🇿🇦 Pretoria, South Africa
Pretoria Backpackers
📍 425, Farenden Street, Pretoria, 0002
Your stay — Pretoria Backpackers
Live forecast for your dates · what's on · air quality & pollen📅 Pick your check-in & check-out above to unlock your day-by-day forecast, what's on during your stay, and live air quality & pollen for Pretoria.
The Property — Pretoria Backpackers
Pretoria Backpackers is a laid-back, no-frills hostel with a lively atmosphere, ideal for young travellers and backpackers. The decor is a mix of modern and vintage elements, with colourful murals and eclectic furnishings. The property's USP is its communal vibe, with a spacious lounge area and a well-equipped kitchen for self-catering. It's a great spot to meet fellow travellers and plan your next adventure. The staff is friendly and helpful, adding to the welcoming feel.
Chronicles of Pretoria
Pretoria, the administrative capital of South Africa, was founded in 1855 by Marthinus Wessel Pretorius as the capital of the South African Republic. The city's architecture is a blend of Victorian, Edwardian, and Art Deco styles, reflecting its history as a colonial town. Today, Pretoria is a vibrant city with a rich cultural identity, showcasing a mix of Afrikaner, British, and African influences. The city is home to several museums, galleries, and cultural institutions, including the University of Pretoria and the National Museum. The city's history and cultural heritage are palpable in its streets, landmarks, and people.
Best Time to Visit
Full Pretoria guide →Best months
The best time to visit Pretoria is from September to November and from March to May, when the weather is mild and sunny, with average highs around 22°C (72°F). These months offer pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Peak / festival surge
December is the peak tourist month in Pretoria, with many locals and visitors taking a break during the summer school holidays. This period is characterised by higher hotel prices, larger crowds, and long queues at popular attractions. The annual Pretoria Festival of Arts takes place in December, drawing large crowds and adding to the festive atmosphere.
Budget shoulder season
April and May are great shoulder months to visit Pretoria, with mild weather and lower prices. You can expect to find discounts on accommodation and activities, and the city's attractions are less crowded, making it an ideal time for exploration.
Weather & packing
Pretoria's climate is known for its hot summers and mild winters, with occasional cold fronts in winter. Be prepared for sudden temperature drops and pack layers for your visit in July.
Live City Briefing — Pretoria
- The Tshwane Rapid Transit (BRT) system has been upgraded, with new bus routes and improved frequency, making it easier to get around Pretoria.
- The Pretoria Botanical Garden has reopened after a major renovation, offering a beautiful green oasis in the heart of the city.
- The annual Pretoria National Arts Festival will take place from 15 to 24 July 2026, featuring a diverse program of music, theatre, and visual arts performances.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Pretoria Backpackers, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on a higher floor (above the 2nd floor) for a quieter stay, as the hotel's lower floors may experience more street noise from Farenden Street. Considering the hotel's 3-star rating and location in the city, it's likely that rooms on higher floors will have a more consistent and peaceful environment.
Rooms to avoid
Rooms near the lift (elevator) may experience more noise, especially if there are multiple guests using it throughout the day. Additionally, rooms on the lower floors (1st floor and below) may be closer to the service entrance and potentially receive more noise from staff and deliveries.
Best views
Unfortunately, the hotel's address on Farenden Street does not provide a notable view, as it's a residential street in the city. However, rooms on higher floors may have a better view of the surrounding area.
Quietest floors
3rd floor and above
🔊 Noise notes
Guests may hear street noise from Farenden Street, which can be busy during the day and evening. The hotel's location near the city center means that there may be occasional noise from nearby traffic and urban activities.
Insider tips
1. If you're driving, note that parking is available on-site, but it's best to reserve a spot in advance to ensure availability. 2. Be sure to check-in early to secure a room on a higher floor for a quieter stay.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Pretoria Backpackers
free, 100 Mbps, no login constraints
serves all floors, but stairs-only access to some rooms on upper floors due to building heritage
complimentary digital newsstand (PressReader) and physical newspapers available in the lounge
14:00-22:00, early bag-drop from 08:00, late check-out until 12:00 (R100 fee)
available on request for R20 per bag per day
step-free access to main entrance, wheelchair-accessible rooms available upon request, but no elevator access to upper floors with stairs-only rooms
on-site parking available for R50 per night, nearest public car park at Farenden Street Car Park (R30 per day), no EV charging available
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: R10 per person per night
Deposit & card hold: R100 advance deposit + R200 incidental card hold at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Central Baptist (399 m · ~5 min walk)
- Church: Christ Church Arcadia (495 m · ~6 min walk)
- Church: Paulus Gemeente (536 m · ~7 min walk)
- Place of worship: Church of Scientology of Pretoria (607 m · ~8 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Loftus Park Shopping Center — 868 m · ~11 min walk
Pretoria Rosarium — 370 m · ~5 min walk
Pretoria Art Museum — 598 m · ~7 min walk
Nelson Mandela Amphitheatre — 1.0 km · ~13 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 896 m · ~11 min walk
Dis-Chem — 791 m · ~10 min walk
Woolworths Food — 742 m · ~9 min walk
Loftus Versfeld — 1.3 km · ~16 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →South African Rand, ZAR
ATMs at banks offer the best rates; avoid the poor-rate exchange bureaus at OR Tambo airport and tourist spots.
Visa and Mastercard widely accepted; contactless and mobile pay common in most shops and restaurants; keep cash for small vendors.
Restaurants: 10-15% for good service. Taxis: round up or 10%. Hotel porters: R10-20 per bag. Not expected but appreciated.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →Filter coffee from a café or bakery: around R25.
A bunny chow or roti from a takeaway: about R50-70.
A main at a local pub or steakhouse: roughly R100-150.
Gatsby rolls or grilled meat (braai) from stalls along Paul Kruger Street or near the Union Buildings on weekends.
Shoprite, Checkers, and Pick n Pay are the main budget supermarkets in the area.
High-street chains like Mr Price, Woolworths, and Jet are found at the Menlyn Park or Brooklyn Mall; market shopping at the Hazel Food Market on Saturdays.
The Gautrain (train + bus) from the airport to Hatfield or Pretoria station: about R165 one-way; once in town, use the A Re Yeng bus system (R8.50 per trip, R25 day pass).
Buy a Gautrain multi-trip card for discounted travel; eat lunch at DIY sit-down spots rather than tourist restaurants; fill up on local street food (Gatsbys) for cheap, filling meals.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Pretoria, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Pretoria Backpackers
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 896 m · ~11 min walk — pharmacy · Dis-Chem — 791 m · ~10 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
OR Tambo International Airport → Bohemian Hotel, 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.
Centurion Station → Pretoria Station
💡 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.
OR Tambo International Airport → Bohemian Hotel, Pretoria
💡 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.
Pretoria Station → Bohemian Hotel (near Church Street)
💡 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
What are the best rooms at Pretoria Backpackers?
Request a room on a higher floor (above the 2nd floor) for a quieter stay, as the hotel's lower floors may experience more street noise from Farenden Street. Considering the hotel's 3-star rating and location in the city, it's likely that rooms on higher floors will have a more consistent and peaceful environment.
Which rooms should I avoid at Pretoria Backpackers?
Rooms near the lift (elevator) may experience more noise, especially if there are multiple guests using it throughout the day. Additionally, rooms on the lower floors (1st floor and below) may be closer to the service entrance and potentially receive more noise from staff and deliveries.
Is Pretoria Backpackers noisy?
Guests may hear street noise from Farenden Street, which can be busy during the day and evening. The hotel's location near the city center means that there may be occasional noise from nearby traffic and urban activities.
Which rooms have the best views at Pretoria Backpackers?
Unfortunately, the hotel's address on Farenden Street does not provide a notable view, as it's a residential street in the city. However, rooms on higher floors may have a better view of the surrounding area.
What are insider tips for staying at Pretoria Backpackers?
1. If you're driving, note that parking is available on-site, but it's best to reserve a spot in advance to ensure availability. 2. Be sure to check-in early to secure a room on a higher floor for a quieter stay.
What time is check-in at Pretoria Backpackers?
Check-in at Pretoria Backpackers is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Pretoria Backpackers have Wi-Fi?
free, 100 Mbps, no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at Pretoria Backpackers?
R10 per person per night
Where can I eat cheaply near Pretoria Backpackers?
A bunny chow or roti from a takeaway: about R50-70.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Pretoria Backpackers?
The Gautrain (train + bus) from the airport to Hatfield or Pretoria station: about R165 one-way; once in town, use the A Re Yeng bus system (R8.50 per trip, R25 day pass).
When is the best time to visit Pretoria?
The best time to visit Pretoria is from September to November and from March to May, when the weather is mild and sunny, with average highs around 22°C (72°F). These months offer pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Top Attractions in Pretoria
💡 Best seen on a weekday morning when the area feels alive. Stick to the square; the surrounding streets can be dodgy after dark.
💡 Go early on a weekday to walk the gardens without crowds. Security checks are quick but avoid peak times around 9am.
💡 Tucked away, so few tourists. Bring water; no cafe. Best in October when jacarandas bloom purple.
💡 Entry is 45 rand for adults. Pack lunch and use the picnic areas near the dam. Avoid weekends if you want quiet.
💡 Entry is 80 rand for adults. The climb to the top gives great views. Visit on a weekday for fewer people and cheaper parking.