Pretoria

South Africa’s administrative centre is a handsome city with some gracious old architecture, significant historical sites, prosperous leafy suburbs, and wide streets lined with jacarandas that burst into a beautiful purple haze in October and November. It’s always been more more conservative than Jo’burg – this was the centre of the apartheid regime and its very name a symbol of oppression. However, as the inner city undergoes something of a renaissance, and Pretoria becomes more cosmopolitan, there's a sense that the city is beginning to look to the future.

Street View with sunset in Pretoria, Gauteng Province, South Africa

Getty Images/Gallo Images

Book
South Africa, Lesotho & Eswatini Travel Guide
Book

South Africa, Lesotho & Eswatini

Shop $26.99 USD
App
Lonely Planet App on a phone
Brand New!

Get the Lonely Planet App

World Nomads travel insurance
Trusted Partner

Dreaming of Pretoria? Protect your trip

Travel with confidence. Protect your trip and your wallet.

We don’t represent World Nomads, we receive a fee from quotes using this link. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

Take your South Africa trip with Lonely Planet Journeys

Time to book that trip to South Africa

Lonely Planet Journeys takes you there with fully customizable trips to top destinations – all crafted by our local experts.

Top places to visit in Pretoria

Discover the best attractions in Pretoria from must-see sights to unexpected hidden gems.

Get a book. Get inspired. Get exploring.

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Pretoria