Pretoria, South Africa-4-day-itinerary

Day 1: Saturday

  • Morning: Start your day with breakfast at The Old Town Tram Cafe, a charming cafe located in the heart of Pretoria’s historic district.
  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Union Buildings, a stunning example of South African architecture and home to the president of South Africa. Take a guided tour of the building and its beautiful gardens.
  • 11:30 AM: Head to the Pretoria National Botanical Garden, one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in South Africa. Take a leisurely walk through the gardens and enjoy the stunning views.
  • Lunch: Grab lunch at The Brazen Head, a cozy pub serving delicious burgers, sandwiches, and salads.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Pretoria Art Museum, which showcases a diverse collection of South African art. Take some time to explore the museum’s exhibitions and learn about the country’s rich cultural heritage.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at The Blue Mountain Restaurant, a restaurant serving modern South African cuisine with stunning views of the city.

Accommodation:

Day 2: Sunday

  • Morning: Start your day with breakfast at The Market Cafe, a cozy cafe serving delicious pastries, sandwiches, and salads.
  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Pretoria Museum, which showcases the city’s rich history and cultural heritage. Take a guided tour of the museum and learn about the city’s founding and development.
  • 11:30 AM: Head to the South African State Theatre, one of the largest theater complexes in South Africa. Take a guided tour of the theater and its beautiful gardens.
  • Lunch: Grab lunch at The Greenhouse, a restaurant serving delicious modern South African cuisine.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Pretoria City Hall, one of the most beautiful city halls in South Africa. Take some time to admire its stunning architecture and learn about the history of the building.

Day 3: Monday

  • Morning: Start your day with breakfast at The Old Town Tram Cafe, a charming cafe located in the heart of Pretoria’s historic district.
  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Pretoria National Zoological Gardens, one of the largest zoos in South Africa. Take some time to explore the zoo and see the many animals on display.
  • 11:30 AM: Head to the African Heritage Centre, which showcases a collection of traditional African crafts, music, and dance.
  • Lunch: Grab lunch at The Brazen Head, a cozy pub serving delicious burgers, sandwiches, and salads.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Pretoria Railway Museum, which showcases a collection of historic locomotives and train cars. Take some time to explore the museum’s exhibitions and learn about the history of rail travel in South Africa.

Day 4: Tuesday

  • Morning: Start your day with breakfast at The Market Cafe, a cozy cafe serving delicious pastries, sandwiches, and salads.
  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Pretoria Museum, which showcases the city’s rich history and cultural heritage. Take a guided tour of the museum and learn about the city’s founding and development.
  • 11:30 AM: Head to the Pretoria Botanical Garden, one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in South Africa. Take some time to explore the garden and enjoy the stunning views.
  • Lunch: Grab lunch at The Greenhouse, a restaurant serving delicious modern South African cuisine.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Pretoria Art Museum, which showcases a diverse collection of South African art. Take some time to explore the museum’s exhibitions and learn about the country’s rich cultural heritage.

Transportation:

  • The best way to get around Pretoria is by car, but there are also several taxi companies that operate in the city.
  • You can also use public transportation, such as buses and trains, to get around the city.

Tips:

  • Be sure to try some of the delicious South African cuisine while you’re in Pretoria. Some popular dishes include bobotie, boerewors, and malva pudding.
  • Take some time to explore the city’s many markets, such as the Old Town Tram Cafe Market, which sells a variety of souvenirs and local goods.
  • Be sure to visit the Union Buildings, one of the most beautiful buildings in South Africa.

Other things to know:

  • The best time to visit Pretoria is during the spring (September to November) or autumn (March to May), when the weather is mild and pleasant.
  • The city has a rich cultural heritage, with many museums, art galleries, and historical sites to explore.
  • Be sure to try some of the local street food, such as braai (barbecued meat) or vetkoek (deep-fried dough balls).

Safety:

  • As with any major city, there are areas in Pretoria that are considered safer than others. It’s best to stick to well-lit and populated areas.
  • Take some time to learn about the local culture and customs, which can help you avoid any misunderstandings or cultural faux pas.

I hope this itinerary helps you plan your trip to Pretoria!