The larger municipal area of Pretoria is the Tshwane Municipality but the city centre still carries the name, Pretoria. Many streets are lined with Jacaranda trees that fill the streets with purple blossoms in Spring each year. Pretoria has long been known as the Jacaranda city but the trees are exotic and no more can be planted. The city centre is occupied by many historic buildings but the city centre has become simply a business area. Visitors determine exactly which buildings they want to visit but visitors do not linger in the city. Church Square is a good place to see the historic buildings of Pretoria, including Kruger House and the old Reserve Bank. Also in the city are museums dedicated to natural history, culture, and science and technology. The Pretoria Art Museum has some good collections of South African Art. Further down Church Street, one can see the Union Buildings that overlook the city and are a fine example of Sir Herbert Baker architecture. This was the site of President Mandela's inauguration and the memorial to the annihilation of South African troops in Delville Wood in the First World War. Many tour buses overnight in city centre hotels on their way to another destination but if you are spending a couple of days in the city, choose one of the many guesthouses in Waterkloof or Brooklyn. Many embassies are situated in the beautiful suburb of Waterkloof and it is close to the many restaurants in Brooklyn. Cynthia's is an excellent restaurant in the Brooklyn area. Chagall's in Park Street offers a good cuisine and for something French, try Brasserie de Paris in Aries Street. In the area is the Austin Roberts bird sanctuary that offers tranquility in the midst of a vibrant city.
The sanctuary is also home to a small herd of antelope. The Blue Crane restaurant, which has tables both inside and outside adjacent to the dam is an excellent place to enjoy a good meal while observing the blue, grey crowned crane, rock doves, speckled pigeons and the odd Egyptian goose, that all feed regularly in and around the reed beds. The National Zoological Gardens in Bloed Street at the northern end of the city centre offers 85 hectare of animals in large enclosures and parklands is another attraction that brings the wild into the city. The Voortrekker Monument is an enormous edifice erected in commemoration of the Voortrekkers who left the Cape in wagons to find a homeland in the interior. This journey is depicted in an Italian Frieze in the Hall of Heroes. Almost a quarter of million people visit this museum every year. Nearby Freedom Park is a monument to democracy. Since its opening in December 2007, it has become a space for reflecting on the past and for inspiring the future. The park is established on the cornerstones of the constitutional concepts of human dignity, human rights and freedom. Pretoria is both a university city with two universities and a centre of culture with the National State Theatre. The National Theatre is a complex of theatres offering a variety of exciting venues for performances, festivals, film festivals. Shows range from opera, ballet, musicals and drama to cabaret. The smaller Barnyard theatre offers less formal theatre, including plays, musicals and stand up comedy. The students, especially University of Pretoria students who are resident in Hatfield ensure night life for young people is pulsating. Pretoria clubs and bars are very welcoming and one is sure to have a wonderful partying experience. The entire Hatfield Square and neighboring areas of pubs, restaurants, and clubs (and more pubs) turn into a large party. Cheeky Monkey is a great bar and Drop Zone is a chilled and relaxed club, offering a V.I.P area for those exclusive guests and private party accommodation but there is ample space on the dance floor to dance to some of the hottest talented DJ's.
When planning this trip you will definitely want to check out tripadvisor.com for amazing deals on your Pretoria visit. A (rental) hired car is a must. You can experience its picturesque land firsthand.
It's not hard to tell when you are in Pretoria, for it is showered with multiple jacaranda trees, drenched in purple flowers. What a sight this is. The majestic color purple stands for royal, honor, trust, that is exactly what this South African city is all about. Though many have tried to change their name, they stood firm with pride, and remain Pretoria. Pretoria holds much beauty. The national Zoological Garden of South Africa is a fantastic stop on this African adventure. From the flats to high ground, this is a lovely display of African Wildlife, falling slightly short of the African safari. They have two eateries and picnic areas for a casual dine. For a cooler view of the Wildlife, hop on the Cableway and fly over these amazing natural habitats. It's an airy sight you cannot miss. Fly away in our extensive aviary, with a wide variety of wildly winged friends, you'll be delightfully talking bird at Austin Roberts Bird sanctuary. The Voortrekker Monument is another huge attraction that commemorates the Afrikaner pioneers. Their story is told throughout the mass of this great standing monument. Another Hot spot is Tings 'N Times. They are known for their great music, good food, and lively atmosphere. Maybe you can get out of the heat and onto the ice. With its Olympic size skate arena, you will find yourself in a whole other scene. You can also step outside and experience the wonder that is the Moretele Park. This park has the most impeccable landscaping and breathtaking mountain views. It's a definite don't miss on your Pretoria visit. Come, Pretoria awaits your visit.