Hostelworld Guide for Pretoria The Essentials
Getting There Pretoria's climate can be described as humid
By air: The closest international airport to Pretoria
is Johannesburg's OR Tambo International Airport.
Depending on the traffic, it's about a 25 minute
drive from the airport to Pretoria. Airport shuttles
can be pre-booked with lots of hostels; alternatively
some are available from the airport. Taxis can also
be picked up from the airport.
By train: The main train station is located on the
corner of Railway and Andries Streets. As well as
being visited by the country's famous Blue Train,
Pretoria Train Station offers commuter services to
Johannesburg.
By bus: Baz Bus, Intercape and Greyhound are
just a few of the major bus companies offering
services which connect Pretoria with other cities
throughout South Africa. If travelling with Baz Bus,
you'll have the added security of being dropped
directly at your accommodation.
Getting Around
Surrounded by hills, the Jacaranda-lined streets of Pretoria can be found in a sheltered valley some 50
kilometres north of Johannesburg. While visiting Pretoria you'll find plenty of things to occupy your time,
On foot: Walking around is quite safe in
whether you're more interested in the city's history or seeing some of South Africa's natural beauty. From
neighbourhoods like Hatfield, Brooklyn and Menlyn,
architectural marvels like the Union Buildings to humbling spaces like Freedom Park, there's plenty to see
as well as in and around Church Square and many
and do. Other attractions include the Voortrekker Monument, the Transvaal Museum, the Pretoria National
other parts of the city. As with any major city, don't
Botanical Garden and Burgers Park. What's more, the fun doesn't end once you've seen the sights, thanks
flash your cash and here it's also best not to walk
to an array of restaurants, bars and plenty more which will keep you occupied into the wee hours of the
around after dark.
morning. Thanks to this impressive nightlife and the city's numerous attractions, Pretoria is an essential
stop for visitors to South Africa's northern Gauteng Province.
By taxi: Private taxis are a cheap and efficient way
of getting to the various parts of the city that can't
be reached on foot.
In this Guide... By car: Renting a car if you can is a another good
way of getting around Pretoria, especially to
attractions such as Freedom Park and the Ann van
Useful Information Dyk Cheetah Centre, both of which are just outside
After Dark the city itself.
Places to Eat
Top Attractions
Budget Tips
Where to Shop Pretoria facts
Name: Pretoria is sometimes known as
Tshwane. It is also called the 'Jacaranda City'
thanks to the some 55,000 non-native
Jacaranda trees planted throughout the city.
Population: Just under 2.5 million people live in
Pretoria and its surrounding areas.
Founded: The city was founded in 1855 by
Marthinus Pretorius.
Area: Pretoria covers an approximate area of
1,644 km2.
Hostelworld Guide for Pretoria
Climate
subtropical. What this means is that the city sees
long, hot and wet summers, while winters are cool
and dry. Temperatures are highest from December
to February reaching an average of around 22ºC.
Thundery rainstorms can be frequent during these
hot summer months so pack your umbrella if you're
visiting at this time of year. June and July are
Pretoria's coldest months with temperatures of
around 11ºC. August and September see around 10
hours of daylight, with the rest of the months seeing
a pretty constant 9 hours of daylight.
Good to know...
Languages: Tswana, English, Afrikaans and
Tsonga.
Currency: Rand.
Electricity: 220V/230V, 50 Hz.
Area code: +27 (South Africa), 012 (Pretoria).
Emergency codes: Ambulance/Fire 10177,
Police 10111.
Time zone: South African Standard Time (GMT
+2).
Central Post Office: Corner of Church Street
and Church Square.
Main Tourist Office: Tshwane Tourism
Information Centre, Old Nederlandsche Bank
Building, Church Square.
Price of a meal: R60.
Price of a beer: R15.
Price of a coffee: R20.
Embassies
USA: +27 (0)12 4314000
Canada: +27 (0)12 4223000*
Australia: +27 (0)12 4236000*
New Zealand: +27 (0)12 4607650
UK: +27 (0)12 4217500*
Germany: +27 (0)12 4278900
Spain: +27 (0)12 3443875
France: +27 (0)12 4251600
Italy: +27 (0)12 4230000
Ireland: +27 (0)12 3425062
*Number is for High Commission
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Cheap Eats
Harrie's Pancakes, Eastwood Village, Cnr
Eastwood & Pretorius, Arcadia For a tasty and
reasonably priced lunch, check out Harrie's
Pancakes. You'll be treated to a mind boggling array
of savoury pancakes with fillings like mince, chicken
livers, butternut squash and plenty more. Sweet
varieties are also available. Open daily 8am-9pm.
News Café, Cnr Burnett & Hilda, Hatfield Along
with their all-day breakfast, News Café offers up a
mouth-watering selection of burgers, salads and
sandwiches. Their milkshakes and smoothies are
the perfect way to cool down on a hot afternoon in
Pretoria. Open Mon-Thurs 7am-1.30am, Fri
7am-2.30am, Sat-Sun 8am-1.30am.
Finger-licking fusion food
Baobab, Menlyn Park Mall, Menlyn African
fusion food is what you'll find on the menu here
at trendy eatery Baobab. Try the vetkoek
(pictured), a traditional Afrikaner pastry, served
up with a variety of fillings. For a cool view of
Menlyn and the surrounding areas, try and nab
one of the balcony tables. Open Sun-Thurs
9am-10pm, Fri-Sat 9am-11pm.
Trademarx, Cnr Kirkness & Lynwood, Arcadia
Right on the doorstep of the Loftus Versfeld
Stadium, Trademarx offers a very varied menu
including ribs, salads, sandwiches, pizzas and
burgers. Prices are affordable and portions are
impressive. Open Mon & Wed 7am-10pm, Tues &
Fri 7am-2am, Thurs 7am-11pm, Sat 8am-2am, Sun
8am-5pm.
Co.fi, 1066 Burnett Street, Hatfield Co.fi is a chic
restaurant and bar, popular with a hip crowd who
come here for the delicious food and funky music.
Everything from steaks to gourmet sandwiches is
available, plus finger foods and platters if you're in
the mood to nibble. Open Sun-Wed 7am-12am,
Thurs-Sat 7am-2am.
Hostelworld Guide for Pretoria
After Dark
Hatfield Square, Hatfield Incredibly popular with
Pretoria's numerous students and travellers, Hatfield
Square boasts everything you'll need for a good
night out. In and around the plaza you'll come across
any number of bars and clubs including DropZone,
Cheeky Monkey, Herr Gunters and Oppi Square.
The only question you'll need to ask yourself is
'where should I go first?'
A trip to the theatre
South African State Theatre, 320 Pretorius
Street, Pretoria Central If you're looking for
something a bit different from your evening's
entertainment, check out the South African State
Theatre. Here you'll be able to watch a play,
enjoy a comedy show, listen to African music
and plenty more. Opening times vary with
performances, check website for details.
Zanzú, 1081 Burnett Street, Hatfield One of
Pretoria's most happening clubs, Zanzú is packed
with people partying to the sound of R&B, house and
hip-hop music. With its three dance areas and
regular specials like Ladies' Night and beer buckets,
it's no wonder this spot is often swarming with
revellers. Open Wed-Sat 8am-4am, closed
Sun-Tues; admission R40, free before 10pm.
Eastwoods Tavern, 391 Eastwood Street, Arcadia
A bar with a fondness for Marilyn Munroe and sports
memorabilia, Eastwoods is a pretty big spot. Perfect
for relaxing over a few drinks, this bar offers up
plenty of drinks specials served to the sound of pop
and rock tracks. Open daily 8am-2am.
Tings an' Times, 1065 Arcadia Street, Hatfield
Energetic and full of eager drinkers and music fans,
Tings an' Times is a great bar with a reggae vibe.
Live music, not just of the reggae persuasion, can
regularly be enjoyed here with lots of bands
providing entertainment well into the night. Open
Mon-Sat 12pm-1.30am/2am, closed Sun.
Don't Miss
Transvaal Museum, Paul Kruger Street, Pretoria
Central Across the road from Pretoria's imposing
City Hall, this natural history museum was founded
in 1892. It houses a huge collection of exhibits with
an emphasis on African wildlife, plus a sparkling
selection of gemstones, crystals and more. Open
daily 8am-4pm, admission R20.
Freedom Park, Salvokop Hoping to educate
visitors about South Africa's history and looking
towards the country's united future, Freedom Park is
one of Pretoria's most important attractions.
Although not entirely finished yet, the park includes
memorials like the Eternal Flame and the touching
Wall of Names. Guided tours available daily at 9am,
12pm & 3pm, admission R20.
Voortrekker Monument, Eeufees Road,
Groenkloof Chances are you'll have seen this giant
monument on your drive into the city. Honouring the
Voortrekker pioneers, it features lots of impressive
friezes. Open daily May-Aug 8am-5pm, Sept-Apr
8am-6pm; admission R13 (entrance to site) R32
(entrance to monument & museum).
What's new pussycat?
Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre, off Pretoria
North Road, Hartbeespoort Since 1968 the
Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre has been involved
in breeding the endangered cheetah. To see
these cats and other animals for yourself, take a
three hour tour of the centre. Guided tours
available daily at 8.30am and 1.30pm; admission
R165, booking required.
Pretoria National Botanical Garden, 2 Cussonia
Avenue, Brummeria Covering an area of around 76
hectares, the Pretoria National Botanical Garden is a
striking oasis outside the city centre. Divided into two
main sections, these gardens feature South African
plants and a variety of native trees. Open daily
8am-6pm (no entry after 5pm), admission R18.
Mark Your Calendar
January-February - Unisa International String
Competition During this important music festival,
string musicians from all over the world compete
here for the grand prize. All rounds of the
competition can be attended by members of the
public.
February - Deloitte Pretoria Marathon Organised
by the Phobians Running and Walking Club, this
event includes both a marathon and half marathon.
The route takes participants past some of the city's
main landmarks including Union Buildings.
March - Human Rights Day Celebrated annually
on March 21st, Human Rights Day is an important
date on Pretoria's calendar. The day is marked with
a number of different events throughout the city.
April-May - Jacaranda National Arts Festival
This multi-cultural arts festival features in excess of
50 theatre productions. A braai (barbecue) area,
dance floor and rugby tournament are other
important elements of the event.
May - Antique and Crafts Fair Held at Melrose
House near Burgers Park, this annual Antique and
Crafts Fair sees lots of stalls selling a wide variety
of antiques and collectables, plus handmade arts
and crafts.
July-August - Tshwane Comedy Festival The
South Africa State Theatre is the home of the
annual Tshwane Comedy Festival. This event sees
plenty of well-known South African comedians
taking part.
August - Cars in the Park South Africa's top car
show is held at the Zwartkops Race Track in
Pretoria. Large numbers of classic cars, vintage
motorbikes and more are displayed here.
August-September - Pretoria Show Held at the
Tshwane Events Centre, this event is the biggest
agricultural show in the region. It features horse,
cattle and poultry shows, along with live music and
plenty of performances.
October - Jacaranda Festival When spring arrives
in the southern hemisphere, Pretoria's numerous
Jacaranda trees sprout purple flowers. This is
celebrated with markets, food stalls and more.
December - Singing Christmas Tree This popular
event sees a number of performances including
carol singing taking place beneath a large
Christmas tree.
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Neighbourhood Watch
Menlyn One of the city's most popular suburbs and
just a short drive from the city centre, Menlyn is a
special favourite with shopaholics who flock here to
visit the impressive Menlyn Park shopping centre.
There are plenty of great bars and restaurants too so
even if you're not in the mood to shop it's definitely
worth the trip.
Hatfield Home to some of the city's most vibrant
nightlife, Hatfield really comes alive in the evening.
That's not to say that you shouldn't also check it out
during the day when the numerous cafés and
restaurants, along with the Hatfield Plaza shopping
centre, attract large numbers of people.
Arcadia Here you'll find one of Pretoria's most
recognisable landmarks, the Union Buildings. You
can go for a walk through the expanse of parkland or
check out the view from up on Government Avenue.
Also in this area you'll come across Arcadia Park,
home to the Pretoria Art Museum. A number of great
restaurants and shops can be found at Arcadia's
Eastwood Village complex.
Heart of the city
Pretoria Central Pretoria's city centre boasts
many of the city's top attractions including the
Transvaal Museum (pictured) and beautiful
Burger's Park. If you're looking for somewhere to
go and sit amongst the locals, check out Church
Square. Boasting some very impressive
architecture, the square also has some lovely
fountains and plenty of places to sit.
Brooklyn Yet another popular suburb of Pretoria,
Brooklyn is home to the Austin Roberts Bird
Sanctuary which boasts a large variety of bird life
that can be observed by arranging a guided walk. If
shopping is more your thing, make sure to check out
the Brooklyn Mall and its many stores. After all those
activities, you'll find plenty of bars and restaurants
where you can relax with a drink or enjoy a meal.
Hostelworld Guide for Pretoria
Retail Therapy
Hatfield Flea Market, 1122 Burnett Street, Hatfield
With in excess of 200 stalls operating at this weekly
flea market, you'll find plenty of things to spend your
Rand on. Sellers here offer everything from trendy
clothes to handcrafted gift items plus jewellery,
furniture and plenty more. Open Sundays 9am-4pm.
Brooklyn Mall, Cnr Fehrsen & Lange Streets,
Brooklyn Brooklyn Mall is home to over 170
different stores including recognisable names like
the Body Shop and Guess. Shoes, jewellery, kitchen
accessories, and electronics are just some of the
other products available here. The mall also has its
own cinema. Open Mon-Fri 9am-6pm, Sat 9am-5pm,
Sun 9am-2pm.
Suburban shopping splurge
Menlyn Park, Cnr Atterbury Rd & Lois Ave,
Menlyn Three floors of stores await you at the
hugely popular Menlyn Park shopping centre.
Here you'll find everything from designer clothes
to sunglasses plus shoes, books, music, home
furnishings and lots more. Open Mon-Thurs
9am-7pm, Fri 9am-9pm, Sat 9am-7pm, Sun
9am-5pm.
Church Street, between Church Square and
Prinsloo, Pretoria Central You might not recognise
the store names along this busy stretch of Church
Street but you'll definitely be familiar with many of
the brands on offer including great value Converse
footwear. Clothing and shoe stores are accompanied
by a number of stalls selling everything from
sunglasses to handcrafts.
Hatfield Plaza, 1122 Burnett Street, Hatfield
Wonderfully air-conditioned inside, Hatfield Plaza is
a great spot for a wander. Spread out over a couple
of floors, the Plaza is home to numerous stores.
Whether you're looking for a funky boutique or more
affordable clothing, it's all here. Open Mon-Fri
9am-5.30pm, Sat 9am-3pm, Sun 9am-1am.
Pretoria for Free
City centre oasis
Take a break in Burgers Park Pretoria's oldest
park covers around 4 hectares and was built in
the Victorian style. It's the perfect place to
escape to if you're looking for a change of
scenery. Check out the fountains and flowers or
just sit under one of the tall trees and enjoy the
shade. Open daily 8am-6pm.
Visit the historically important Union Buildings
Though you can't actually go on a tour of Union
Buildings yet, they should still feature on your must
do list while in Pretoria. Head on up to Government
Avenue to check out the stunning exterior of this
important site, the place where Nelson Mandela was
inaugurated as the South African President in 1994.
As the Buildings are up on a hill, you'll also be
afforded some stunning views of the surrounding
area from here.
Mingle with the locals in Church Square The focal
point of Pretoria Central, Church Square is
surrounded by a number of beautiful buildings
including the Palace of Justice and the Ou
Raadsaal. Once you're done admiring the
architecture, walk through the park to see the stature
of former South African President Paul Kruger.
Check out Pretorius Square Smack bang in front
of Pretoria's impressive City Hall is yet another
pretty park area found in Pretoria Central. As you
wander around, you'll see a number of beautiful
fountains plus colourful flowerbeds and three statues
of important figures in the city's history including
Chief Tshwane.
Stroll through Arcadia Park Home to the Pretoria
Art Museum, Arcadia Park is a large space popular
with locals who come here throughout the day. Here
you'll find plenty of benches to sit on but people also
happily sprawl across the grass. There's a
playground area for kids too.
A Day in Pretoria...
Start the day in Hatfield and have an early
breakfast in the popular News Café
restaurant.
From here, head off to join the 9am tour at
one of the city's most poignant attractions,
Freedom Park.
After your visit to Freedom Park, go to the
imposing Voortrekker Monument, with its
museum and collection of impressive friezes.
Check out Eastwood Village, home to a
number of shops and restaurants, including
Harrie's Pancakes which is a great choice for
lunch.
Go to Pretoria Central and have a wander
around Church Square (above) where you'll
find plenty of locals hanging out.
Some of Pretoria's top spots are within
walking distance of Church Square including
the Transvaal Museum, Pretorius Square
and Burgers Park.
Hop in a taxi for the short trip out to Menlyn
where you can wander around the Menlyn
Park shopping centre and part ways with
some of your Rand.
Travel back to Arcadia and have some food
in Trademarx, right on the doorstep of the
impressive Loftus Versfeld Stadium.
Head around to Eastwoods Tavern for some
after dinner drinks in a comfortable yet lively
atmosphere.
Complete the circle and end up back in
Hatfield where you'll have your pick of bars
and clubs to party the night away.
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