South Africa · 2026 itinerary
Pretoria 3-Day Itinerary
A day-by-day plan for Pretoria: the best attractions in order, where to eat, how to get around — with free hotel briefings for your stay.
Arrive & Explore the Highlights
Historic square in the city centre, surrounded by old buildings like the Palace of Justice and Ou Raadsaal. Statue of Paul Kruger in the middle.
🕐 Public area, accessible 24/7
Free entry💡 Best seen on a weekday morning when the area feels alive. Stick to the square; the surrounding streets can be dodgy after dark.
Hotels near Church Square →The seat of the South African government, set on a hill with sprawling terraced gardens. Views over the city and statue of Nelson Mandela.
🕐 Gardens open daily 5am-8pm (subject to state events)
Free entry💡 Go early on a weekday to walk the gardens without crowds. Security checks are quick but avoid peak times around 9am.
Hotels near Union Buildings →Dros Waterkloof · ££
Blue Crane Restaurant · ££
Deeper Into Pretoria
A small, shaded park in the suburb of Brooklyn. Old jacaranda trees, lawns, and a central pond. Good for a quiet hour or a walk.
🕐 Daily, dawn to dusk
💡 Tucked away, so few tourists. Bring water; no cafe. Best in October when jacarandas bloom purple.
A well-kept 76-hectare garden split by a quartzite ridge. Displays of indigenous plants, including cycads and aloes, with walking trails and picnic spots.
🕐 Daily 8am-6pm (Oct-Mar), 8am-5pm (Apr-Sep)
💡 Entry is 45 rand for adults. Pack lunch and use the picnic areas near the dam. Avoid weekends if you want quiet.
The Hillside Tavern
Pizza Perfect
Final Favourites & Departure
A granite monument commemorating the Great Trek. The interior frieze and museum tell a contested history; the grounds include a nature reserve.
💡 Entry is 80 rand for adults. The climb to the top gives great views. Visit on a weekday for fewer people and cheaper parking.
Greenfields
Billy the Bum's
Getting Around Pretoria
Take the Gautrain from the airport to Centurion Station, then a metered taxi for the last 12km to Bohemian. Avoid the direct airport taxi rip-offs.
Use a Gautrain card – single tickets are slower. From Pretoria Station, it's a 10-minute taxi to Bohemian. This option only works if you arrive before 20:30 and on a weekday.
Book immediately after collecting luggage. Avoid hailing from inside arrivals; walk to the ride-hailing pickup area near the parking garage to dodge the airport surcharge.
Pay with a tap card (Tshwane Smart Card) – cash isn't accepted. Get off at the 'Mears Street' stop and walk two blocks. The bus can be crowded at 07:30, so avoid rush hour with luggage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 3 days enough for Pretoria?
Three days covers the main highlights well. You can see the key attractions like Church Square and get a genuine feel for the city. For a more leisurely pace or to explore neighbourhoods in depth, a 5-day trip is better.
What is the best time to visit Pretoria?
See our full best time to visit Pretoria guide — it covers weather month by month, peak vs. shoulder seasons and how to avoid the crowds.
Where should I stay for this itinerary?
A central location saves transit time between sites. Top options include Bohemian, Serena, Lynn Ridge. See the full ranked list with free briefings for each.