Urban vibes

In the past, Pretoria was somewhat staid compared to the bustling bright lights of sister city - Johannesburg. However this urban epicenter has come into its own – offering visitors a cosmopolitan playground of restaurants, shopping malls, bustling nightspots and off-the-wall attractions.

Urban Attitudes

Even local Joburger’s can be found taking the 40km drive to go and enjoy a night on the town in Pretoria.

Pretoria has been the diplomatic heartland of South Africa for some time. Home to a large number of international embassies means that Pretoria has a somewhat international flavor to boast about. The city also has a large student community – which means that trendy bars and funky hangouts are a dime a dozen.

Essential Sundowners

There is nothing better than hanging out on a terrace somewhere for that compulsory Friday-afternoon martini.

Some of Pretoria’s great sundowner spots include: the Blu Peppa Wine and Cigar Bar in Centurion, the gloriously notorious Cuban Café in Hatfield (drop-dead Mojito cocktails); Jambalaya – a favourite spot of the foreign diplomatic crowd; Tings an’ Times for the more laid-back crowd.

The Party-Set

When the lights are low, it’s time for the Pretoria party-set to head out for a night on the town. Some favorite hangouts include:

Cool Runnings – a Jamaican-themed bar with great cocktails. The place also holds regular drumming sessions, so haul out your djembe…(or borrow one of theirs).

Rhapsody’s – A Menlyn hotspot for the fashionista crowd, Rhapsody’s is pure New York-visits-Pretoria. An up-market place famous for fabulous sundowners and more than a few designer bottles of Dom Perignon (available at a price, of course).

News Café – the News Café concept is popular all over Gauteng province – good snacks, snappy service and a great pre-party buzz.

Boston Tea Party – not for the fainthearted. This late-night venue boasts a busy bar and nightclub that keeps going until the wee hours. If you’re looking for a good local jol…(party) look no further.

The Foundry and Fly Lounge a fantastic bar and restaurant for the up-market (and ultra-cool) set. A firm favorite with tourists to the city…and locals like to hang out here too.

Exotic Palates

Many Gauteng-dwellers believe that Pretoria is actually the food-capital of the province (although not many Joburger’s would admit to this). The ever-present diplomatic community in the city demands that a wide variety of restaurants are available to suit ever taste and culture.

Alla Turka – lamb kebabs, tabouleh and tzatziki; lamb doner kebabs and home-baked halva. This Turkish restaurant in Garsfontein offers exotic treats for every palate.

La Madeleine – is one of Pretoria’s legendary French restaurants and for good reason. The finest French cuisine, delicious wines and an olde-world atmosphere are all up for grabs.

Mostapha’s – for those with exotic tastebuds, this Moroccan restaurant is a sublime feast of the senses. Think couscous, the softest lamb, lemon, limes and exotic spices, mint tea, honey and nuts… a veritable Ali Baba’s cave of treasures.

Matsuya is one of the city’s favourite Japanese restaurants renowned for its fresh produce and world-class menu.

For something a little more relaxed visit Zenbu – for some of the most awesome sushi in town.

Moerdijks. You can’t visit Pretoria without paying your dues to local cuisine. This resto offers typical South African cuisine in a stylish and super-friendly environment.

GEET is an Indian restaurant offering the finest culinary adventures. Try the vindaloo, the korma, the roti, the tikka and more.

Hot Chocolate Chocolatier – temptation always strikes at this decadent Centurion den. If you have a sweet tooth, we promise that your every wish will be granted.

Essential Activities

Pretoria has a few rather out of the ordinary activities for the visitor in search of something a little different:

At the Movies: The National Film, Video and Sound Archives are a fantastic way to spend the day. Visitors can pop in on the last two Saturdays of every month and explore a wealth of authentic film footage (simply mind-boggling).

Another great way to celebrate the big screen is by paying a visit to Menlyn Drive-In (the first in the world to be built on the roof of a shopping centre). Why not book one of the six veteran cars and see what’s on the bill.

The Museum of Science and Technology: A must for the kids, Pretoria’s Museum of Science & Technology is a hands on museum that makes learning fun (for both adults and children).

The Life Spa in Brooklyn is a wonderful holistic retreat where one can take full advantage of the healing therapies on offer. Spend the day, just a few hours won’t be long enough.

The Margaret Roberts Herbal Centre is open to the public on Wednesdays. Roberts is one of South Africa’s foremost authorities on herbs, indigenous plants and holistic healing. Enjoy local healthy fare in the nearby tea garden.

Like it Live? If the theatre is your thing, then visit the State Theatre Complex near the city centre. Here South Africa’s premier performers strutt their stuff from ballet to opera to authentic African street theatre and so much more.

Nature’s Touch: The Blue Crane Bird Sanctuary in Muckleneuk and the Botanical Gardens in Brummeria are both wonderful spots to while away the hours. Blue Crane boasts some exotic birdlife and the Botanical Gardens is home to a wide variety of indigenous plants in a tranquil setting.

Day Trips

Pretoria has many interesting day-trips close to the hub of this city. Take a Balloon Safari over the Magaliesburg, a visit to the Nan Hua Buddhist Temple in Bronkhorstspruit, or explore South African Culture at the Lesedi Cultural Village (on the R512) between Pretoria and Johannesburg.