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- Family Friendly Attractions
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- Cultural Activities
- Historical Things to Do
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- Romantic Things to Do
- Places to Shop
- Things to Do Around Pretoria
- Things to Do Near Downtown
- Things to Do Near The Union Buildings
- Even more lists
- Ask a Local
- Locals have answered 23 questions about Pretoria.
- Ask Pretoria Locals
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1. President Paul Kruger House
- Situated west of Church Street, this house belonged to the late former President Paul Kruger (1884-1901). The house has been fully restored and... read more
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- Culture
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2. Transvaal Museum
- Traansvaal Museum is a natural science museum houses the finest selection of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and insects as well as displays... read more
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- Museums
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3. Open Window Contemporary Art Gallery
- This gallery is well known for its exhibitions which feature art through the eyes of the African continent. The exhibition by the four artists... read more
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4. Church Square
- This is one of the most popular tourist attractions in South Africa. Situated in the heart of the city and on the longest street in the world,... read more
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5. Police Museum
- The exhibits at the Police Museum provide an educational insight into the history and functions of the South African police. Visitors get to see... read more
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- Attractions
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6. National Zoological Gardens of South Africa
- This is one of the most famous zoos in the world and the largest in South Africa. Divided into several sections where animal lovers can gaze in... read more
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- Zoos/Aquariums
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7. Burgers Park
- This is the oldest park in Pretoria and a national monument. It is opposite Melrose House, in which there is now a museum. The layout of the park... read more
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- Tours
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8. Melrose House
- This house, one of South Africa's national monuments, is where the Peace Treaty which terminated the Anglo-Boer War was signed in 1902. The name... read more
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- Attractions
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9. Church Street Cemetery (Heroes' Acre)
- Situated on one of the world's longest streets, Church Street, Heroe's Acres is one of the city's most fascinating attractions. The cemetery was... read more
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10. Union Buildings
- Designed by Sir Herbert Baker, these landmarks stand majestically on Meintjieskop, overlooking Pretoria. The buildings have a semi-circular amphitheater,... read more
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The Best of NileGuide
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One of three capital cities in South Africa, Pretoria serves as both the executive and de facto national capital. In comparison to Johannesburg and Cape Town, Pretoria is the quieter and more relaxed option for travelers looking to explore the southern cone of this rich and complex region. Today's leafy and pristine ambience in Pretoria would hardly give any indication of the tumultuous past the city and surrounding villages once endured. Yet the moment you begin investigating that history and asking around, you'll soon find there is much more than meets the eye.
For history buffs looking to reveal the underside of Pretoria, the Claude Malan Museum displays a fair mix of historical artifacts and artwork, with particular focus placed on collector's items such as books, diamonds, gold and silver, decorative objects, military paraphernalia, toys, and more. For a historical stop-off that tantalizes the senses of niche hobbyists, the Correctional Service Museum might be precisely the oddity you've been looking for. With a fascinating array of artwork, forged keys and even illegally made tools fabricated by prisoners themselves, this museum claims to be the only of its kind in South Africa.
What was formerly known as the Transvaal Museum has since adopted the name Ditsong Museum of Natural History and is host to an extensive array of fossils, animal, plant and even hominid remains. Included in the exhibitions are what scientists believe to be ancient human bones from the World Heritage site found nearby, appropriately called the Cradle of Humankind. This historical site located mainly in the Gauteng province covers nearly 47,000 hectares of privately owned land and provides a worthy excursion for Pretoria visitors.
Once you've had your fill of historical, cultural and natural history, you might just find yourself in the mood to do what tourists tend to do best, shop. Luckily Pretoria provides one of the county's most fascinating markets, the Welwitscia Country Market, which is open from Tuesday through Sunday and not only provides live entertainment but also an array of handmade African arts and crafts, leatherwear, jewelry, ceramics, locally inspired clothing, wooden novelties, and more. More than just a place to purchase souvenirs, it allows you to take something with cultural significance back home with you.
