Location: Pretoria
Top Things to do in Pretoria
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Things to do in Pretoria, Gauteng: The Best Historic Sites
Pretoria is a vision of purple, thanks to its plethora of blossoming trees that gave the South African metropolis its nickname: Jacaranda City. Give in to the animal magnetism of the National Zoological Gardens of South Africa, then get up close and personal with the big, bad kitties of the Cheetah Research and Breeding Centre. The buildings of Pretoria reflect diverse architectural styles and influences, creating a unique urban landscape.
Restaurants in Pretoria
1. Sammy Marks House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 168 reviews
Reviewed By surya77 - Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
This 48 room, beautiful Victorian mansion which is now a museum, with it's lovely garden, is definitely worth a visit. The Mansion, which is called Zwartkoppies Hall and dates from 1884, is situated about 23 klms outside Pretoria. It was the home of Sammy Marks( Samuel Markovits), a Lithuanian, who arrived in SA in 1868, a poor man, and ended up being one of the country's leading industrialists. To visit the house - which is a must- one has to join a guided tour, as we did. There are so many precious, historical and antique items including porcelain, silver, painting and furniture in the museum that it would not be possible to do it otherwise. What is so special about this Museum is that the Mansion with all it's interior has been preserved as it was. This, ofcourse, is responsible for the amazing atmosphere one feels when inside. What an opulent life the family lived! Very happy and grateful that something with so much history and beauty is being taken care of and still stands as it was, a memorial to a man who followed his dream and reached amazing heights in doing so.
2. Melrose House
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 107 reviews
Victorian opulence abounds at this tastefully preserved historic home.
Reviewed By 98stephannies - Centurion, South Africa
A lovely museum that shows daily life from the late 1800's and early 1900s of the South African elite. The house has been beautifully and accurately restored and is rich with the elegance of the era. Our fabulous guide told us all about the Heys family who built and lived in the house. We were blessed to have had High Tea organized while we there and we were treated to tasty sweets and tea on fine bone china. The grounds have the most stunning old trees and are a delight. A nice place to visit if you are spending the day in downtown Pretoria. I would couple it with a trip to the National Museum of Natural history a few blocks away and a stop at the Parliament building or the Voortrekker Monument. R25 for adults No flash photography Parking on Jeff Masemola street (not secured but with a parking attendant), or in the parking lot behind the museum.
3. Smuts House Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 97 reviews
Reviewed By EHBSA
Amazingly beautiful and incredible atmosphere with excellent food. We were here for a Valentine’s breakfast. There special attention for the occasion was worderful.
4. Union Buildings
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,385 reviews
Reviewed By YoWi79 - Pretoria, South Africa
The Union Buildings is part of Pretoria's pride! And if you really want to treat yourself, be sure to visit it while the Jacaranda trees are in bloom in October. The beautiful architecture combined with the purple flowers on the trees, make for some stunning photos!
5. Fort Schanskop
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 36 reviews
Reviewed By SFou - Pretoria, South Africa
This fort gives an insight of how Pretoria was defended in former years. Visitors can look into different rooms with armour and medical equipment. Nice views over Pretoria. Good to combine with a visit to the Voortrekker Museum.
