Pretoria, South Africa-5-day-itinerary

Day 1: Monday

Places to Go

  • Union Buildings: The official seat of the South African government, a stunning example of colonial architecture. (Open daily from 8am-6pm)
  • Pretoria National Botanical Garden: A beautiful oasis with over 33 hectares of gardens and a variety of plant species. (Open daily from 8am-6pm)

Activities

  • Visit the Union Buildings and take in the stunning views of the city
  • Take a leisurely stroll through the Pretoria National Botanical Garden

Where to Eat

  • The Capital Restaurant: A popular spot for breakfast, lunch, or dinner with a focus on South African cuisine. (Address: 234-240 Stanhope Rd, Waterkloof Ridge)
  • Pretoria Boer War Memorial Museum Cafe: Enjoy some light meals and refreshments at this museum cafe.

Where to Stay

  • The Legacy Resort: A luxurious resort located in the heart of Pretoria, with comfortable rooms and excellent service. (Address: Cnr Lynnwood Rd & Park St, Parktown North)
  • City Lodge Hotel Pretoria: A modern hotel with clean rooms and a convenient location near the city center.

Things to Know

  • Weather: Expect warm temperatures during the day and cool evenings
  • Safety: Take normal precautions to ensure your safety in public areas
  • Language: English is widely spoken, but Afrikaans and other local languages may be used by some locals

Transportation

  • Taxi: Available at most major intersections and tourist hotspots
  • Uber: A popular ride-sharing service available in Pretoria

Day 2: Tuesday

Places to Go

  • Pretoria Art Museum: A premier art museum with a collection of over 4,000 artworks. (Open daily from 10am-5pm)
  • Melrose House: A National Monument and former home of President Paul Kruger, featuring beautiful gardens and a museum. (Open Tuesday to Sunday from 9am-5pm)

Activities

  • Visit the Pretoria Art Museum and enjoy the various art exhibitions
  • Take a tour of Melrose House and learn about its history

Where to Eat

  • The Village Restaurant: A cozy spot for breakfast or lunch, serving a variety of light meals. (Address: 11 Van Riebeeck St, Arcadia)
  • Café Chameleon: Enjoy some delicious coffee and snacks in this trendy café.

Where to Stay

  • Schotschouk Hotel: A charming boutique hotel located near the city center, with comfortable rooms and a warm atmosphere. (Address: 1 De La Rey St, Arcadia)
  • Courtyard by Marriott Pretoria

Things to Know

  • Weather: Expect similar temperatures to Day 1
  • Safety: Be mindful of pickpocketing in crowded areas
  • Language: English is widely spoken, but Afrikaans may be used by some locals

Transportation

  • Same as Day 1.

Day 3: Wednesday

Places to Go

  • Pretoria Planetarium: A unique attraction where you can learn about the stars and planets. (Open daily from 9am-5pm)
  • South African National Museum of Military History: A museum showcasing South Africa’s military history, with a collection of tanks, aircraft, and other military vehicles. (Open Tuesday to Sunday from 9am-5pm)

Activities

  • Visit the Pretoria Planetarium for an educational and fun experience
  • Explore the South African National Museum of Military History and learn about its significance

Where to Eat

  • The Bungalow: A popular spot for breakfast, lunch, or dinner with a focus on healthy cuisine. (Address: 123 Main Rd, Brooklyn)
  • Café Europa: Enjoy some delicious coffee and snacks in this trendy café.

Where to Stay

  • The President Hotel: A luxurious hotel located near the city center, with comfortable rooms and excellent service. (Address: Cnr Lynnwood Rd & Park St, Parktown North)
  • Protea Hotel Pretoria

Things to Know

  • Weather: Expect warm temperatures during the day and cool evenings
  • Safety: Be mindful of traffic when crossing roads
  • Language: English is widely spoken, but Afrikaans may be used by some locals

Transportation

  • Same as Day 1.

Day 4: Thursday

Places to Go

  • Pretoria Zoo: One of Africa’s largest zoos, with over 9,000 animals from around the world. (Open daily from 8am-5pm)
  • The Jacaranda Trees: A beautiful spot where you can admire these stunning trees and take some great photos.

Activities

  • Visit the Pretoria Zoo for an enjoyable experience
  • Take a stroll along the Jacaranda-lined streets of Pretoria’s city center

Where to Eat

  • The Square Restaurant: A popular spot for breakfast, lunch, or dinner with a focus on South African cuisine. (Address: 23 Church St, Arcadia)
  • Café La Bohème: Enjoy some delicious coffee and snacks in this trendy café.

Where to Stay

  • The Michelangelo Hotel: A luxurious hotel located near the city center, with comfortable rooms and excellent service. (Address: Cnr Lynnwood Rd & Park St, Parktown North)
  • City View Hotel Pretoria

Things to Know

  • Weather: Expect warm temperatures during the day and cool evenings
  • Safety: Be mindful of pickpocketing in crowded areas
  • Language: English is widely spoken, but Afrikaans may be used by some locals

Transportation

  • Same as Day 1.

Day 5: Friday

Places to Go

  • Pretoria Art Gallery: A premier art gallery featuring a collection of South African and international artworks. (Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am-5pm)
  • The Pretoria City Hall: A beautiful example of colonial architecture, where you can admire the stunning views of the city.

Activities

  • Visit the Pretoria Art Gallery for an educational experience
  • Take a tour of The Pretoria City Hall and learn about its history

Where to Eat

  • The Bistro Restaurant: A cozy spot for breakfast or lunch, serving a variety of light meals. (Address: 11 Van Riebeeck St, Arcadia)
  • Café Chameleon: Enjoy some delicious coffee and snacks in this trendy café.

Where to Stay

  • Schotschouk Hotel: A charming boutique hotel located near the city center, with comfortable rooms and a warm atmosphere. (Address: 1 De La Rey St, Arcadia)
  • Courtyard by Marriott Pretoria

Things to Know

  • Weather: Expect similar temperatures to Day 4
  • Safety: Be mindful of traffic when crossing roads
  • Language: English is widely spoken, but Afrikaans may be used by some locals

Transportation

  • Same as Day 1.

Tips and Other Information

  • Weather: Pretoria has a temperate climate with warm temperatures during the day and cool evenings. Be sure to pack accordingly.
  • Safety: Take normal precautions to ensure your safety in public areas, such as keeping an eye on your belongings and being mindful of traffic when crossing roads.
  • Language: English is widely spoken in Pretoria, but Afrikaans may be used by some locals. Don’t hesitate to ask for help if you need it.
  • Currency: The South African rand (ZAR) is the local currency. You can exchange your money at banks or currency exchange offices.
  • Power and Internet: Standard three-pin plugs are used in South Africa, and internet access is widely available in most areas.

Getting There

Pretoria is easily accessible by air, road, and rail. The city has two major airports:

  1. OR Tambo International Airport (JNB): Located about 60 kilometers from Pretoria’s city center, OR Tambo International Airport is the primary airport serving Pretoria.
  2. Wonderboom National Airport (PRY): A smaller airport located near Pretoria’s city center, Wonderboom National Airport offers domestic flights and some international connections.

You can also reach Pretoria by car or bus from other major cities in South Africa. The city has a well-developed public transportation system, including taxis, buses, and trains.

Additional Tips

  • Book your accommodations: Book your hotel or accommodation well in advance to avoid any last-minute issues.
  • Research and plan ahead: Plan out your itinerary and research the best places to visit, eat, and stay.
  • Be respectful: Be mindful of local customs and traditions, and respect the people you meet during your travels.

By following these tips and being aware of the information provided above, you’ll be well-prepared for an enjoyable and memorable trip to Pretoria. Happy traveling!