Things to do in Pretoria
Explore top experiences
Top 10 attractions in Pretoria
Union Buildings
Union Buildings are situated atop Meintjieskop in Pretoria, the highest point in the city, offering a panoramic view of the capital from the front of the buildings. Designed by British architect Herbert Baker and completed in 1913, this complex is constructed with light-colored sandstone, featuring reddish-brown roofs that contrast with the beige walls. The overall layout is semi-circular, with two wings extending to either side, connected by a curved colonnade. The architecture blends Italian Renaissance Neoclassical style with Cape Dutch details, and each wing is topped by a domed tower featuring a statue of Atlas holding up the globe. The interior is decorated in the Cape Dutch style, with teak doors and dark beams that contrast beautifully with the white walls.Pretoria · 1.2 km from downtown
Church Square
Church Square is a historic square in the old city of Pretoria. It served as a market and church site since the city's founding. Farmers once drove ox wagons here to sell their produce, and the square's name is derived from the church that once stood in the center. Today, a bronze statue of Paul Kruger stands in the center of the square. The statue depicts him in traditional attire, holding a walking stick, with four bronze statues of Boer citizen soldiers standing around the base. It was created by sculptor Anton van Wouw and officially placed in the center of the square in 1954. The square is surrounded by historic buildings constructed between the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Palace of Justice on the north side once hosted the Rivonia Trial, while the Old Council Chamber on the south side was the meeting place of the old republic. Other preserved buildings in the vicinity include the Old General Post Office, the Tudor Chambers, and the old Netherlands Bank building. Walking along the square, you can see historic facades and decorative details of various architectural styles. Today, the square remains a public space for citizens to rest and gather, with benches set under the shade of trees and cafes and small restaurants located nearby. The square is well-lit during the day, making it perfect for observing the facades, carvings, and columns of the surrounding historic buildings, or for appreciating the Kruger statue and surrounding architecture from different angles.Pretoria · 3.4 km from downtown
Jakaranda Cl
Jakaranda Cl is known for its rows of jacaranda trees. Native to South America, jacarandas were introduced to the area in the late 19th century and gradually planted along the city streets, making their purple-blue blossoms part of the urban scenery of Tshwane (Pretoria). Every spring in the Southern Hemisphere, the trees begin to bloom, with their canopies intertwining above the roads to form a continuous corridor of purple and blue. During the flowering season, clusters of blossoms cover the branches, while petals drift down and spread across the roads and sidewalks, adding soft colours to the streetscape. The streets around the embassy district also feature dense rows of jacaranda trees, offering lovely views when the flowers are in bloom. The flowering season usually lasts for several weeks in spring, and the changing scenes of blossoms and falling petals give this tree-lined avenue a distinctive seasonal character.Pretoria · 16.4 km from downtown
Pretoria National Botanical Garden African Hall
The Pretoria National Botanical Garden was established in 1946 and is located in the east of Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa. It is one of the nine national botanical gardens in South Africa. The botanical garden mainly cultivates subtropical and temperate plants. The botanical garden consists of cycad botanical garden, succulent botanical garden, aloe vera plantation, etc. The plants with strange shapes can be seen everywhere. Tourists can watch subtropical and temperate plants here, as well as local endemic flora of South Africa. In addition to a wide variety of plants, there are many birds and many reptiles and mammals living in harmony here.Pretoria · 5.6 km from downtown
Groenkloof Nature Reserve
Although the area is small, it is neatly organized like a park. Palms, yew and flowers are planted in the garden. Art exhibitions, flea markets and other activities are often held in the garden. There are also green witches and oranges. The red elves come to join in the fun, and there are famous shops around the square. People who are tired of shopping can't help but come to the square to rest their legs, so it is always crowded with people, full of romantic and pleasant atmosphere. Well worth a visit here.Pretoria · 6.8 km from downtown
Moreleta Kloof Nature Reserve
Tshwane · 12 km from Pretoria
Rietvlei Nature Reserve
Pretoria · 17.5 km from downtown
Faerie Glen Nature Reserve
Tshwane · 8.8 km from Pretoria
Wonderboom Nature Reserve
Tshwane · 5.7 km from Pretoria
Roodeplaat Dam Provincial Nature Reserve
Pretoria · 17.4 km from downtown
Experiences you can't miss in Pretoria
Featured Cultural experiences in Pretoria
View all Cultural experiences
5.0/5
· 2 reviewsFree cancellation
Book now for today
5% off
Limited-time sale
From€10.28€10.83
Free cancellation
Book now for today
20% off
Limited-time sale
From€5.19€6.49
From€163.91
From€178.83
5.0/5
· 2 reviewsFree cancellation
Book now for today
5% off
Limited-time sale
From€38.58€40.62
5% off
Limited-time sale
From€30.86€32.49
Free cancellation
Book now for today
20% off
Limited-time sale
From€5.19€6.49
Featured Day tours in Pretoria
View all Day tours
5.0/5
· 1 reviewFree cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
5% off
Limited-time sale
From€84.89€89.36
Book now for tomorrow
From€192.10
From€180.47
Free things to do in Pretoria
Union Buildings
Pretoria · 1.2 km from downtownChurch Square
Pretoria · 3.4 km from downtownJakaranda Cl
Pretoria · 16.4 km from downtownPretoria National Botanical Garden African Hall
Pretoria · 5.6 km from downtownGroenkloof Nature Reserve
Pretoria · 6.8 km from downtownMoreleta Kloof Nature Reserve
Tshwane · 12 km from PretoriaRietvlei Nature Reserve
Pretoria · 17.5 km from downtownFaerie Glen Nature Reserve
Tshwane · 8.8 km from PretoriaWonderboom Nature Reserve
Tshwane · 5.7 km from PretoriaRoodeplaat Dam Provincial Nature Reserve
Pretoria · 17.4 km from downtown
More ways to travel from Pretoria
Private Tours in Pretoria
View More Private Tours in Pretoria
Group Tours in Pretoria
View More Group Tours in Pretoria
What travelers say about Pretoria
M.M.R. MarufFebruary 20, 2025
4.0
"Visited the iconic Union Buildings in Tshwane, and I was absolutely captivated by its grandeur and history. As the seat of South Africa’s government, the architecture is a breathtaking blend of classical and Cape Dutch styles. The panoramic views from the hilltop are unmatched, and the beautifully landscaped gardens add to the peaceful atmosphere. A must-visit for anyone in Pretoria, it's a powerful reminder of South Africa’s journey towards democracy and unity.
Union Buildings
小鱼儿2015March 31, 2020
4.0
Oh, it is a large city in South Africa, not far from the capital. The whole city also benefits from the development of gold mine resources. It is a resource-rich city. The environment of the square is quite good, and many white people live here.
Church Square
海洋生物小百科December 6, 2020
5.0
I went to South Africa once in 2015 and made a special trip to see the blue flowers. It was in bloom at the time and was very beautiful. Tourists stopped to take pictures, and I was no exception. I took a lot of pictures. The flowering period is highly seasonal. I would like to come to South Africa once in my lifetime if I have the chance.
Jakaranda Cl
TodemmyMay 21, 2020
5.0
Tram number 18 takes you to the Pretoria Botanical Gardens and Zoo so both attractions are easily accessible. The Botanical Gardens are free and a pleasant walk. We just walked around the front and didn't see the greenhouse. The front lawn, gardens, flowers and fountains are very well maintained, neat and clean. Walking around the front gardens, it is easy to enjoy the views from all angles. The paths are flat and wheelchair accessible. Benches are placed along the path to give us a break and enjoy the views of the Botanical Gardens.
Pretoria National Botanical Garden African Hall
