Pretoria Nightlife

Unlike Johannesburg, which has nightlife catered toward an older crowd, Pretoria's abundance of universities means that students are the life of the party in this town. Each week hosts an array of different themed parties at the distinct bars and clubs that dot both the city center and the surrounding suburbs. Most clubs allow entrance for people between the ages of 18 and 25; but be sure to check in advance because some evenings might place other age restrictions.

Hatfield Square, in the suburb of Hatfield, is where hundreds of students let their restless souls loose, indulging in the abundance of bars, clubs and restaurants. Many of these venues don't feature a dress code; so arriving casually dressed is entirely acceptable.

If you're looking to indulge in a good pint of beer, McGinty's Irish pub is the place to be. With plenty of cold draft on tap and a hearty menu of food to complement the booze, this traditional Irish choice is a great place to get the evening going. Once you've got some drinks in you and have rounded up some local South Africans to go out with, you might find yourself headed to the eastern suburb of Brooklyn, where cosmopolitan nightclubs such as Fashion TV bring together all the hippest and best-dressed of young South African society.

Nighttime entertainment that might be more suitable for an older crowd looking to enjoy the cultural side of Pretoria is best experienced at local theaters such as Barnyard Theatre, which features a warm and spacious atmosphere and a diverse selection of entertainment options nightly. Additionally, the Salon Music Company runs the Brooklyn Theatre, which features the best in theater, music, dance and virtually every form of performance art. Book in advance because this venue features the best in stage entertainment and doubles as a conference center for private events.

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