Planning a trip to Pretoria in the near future? The Jacaranda City is bustling with quaint coffee shops, cool shopping experiences, fabulous foodie attractions, vintage markets and of course, jaw-dropping accommodation. TravelGround has scoured this city for 15 awesome reasons to make you fall in love with Pretoria!
1. Have a cup of fine coffee at Vintage Coffee, Menlo Park
Their love and appreciation of the subtle art of coffee making, inspired Rebeca and Kevin to create the Vintage Coffee brand in 2014. Today, coffee lovers flock together in their quaint coffee shop in Menlo Park, and it’s all for a good cause too — the proceeds go to one carefully selected non-profit organisation every month.
2. Shop at Central Square Menlyn Maine
Central Square Menlyn Maine is Pretoria’s latest shopping hotspot. This high-end boutique shopping centre combines upmarket shopping and luxury dining. With its open-air piazza layout and stores like Graffiti Books, SuperSpar, Old Town Italy and Incanda Furniture, Central Square Menlyn Maine is a shopaholic’s dream!
3. Meet on Milner, Waterkloof
Meet on Milner is a trendy restaurant tucked away in the heart of Waterkloof featuring craft beer, good wine, delicious food, a vibey atmosphere and live music. It’s the perfect spot to meet up with friends and loved ones. The restaurant specialises in organic, healthy, home-grown produce and often hosts street fair markets.
4. Explore Rosemary Hill on a mountain bike
Rosemary Hill boasts award-winning mountain bike trails for riders of all ages and experience levels. The trail meanders through the farm’s rosemary fields and bluegum woods. You can bring your own bike or rent one for R180. After your ride, you can head to the coffee shop for a hearty breakfast and delicious cappuccino.
5. Stay in ultimate luxury at Castello Di Monte, Waterkloof Ridge
Castello Di Monte is a Tuscan style estate combining 16th-century splendour and modern amenities. This is the perfect setting for a romantic weekend away. Enjoy a full English Breakfast while taking in the spectacular views, explore the dramatic and elegant rooms, or feast your eyes on the beautiful art that adorns the walls
6. Head to the Provance Vintage Fair, Derdepoort
On the first Saturday of every month you can browse lovely collections of hand-painted furniture, French-style décor, antiques and vintage clothing at the Provance Vintage Fair. Afterwards you can relax in the magical garden while enjoying the best pancakes in Pretoria!
7. Sip on craft beer at Capital Craft, Menlo Park
Capital Craft’s vision is to promote the brewing industry in South Africa and to educate people about the brewing process. Their rustic restaurant in Menlo Park is the perfect place to get together with a few mates and say cheers to life. Try their scrumptious burgers or ribs! Capital Craft also hosts the annual Capital Craft Beer Festival which is an essential entry on the Pretoria social calendar.
8. Admire the art in the Menlyn Boutique Hotel
If you’re an art lover, the Menlyn Boutique Hotel is definitely the place to be. This hotel features the work of the sculptors Anton Smit and Janko de Beer. Don’t forget to make a reservation at their five-star restaurant, Black Bamboo! This famous restaurant is run by head chef Pellie Grobler and boasts an ever-changing menu and an interesting selection of South African wines.
9. Visit the Sammy Marks Museum
Take a trip back to Victorian times by visiting the Sammy Marks Museum, just 23 km from Pretoria. This 48-room mansion is extravagantly adorned and situated in a lush garden preserving the 1880’s style and showcasing South Africa’s old-word charm. The Sammy Marks Museum originally belonged to the agricultural, industrial and mining tycoon Sammy Marks, his wife and their nine children. Today a tour of the estate provides guests the opportunity to view exquisite oil paintings, porcelain and silverware on display. Other highlights of the museum include the well-stocked library and the impressive billiards room. A picnic in the formal gardens can also be arranged.
10. Be entertained at Park Acoustics
Join fellow music fans at Park Acoustics, an outdoor live music festival held every month at the Voortrekker Monument in Pretoria. You’ll be entertained by live performances featuring some of South Africa’s top rock, indie and folk stars. Remember to bring your camp chair, picnic basket and braai gear!
11. Buy flowers at Papaya’s Love & Grace Blom Bar, Deernes
Papaya is a sweet little flower, clothing and gift shop in a quiet neighbourhood in Pretoria. Spoil yourself with roses, tulips and daffodils from their Love & Grace Blom Bar, or invest in a gorgeous vintage dress by Glare Modern Vintage. They also stock leather shoes and bags by Wanderlust Leather and accessories by Suikerbos Jewellery.
12. Listen to Die Dowe Digters
Die Dowe Digters is a creative platform for poets, musicians, singers and artists coming together on a monthly basis to showcase their talent. The evening usually includes a performance by a guest star and the audience also gets the opportunity to jump on the stage during the open mic part of the show. This is the perfect event to mingle with established people in the arts and entertainment industry.
13. Indulge in Moroccan cuisine at Moroccan House, Menlo Park
Enjoy superbly presented breakfasts, tagines, platters and exotic drinks at Moroccan House. You can also book one of their Moroccan inspired suites for a well deserved weekend getaway. Guests are welcomed with traditional mint tea and Moroccan biscuits, and the Moroccan lights, vibrant textiles and colours and plush furniture will ensure a memorable stay.
14. Head back to school at Vincent’s
Vincent’s is a restaurant on the premises of Die Afrikaanse Hoër Meisieskool in Pretoria and named after the school’s beloved security guard and gatekeeper, Vincent. Although the restaurant is situated on the school grounds, members of the public are welcome to visit and dig into a traditional jaffle! The ambience is great and you’ll sure to be reminiscing about your own school days.
15. Wine, dine and be merry at Monte De Dios, Zwavelpoort
Monte De Dios is an exquisite Spanish Equestrian Villa nestled against a picturesque mountain in Pretoria. With its on-site restaurant and bar, stunning double rooms with fluffy pillows, luxurious linen and magnificent views, you’re definitely in for a treat! It’s the perfect place for a special occasion. They frequently host events like picnic and movie nights, as well as night markets.
More accommodation options in Pretoria:
Casa Toscana Lodge | Akanani Apartments | Osborne House | Village Ridge Boutique Hotel | Alpine Attitude Boutique Hotel | Touch of Class Guest House | Celtis House
So, what are you waiting for? Start planning that Pretoria trip!
Feature image: Shen Scott.
