South Africa · 2026
Weekend in Pretoria
How to spend 2 days in Pretoria — a Friday-to-Sunday plan covering the highlights without the tourist-trap detours. Built from real attraction data.
Arrive and Settle In
Friday evening is for arriving, checking in, and getting oriented. Keep it simple — a short walk to get your bearings, then dinner near the hotel.
Church Square
Free 1.0km from centreHistoric square in the city centre, surrounded by old buildings like the Palace of Justice and Ou Raadsaal. Statue of Paul Kruger in the middle.
Tip: Best seen on a weekday morning when the area feels alive. Stick to the square; the surrounding streets can be dodgy after dark.
Union Buildings
Free 2.0km from centreThe seat of the South African government, set on a hill with sprawling terraced gardens. Views over the city and statue of Nelson Mandela.
Tip: Go early on a weekday to walk the gardens without crowds. Security checks are quick but avoid peak times around 9am.
Friday dinner pick
The Main Sights
Saturday is your main sightseeing day. Start early to beat the crowds at the top attractions, then take the afternoon at a slower pace.
Jan Cilliers Park
Free Daily, dawn to duskA small, shaded park in the suburb of Brooklyn. Old jacaranda trees, lawns, and a central pond. Good for a quiet hour or a walk.
Tip: Tucked away, so few tourists. Bring water; no cafe. Best in October when jacarandas bloom purple.
Pretoria National Botanical Garden
0 Daily 8am-6pm (Oct-Mar), 8am-5A well-kept 76-hectare garden split by a quartzite ridge. Displays of indigenous plants, including cycads and aloes, with walking trails and picnic spots.
Tip: Entry is 45 rand for adults. Pack lunch and use the picnic areas near the dam. Avoid weekends if you want quiet.
Voortrekker Monument
0 Daily 8am-5pm (museum), groundA granite monument commemorating the Great Trek. The interior frieze and museum tell a contested history; the grounds include a nature reserve.
Tip: Entry is 80 rand for adults. The climb to the top gives great views. Visit on a weekday for fewer people and cheaper parking.
Saturday dining
Before You Leave
Sunday morning, before checkout, is for the things you didn't fit in on Saturday — or a slower revisit of the place you liked most.
Sunday brunch
Getting Around Pretoria
OR Tambo International Airport → Bohemian Hotel, Pretoria
Centurion Station → Pretoria Station
OR Tambo International Airport → Bohemian Hotel, Pretoria
Pretoria Station → Bohemian Hotel (near Church Street)
Where to Stay for a Pretoria Weekend
For a short break, stay central — walking distance to the main sights saves hours across a 2-day itinerary.
Weekend in Pretoria — FAQ
Is a weekend enough to see Pretoria?
A weekend (2 full days) is enough to cover the highlights of Pretoria. You can see the main attractions, eat at a couple of good restaurants and get a real feel for the city — as long as you prioritise well. This guide is structured to help you do exactly that.
When is the best weekend to visit Pretoria?
See our full best time to visit Pretoria guide. For a weekend break, shoulder season (spring and autumn) typically offers the best balance of good weather, manageable crowds and reasonable hotel prices.
Where should I stay for a weekend in Pretoria?
For a short break, stay as central as possible — walking distance to the main sights saves significant time and lets you head out after dinner without worrying about transport. See the best hotels in Pretoria for rated options. TripSage's free briefings tell you the specific rooms to request at each property.
How do I get around Pretoria for a weekend?
The main transport options in Pretoria include Gautrain Airport Shuttle plus Gautrain and Gautrain (Pretoria Station). For a short stay, walking and public transport are usually the most time-efficient combination — parking in most city centres adds cost and delays.