Reserve is one of the most rewarding wildlife experiences among the Best Things to Do in Pretoria. Located just outside the city centre, this large reserve offers the chance to see animals roaming freely without travelling far.

Visitors can experience:

Self-drive wildlife viewing
Sightings of rhino, buffalo, and antelope
Birdwatching around the dam
Scenic picnic areas
Nature trails for light walking

The reserve combines open grassland with water views, creating ideal conditions for photography. Including Rietvlei in your plans adds safari-style adventure to the Best Things to Do in Pretoria while staying close to urban comforts.

8. Explore Hazel Food Market

Exploring Hazel Food Market introduces flavour and community spirit to the Best Things to Do in Pretoria. This popular weekend market brings together local vendors offering fresh produce, artisanal goods, and ready-to-eat dishes in a lively outdoor setting.

At the market, visitors can enjoy:

Gourmet street food
Freshly baked bread and pastries
Local cheeses and preserves
Coffee and craft beverages
Casual seating areas for socialising

Hazel Food Market reflects Pretoria’s growing food culture. Adding it to your itinerary gives you a chance to taste local creativity while enjoying a relaxed atmosphere among the Best Things to Do in Pretoria.

9. Visit Melrose House

Melrose House is one of the most elegant Best Things to Do in Pretoria. This beautifully preserved Victorian mansion played an important role in South African history, as it was the site where the Treaty of Vereeniging was signed in 1902, ending the Anglo-Boer War. Today, it operates as a museum showcasing period décor and historical artefacts.

Visitors can enjoy:

Ornate stained glass windows
Antique furniture and original interiors
Historic photographs and documents
Guided tours explaining its significance
Peaceful garden surroundings

The mansion’s architecture and detailed interiors offer a glimpse into late 19th-century life. Including Melrose House in your itinerary adds charm and historical richness to the Best Things to Do in Pretoria.

10. Visit Pretoria Zoo

The National Zoological Garden, commonly known as Pretoria Zoo, is one of the most family-friendly Best Things to Do in Pretoria. As one of the largest zoos in Africa, it houses a wide variety of animal species in spacious enclosures.

Visitors can explore:

African wildlife exhibits
Reptile and aquarium sections
Bird aviaries
Cable car rides offering elevated views
Picnic areas and shaded lawns

The zoo’s layout allows for a full day of exploration. Including it in your plans ensures that the Best Things to Do in Pretoria appeal to travellers of all ages.

11. Walk Church Square

Walking through Church Square places you at the historical heart of the Best Things to Do in Pretoria. Surrounded by grand government buildings and historic architecture, the square reflects the city’s political heritage.

Highlights around Church Square include:

The Palace of Justice
Historic government offices
Architectural details from the late 19th century
Central statue of Paul Kruger
Photogenic colonial-era façades

The square offers insight into Pretoria’s administrative importance. Including this central landmark adds depth and context to the Best Things to Do in Pretoria while allowing you to appreciate the city’s architectural character.

12. Explore Groenkloof Nature Reserve

Exploring Groenkloof Nature Reserve is one of the most active Best Things to Do in Pretoria. As one of the first game reserves in Africa, this protected area offers a combination of hiking trails, cycling routes, and wildlife viewing just minutes from the city centre. The reserve’s rolling hills provide elevated viewpoints with sweeping city scenery.

Visitors can enjoy:

Well-marked hiking paths
Mountain biking trails
Wildlife sightings including zebra and antelope
Picnic areas surrounded by nature
Scenic lookout points

The reserve’s accessibility makes it ideal for half-day excursions. Including Groenkloof in your itinerary adds outdoor adventure and fresh air to the Best Things to Do in Pretoria.

13. Visit Kruger House

Kruger House Museum is one of the most historically significant Best Things to Do in Pretoria. This preserved residence was once home to Paul Kruger, former President of the South African Republic. The house now functions as a museum that provides insight into political life during the late 19th century.

Visitors can explore:

Original furnishings and artefacts
Period photographs and documents
Exhibits detailing political history
Architectural features of the era
Informative guided tours

Walking through the house offers a close look at Pretoria’s political heritage. Including Kruger House deepens the historical perspective behind the Best Things to Do in Pretoria.

14. Take a Scenic Drive Through Jacaranda Streets

Taking a scenic drive during jacaranda season is one of the most visually striking Best Things to Do in Pretoria. Each spring, thousands of jacaranda trees bloom, covering the city in vibrant purple blossoms. Streets such as those in Arcadia and Brooklyn become lined with colour.

Highlights of a jacaranda drive include:

Tree-lined avenues with purple canopies
Ideal photography opportunities
Relaxed afternoon drives
Neighbourhood cafés along the route
Unique seasonal atmosphere

This seasonal spectacle transforms Pretoria into a city of colour. Experiencing the jacarandas in bloom is a defining moment among the Best Things to Do in Pretoria.

15. Enjoy Local Dining

Exploring the food scene is one of the most satisfying Best Things to Do in Pretoria. The city offers a diverse mix of traditional South African dishes and international cuisine, reflecting its multicultural population. From stylish restaurants in Brooklyn to relaxed cafés in Hatfield, there is something for every taste.

Dining highlights include:

Traditional braai and local meat dishes
African-inspired cuisine
Contemporary fine dining restaurants
Casual street food and markets
Rooftop venues with city views

Many restaurants focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Including local dining in your plans enhances the Best Things to Do in Pretoria by adding flavour and social energy to your experience.

16. Visit Sammy Marks Museum

Sammy Marks Museum is one of the more charming historical Best Things to Do in Pretoria. This Victorian mansion belonged to industrialist Sammy Marks and offers a glimpse into upper-class life during the late 19th century.

Visitors can enjoy:

Period furnishings and décor
Guided tours explaining the home’s history
Well-maintained gardens
Antique collections
Architectural details from the era

The museum’s peaceful setting makes it an enjoyable and educational stop. Including Sammy Marks Museum in your itinerary adds depth to the historical side of the Best Things to Do in Pretoria.

17. Explore Wonderboom Nature Reserve

Exploring Wonderboom Nature Reserve is one of the most unique Best Things to Do in Pretoria. The reserve is famous for the ancient Wonderboom fig tree, estimated to be more than a thousand years old. The tree has formed a natural canopy by rooting its branches into the ground.

Visitors can experience:

Hiking trails with elevated viewpoints
The historic Wonderboom fig tree
Wildlife sightings
Spring wildflowers
Scenic city views from hilltops

The blend of history and natural beauty makes this reserve a memorable highlight. Including Wonderboom Nature Reserve strengthens the outdoor appeal of the Best Things to Do in Pretoria.

18. Take a Day Trip to Cullinan

Taking a short drive to Cullinan is one of the most rewarding Best Things to Do in Pretoria if you enjoy history and small-town charm. Located about 40 kilometres east of the city, Cullinan is famous for the discovery of the world’s largest rough diamond in 1905.

Visitors can enjoy:

Guided tours of the Cullinan Diamond Mine
Historic sandstone buildings
Local cafés and craft shops
Museums showcasing diamond heritage
Relaxed village atmosphere

The town’s preserved architecture and mining history provide an interesting contrast to Pretoria’s government landmarks. Including Cullinan in your itinerary adds depth and variety to the Best Things to Do in Pretoria.

19. Visit Mabalingwe Nature Reserve Nearby

Mabalingwe Nature Reserve offers an extended wildlife experience and stands out among the Best Things to Do in Pretoria for those seeking safari-style adventure. Located a few hours from the city, this reserve provides expansive landscapes and diverse wildlife.

Visitors can enjoy:

Guided game drives
Self-drive wildlife viewing
Bush walks with experienced guides
Birdwatching opportunities
Scenic bushveld landscapes

The reserve offers a more immersive safari experience compared to city-based parks. Adding Mabalingwe to your plans expands the wildlife dimension of the Best Things to Do in Pretoria.

20. Explore Pretoria Art Galleries

Exploring art galleries is one of the more creative Best Things to Do in Pretoria. The city supports a vibrant art scene, with galleries showcasing both contemporary and traditional South African works.

Gallery experiences may include:

Exhibitions by regional artists
Modern and abstract art collections
Cultural and heritage-themed displays
Photography and sculpture exhibits
Rotating seasonal exhibitions

Spending time in local galleries adds artistic balance to your itinerary. Including them enhances the cultural depth of the Best Things to Do in Pretoria.

21. Relax and Embrace the Jacaranda City Atmosphere

Among all the Best Things to Do in Pretoria, one of the most rewarding experiences is simply enjoying the city’s calm rhythm. Wide streets, shaded sidewalks, and leafy neighbourhoods create an atmosphere that feels relaxed yet refined.

Ways to embrace the atmosphere include:

Walking beneath jacaranda trees in spring
Sitting at an outdoor café in Brooklyn
Watching the sunset from a scenic viewpoint
Strolling through quiet residential streets
Taking time to appreciate the architecture

The Best Things to Do in Pretoria are not only about landmarks and museums. They are also about atmosphere. Slowing down and appreciating the city’s greenery and elegance often becomes the most memorable part of your visit.

Quick Planning Table

Activity	Best Season	Family Friendly	Cost Level	Time Needed
Union Buildings	Spring	Yes	Free	1 to 2 hours
Voortrekker Monument	All year	Yes	Moderate	2 hours
Botanical Garden	Spring	Yes	Moderate	Half day
Rietvlei Nature Reserve	All year	Yes	Moderate	Half day
Groenkloof Reserve	All year	Yes	Moderate	2 hours

Suggested One Day Itinerary

Morning

Visit Union Buildings
Explore Freedom Park

Afternoon

Lunch at Hazel Food Market
Walk through Botanical Garden

Evening

Scenic drive through jacaranda streets
Dinner at local restaurant

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Final Thoughts:

The Best Things to Do in Pretoria reveal a city filled with heritage, greenery, and quiet elegance. From monumental architecture like the Union Buildings to peaceful reserves such as Rietvlei and Groenkloof, Pretoria offers variety without overwhelming visitors.

Its political history adds depth, while botanical gardens and nature reserves provide balance. Whether you are exploring museums, enjoying local cuisine, or walking beneath jacaranda trees in bloom, the Best Things to Do in Pretoria create a travel experience that feels thoughtful, scenic, and uniquely South African.