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Pretoria

Pretoria is the executive capital of South Africa, home to the seat of government and all foreign embassies to the country. This historic city serves as the political heart of the nation and a vibrant destination for visitors.

Quick facts

Population
741,651 (city, 2011)
Currency
South African rand (ZAR)
Language
Afrikaans, English, Southern Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Southern Sotho, Swazi, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zulu
Timezone
SAST (UTC+2)
Local time now
21:07:33

Hotels in Pretoria

Pretoria offers a range of hotel accommodation options for visitors. Whether you're looking for established chains like SUN1 Pretoria and ANEW Hotel Capital or boutique properties such as Lulli Lulli Hotel and INANI Hotels Morning Star Express, you'll find diverse choices to suit your stay in the city. See all hotels →

Airports in Pretoria

Pretoria is served by several airports and airfields, including Wonderboom Airport, AFB Swartkop, Air Force Base Waterkloof, and Grasslands Airfield. These facilities provide aviation access to South Africa's administrative capital. See all airports →

AFB Swartkop
7.2 km from centre
Air Force Base Waterkloof
9.9 km from centre
Wonderboom Airport
10.4 km from centre

Car Hire in Pretoria

Pretoria offers several car hire options for visitors and residents alike. Major providers including Budget Rent a Car, AVIS, Europcar, and Sacarhireonline operate in the city, giving you flexibility to choose the rental service that best suits your needs. See all car hire →

Things to Do in Pretoria

Pretoria offers a range of cultural and historical attractions for visitors to explore. From iconic monuments like the Paul Kruger Statue to institutions such as the Women's Living Heritage Museum, the city provides insight into South African heritage and history. See all things to do →

Paul Kruger Statue
60 m from centre
De Volkstem Building
314 m from centre
Kerkstraatbomgedenksteen
388 m from centre
Victims Of Terrorism
530 m from centre
Women's Living Heritage Museum
576 m from centre
Bantu Commissioner’s Office Building
601 m from centre

Restaurants in Pretoria

Pretoria offers a variety of dining experiences to suit different tastes and budgets. From casual chains like Mugg 'n Bean and Nando's to local establishments such as Kariba, AT Buffet Zone, and Apollo 11, the city provides plenty of options for visitors and residents alike. See all restaurants →

Mugg 'n Bean
112 m from centre
AT Buffet Zone
152 m from centre
Kariba
175 m from centre

Swimming Pools in Pretoria

Pretoria offers several swimming pools for residents and visitors, including facilities like Sunnyside Pool and the Sports Centre Swimming Pool. These venues provide opportunities for swimming and aquatic recreation across the city. See all swimming pools →

Sunnyisde P. S swimming pool
2.2 km from centre
sunnyside pool
2.4 km from centre
sunnyside pool
2.4 km from centre

Spas in Pretoria

We're still gathering spas listings for Pretoria — check back soon.

Nightlife in Pretoria

Pretoria offers a vibrant nightlife scene with venues ranging from intimate bars to lively dance clubs. Whether you're looking for a night out at Plum, Zanzu, Zan Zou, or Die Dansvloer, the city has options to suit various tastes and preferences. See all nightlife →

Plum
4.0 km from centre
Zanzu
4.7 km from centre
Zan Zou
5.3 km from centre

Bars in Pretoria

Pretoria offers a variety of bars for visitors and locals alike. Popular establishments include May May, Alex Bar, House 22 Pub&Grill, Mike's Place, and London, each offering their own atmosphere and selection of drinks. See all bars →

May May
181 m from centre
Alex Bar
1.2 km from centre
House 22 Pub&Grill
1.3 km from centre

Cafes in Pretoria

Pretoria offers a variety of cafes where you can enjoy refreshments and relax. Whether you're looking for a casual spot like Zoo Cafe & Takeaway or Wild Bean Cafe, or prefer establishments such as Riche, NetCafé, and PLTFRM, the city has options to suit different tastes and atmospheres. See all cafes →

Riche
117 m from centre
Zoo Cafe & Takeaway
728 m from centre
Wild Bean Cafe
coffee_shop · 1.3 km from centre

Shopping in Pretoria

Pretoria offers a variety of shopping options for visitors and residents alike. From established malls like Bloed Street Mall and Capitol Towers North to retail stores such as Edgars, you'll find diverse shopping experiences throughout the city, including destinations like Jetset Park and Station Square. See all shopping →

Capitol Towers North
166 m from centre
Edgars
491 m from centre
Bloed Street Mall
801 m from centre

Nature & Wildlife in Pretoria

Pretoria offers several natural attractions for visitors to explore the city's outdoor spaces. From the gardens at Burgers Park and Prince's Park to the Zoo picnic spot, there are plenty of opportunities to experience nature within the capital. See all nature & wildlife →

Church Square
58 m from centre
Pretorius Square
800 m from centre
Burgers Park
996 m from centre
Prince's Park
1.1 km from centre
Zoo picnic spot
1.2 km from centre
Pretoria Zoo
1.3 km from centre

Climate snapshot

Pretoria experiences a subtropical climate with distinct seasonal variation. Summers are warm and can be humid, while winters are mild and dry, making it a pleasant destination year-round.

Interesting Facts About Pretoria — Weird & Wonderful

  • Pretoria is the executive capital of South Africa, hosting the seat of the executive branch of government.
  • All foreign embassies to South Africa are located in Pretoria, making it the country's diplomatic hub.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pretoria

What is Pretoria's role in South Africa?

Pretoria is the executive capital of South Africa, serving as the seat of the executive branch of government and hosting all foreign embassies to the country.

What currency is used in Pretoria?

The South African Rand (ZAR) is the official currency used in Pretoria.

What languages are spoken in Pretoria?

South Africa has 11 official languages; English and Afrikaans are widely spoken in Pretoria, along with various African languages.

What region of Africa is Pretoria in?

Pretoria is located in South Africa on the African continent, in the northern part of the country.

Why is Pretoria significant politically?

As the executive capital, Pretoria houses the executive branch of the South African government and serves as the diplomatic centre for all foreign embassies.

Map of Pretoria

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