ExploreTravel GuidesPlan a trip
    de|en
    All Places & RegionsAbout FernwehFAQPrivacy PolicyImprint
    ExploreTravel GuidesPlan a trip
    • Neighborhoods & highlights
    • Eat & drink
    • Culture
    • Getting around
    • Accommodation
    • Plan trip
    • Nearby
    Pretoria
    Davinci77 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
    City

    South Africa

    Pretoria

    Pretoria, part of the metropolitan municipality of Tshwane, is the seat of government of South Africa. The Union Buildings, the Voortrekker Monument, and Freedom Park tell two very different chapters of the country's history.

    1. Home
    3. Destinations
    5. South Africa
    7. Gauteng
    9. Pretoria
    Pretoria, part of the metropolitan municipality of Tshwane, is the seat of government of South Africa. The Union Buildings, the Voortrekker Monument, and Freedom Park tell two very different chapters of the country's history. In October, thousands of Jacaranda trees dye the streets purple.
    Pretoria is the seat of government, while Parliament sits in Cape Town and the Constitutional Court in Johannesburg. The city is quieter and greener than Johannesburg, with a compact center around Church Square. Its main attractions, the Union Buildings and the Voortrekker Monument, are located on hills on the city's outskirts and are accessible by car or Uber. From O. R. Tambo Airport and Johannesburg, you can reach it by Gautrain in about 40 minutes. In October, tens of thousands of jacaranda trees bloom in its streets, hence its nickname Jacaranda City.

    Sights in Pretoria

    Discover the most important sights and attractions

    Union Buildings
    Attraction

    1Union Buildings

    Herbert Baker's government seat, completed in 1913, is perched on a hill above the city. The buildings themselves are not accessible, but the terraced gardens in front are. Here stands a nine-meter-tall bronze statue of Nelson Mandela, who was sworn in as president here in 1994.
    Open in Google Maps
    Voortrekker Monument
    Attraction

    2Voortrekker Monument

    The 40-meter granite building of 1949 commemorates the Great Trek of the Boers from 1835. Inside, a marble frieze shows the history from the Afrikaner perspective, including the 1838 Battle of Blood River. On December 16th, at noon, a sunbeam falls through an opening in the dome onto a commemorative stone. Today, the monument is a controversial but insightful testament to Boer identity.
    Open in Google Maps

    Restaurants in Pretoria

    Two Monuments, Two Stories

    Boer Capital and Seat of GovernmentPretoria, founded in 1855, was named after Voortrekker leader Andries Pretorius and became capital of the Boer Republic of Transvaal in 1860. Since 1910, it has been South Africa's administrative seat. The metropolitan municipality has been named Tshwane since 2000; the city's name is still politically contested.Like few other cities, Pretoria showcases the country's contrasting cultures of remembrance: The Voortrekker Monument tells the story from the Afrikaners' perspective, while the Freedom Park on the opposite hill commemorates all who died in the struggle for freedom.

    Exploring Pretoria

    The Gautrain connects Pretoria to Johannesburg and the airport; Hatfield Station is in the university district with many restaurants. For city travel, Uber or Bolt are best. Explore the Church Square area on foot during the day; at night, drive.

    Accommodations in Pretoria

    Find perfect stay in Pretoria

    Booking.com* (Affiliate link)
    Search Hotels
    Agoda* (Affiliate link)
    Search Hotels
    Airbnb
    Vacation Rentals

    * Affiliate link: if you book through it, we earn a small commission. The price stays the same for you.

    Plan your trip to Pretoria

    Save places, build a route and plan your city trip, all in one place.

    1. 1
      1234

      Round trip

      12 days · 4 stops

      Saved

      Pick a route

      Pick a ready-made one or save places and plan your own.

      Open bookmarks
    2. 2

      Trip to Pretoria

      Live
      • 1Union Buildings3 days
      • 2Voortrekker Monument4 days
      Budget

      Plan your trip

      The planner sorts stops, days and budget. Plan together in real time.

      Start trip planning
    3. 3
      9:41 No signal
      Available offline

      Use it on the road

      Download the guide to your phone and use it on site, even offline.

    Nearby

    Gauteng

    Gauteng

    Gauteng, South Africa's smallest but most populous province, features Johannesburg and Pretoria, just 50 kilometres apart, forming the country's economic heart. For visitors, the focus is on the history of Apartheid and resistance, a vibrant art and culinary scene, plus the fossil sites of the Cradle of Humankind.
    Sandton

    Sandton

    Discover Sandton, the financial heart of Johannesburg, also known as 'Africa's Richest Square Mile,' home to luxury shopping malls, hotels, and Nelson Mandela Square.
    Rosebank

    Rosebank

    Visit Rosebank, an upscale district known for its shopping malls, boutiques, art galleries, and the popular Rosebank Sunday Market.
    Braamfontein

    Braamfontein

    Braamfontein in Johannesburg presents itself as a vibrant district, characterized by its dynamic cultural scene and urban rejuvenation. Here you'll find the renowned University of the Witwatersrand, which gives the neighborhood a distinct student energy. A central attraction is the Saturday Neighbourgoods Market, offering a diverse selection of local foods, crafts, and live music. Historically, Braamfontein has evolved from a former business district into a hub for art and design, reflected in numerous galleries and impressive street art. Visit the Joburg Theatre for performances or explore independent boutiques along Juta Street. A practical tip: The Neighbourgoods Market is most relaxed in the early morning. After dark, it's advisable to stick to the main streets or take a taxi.
    Maboneng Precinct

    Maboneng Precinct

    Immerse yourself in the Maboneng Precinct, a creative district that transformed from a rundown neighborhood into a hub for art, design, food, and entertainment.