Where to Stay in Pretoria – A Guide to the Jacaranda City
Pretoria, located in the Gauteng province, is the seat of the South African government’s executive branch. This major city is located between the Magaliesberg Hills, north of Johannesburg. Known as the “Jacaranda City“, Pretoria is one of the most visited cities in South Africa. In this post, we will discover the best areas to stay in Pretoria.
As the executive power seat in South Africa, Pretoria, especially the Arcadia district, is home to iconic government and cultural landmarks like the Union Buildings, Nelson Mandela’s Statue, Venning Park the Pretoria Art Museum. See accommodation in Arcadia.
A bit further east lies the Central Business District. This lively area is home to several cultural and recreational attractions including Church Square, Kruger Museum, Ditsong National Museum of Natural and Cultural History and the National Zoological Gardens of South Africa. See accommodation in Central Pretoria.
For travellers looking to immerse themselves in the Gauteng Province’s nature, Pretoria and its surrounding areas also offer a wealth of city parks and nature and wildlife reserves including Rietvlei Nature Reserve, Pretoria National Botanical Gardens, Groenkloof Nature Reserve, Faerie Glen Nature Reserve, Austin Roberts Bird Sanctuary.
Pretoria has a humid subtropical climate. In practice, this translates to hot and rainy summers, and mild winters. High temperatures in January can climb up to 34ºC and low temperatures in January rarely drop below freezing point during the day. The best times to visit Pretoria go from September to December and from March to June.
The closest major airport to Pretoria is Johannesburg‘s OR Tambo International Airport. Located 60 km south of Pretoria, this world-class international hub offers daily connection to every corner of the country, as well as non-stop flights to several destinations in Africa, Asia, Europe and North America.
Pretoria is also connected to Johannesburg by the Gautrain high-speed railway line and to the rest of the country via a well-developed network of long-distance buses. Additionally, several companies offer luxury train safaris routes through South Africa.
To move around the city, Pretoria has commuter rail services operated by Metrorail, as well as local buses and taxi services.
The best area to stay in Pretoria is Arcadia. This palatial district is home to some of South Africa’s most recognisable landmarks, as well as the best hotels in town. See accommodation in Arcadia.
Other great districts to keep in mind when choosing the best location in Pretoria include Waterkloof, Pretoria CBD, Brooklyn and Garsfontein.
Keep on reading to find out more about the best areas to stay in Pretoria, South Africa.
Set in Menlyn and within 300 m of Menlyn Maine Central Square, The Maslow Hotel, Time Square features a casino, non-smoking rooms, and free WiFi throughout the property. Among the various facilities are a garden, numerous bars, as well as various restaurants. The hotel features an outdoor swimming pool and a 24-hour front desk.
The Best Areas to Stay in Pretoria, South Africa
1. Recommended area: Arcadia
Arcadia is one of the oldest and most valuable districts of Pretoria in terms of culture and history.
Arcadia has a large part of the historic centre of the city, offering a large collection of monuments, embassies and political buildings.
Among its attractions is Park Street, better known as Embassy Street since Pretoria is the second city with the most embassies in the world, just behind Washington.
Among the outstanding buildings in this area are the Loftus Versfeld stadium, the Art Museum and the Gerard Moerdyk restaurant, with its colonial-style architecture.
Arcadia is near the University of Pretoria and, in its surroundings, there are a lot of bars, nightclubs and alternative sites.
Therefore, this is the best area to stay in Pretoria for nightlife.
This is also one of the best areas to stay in Pretoria for business, as it has many business-type hotels that are within walking distance of the attractions.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Pretoria:
- Best area for sightseeing
- Loftus Versfeld Stadium
- Heart of the city
- Good area for business travellers
- Best area for nightlife
- Embassy Street
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
The Pretoria Hotel
The Pretoria Hotel is located in Pretoria, 1.9 km from Union Buildings, and offers a bar, non-smoking rooms and free Wi-Fi. It also has a 24-hour reception and restaurant. The University of Pretoria is 4.1 km from the hotel.
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Budget
The Pillows Suite
The Pillows Suite offers accommodation with a garden, a terrace and free WiFi in Pretoria, 500 metres from the Union Buildings and 1.9 km from the University of Pretoria. The property is close to several famous attractions.
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Luxury
Sheraton Pretoria Hotel
Located opposite the Union buildings, this 5-star hotel is elegantly designed with elegant furniture and is located in the centre of Pretoria. The hotel’s luxurious facilities include an outdoor pool and a gym.
2. Waterkloof
Waterkloof is a relatively central district and is located southeast of the CBD (Central Business District).
It is one of the most exclusive and luxurious areas of Pretoria, with high-end hotels, golf courses such as the Pretoria Country Club, and the famous Union Buildings.
The gourmet restaurants of the area are the best option to taste and enjoy the gastronomy of Pretoria, with a peaceful atmosphere.
Waterkloof is a well-located district and it is close to the best in the city centre, where you can walk, take the bus or taxi.
Waterkloof stands out among the best areas to stay in Pretoria for its well-located and varied hotel offer.
However, it must be taken into consideration that it is one of the most requested districts to stay, and it is recommended to book well in advance.
Waterkloof is also the safest area to stay in Pretoria.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Pretoria:
- Safe area to stay
- Exclusive area
- Near the City Centre
- Luxury hotels
- Pedestrian-friendly
- Pretoria Country Club
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Purple Trumpet Guest House
Located in Pretoria, Purple Trumpet Guest House offers accommodation with free WiFi, a flat-screen TV, barbecue facilities and a garden. Some units also have a kitchenette, equipped with an oven and microwave.
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Budget
Vintage on Main
Vintage on Main is located in the Waterkloof district in Pretoria, 600 metres from Jan Cilliers Park. It offers an outdoor pool and a garden. Free WiFi is available in all areas.
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Luxury
Castello di Monte
Vintage on Main is located in the Waterkloof district in Pretoria, 600 metres from Jan Cilliers Park. It offers an outdoor pool and a garden. Free WiFi is available in all areas.
3. Pretoria CBD
The CBD or Central Business District is located in the most central and modern area of Pretoria.
The CBD has large and modern skyscrapers such as the Poyntons building, the ABSA building, and the Reserve Bank of South Africa.
This area has the best cultural offer in Pretoria, with museums such as the Transvaal and the Sammy Marks, the National Zoo, the State Theatre and the founders’ square, named Praetorius Square.
The Gautrain station is located in this district and connects it with the rest of the city and the country.
The CBD is the favourite place to stay in Pretoria for most visitors due to its location and entertainment options.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Pretoria:
- Best area for business travellers
- Central location
- Modern architecture and skyscrapers
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Sentinel Luxury Suite Hotel
Sentinal on Orient offers accommodation in Pretoria. The property has an outdoor pool and free Wi-Fi access in all areas. The apartments have a kitchenette with a microwave.
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Budget
12 on Brecher
Offering a garden, 12 on Brecher is located in Pretoria. Nearby places of interest include the University of Pretoria and the Loftus Versfeld Stadium. The unit is 2.1 km from Union Buildings.
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Luxury
Protea Hotel by Marriott Pretoria Loftus Park
Protea Hotel by Marriott Pretoria is located in Pretoria, 2 km from the University of Pretoria. Loftus Park has an outdoor pool and terrace. This non-smoking property has a 24-hour reception and restaurant.
4. Brooklyn
Brooklyn is a district neighbouring Waterkloof, located on the eastern edge of Pretoria, near the City Centre.
The Brooklyn Mall is one of the reasons why many tourists choose to stay in this area of Pretoria since it has more than 170 stores, a large number of restaurants and cinemas.
Another attraction in the area is the Brooklyn Art House, home to one of the largest art collections in the country, consisting of textiles, ceramics, paintings, iron sculptures, wood and contemporary art.
Near the shopping centre and the art house, you can take a bus to other nearby districts, as well as try an aperitif in one of the coffee shops in the area.
Three-star hotels with pools abound in this part of the city, some of them offer a homely and comfortable atmosphere, making Brooklyn a great area to stay in Pretoria.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Pretoria:
- Brooklyn Mall
- Brooklyn Art House
- Good area for sightseeing
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
440@Brooklyn
440 @ Brooklyn is located in Pretoria, 2.8 km from University of Pretoria and 6 km from Union Buildings. This property is within walking distance of places of interest such as the Austin Roberts bird sanctuary. There is free Wi-Fi.
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Budget
micasa sucasa Manor
Located in Pretoria, micasa sucasa Manor offers free WiFi, a garden and a terrace. This bed and breakfast has a seating area with a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with free toiletries, a hairdryer and a shower.
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Luxury
Richtershuyz Guest House
Richtershuyz Guest House is located in the heart of Pretoria, just 2 km from several shopping centres. It has a garden with an outdoor pool, as well as a restaurant and a bar.
5. Garsfontein
Garsfontein is one of the newest neighbourhoods in Pretoria and is located east of downtown, near the main highways of the city.
Among its main attractions are the Jacaranda Gardens, theme parks and its residential environment that make it the most peaceful and family-friendly area of Pretoria.
The epicentre of entertainment here is the Menlyn shopping centre, with shops, restaurants and bars.
The Rietvlei Nature Reserve is another Garsfontein attraction, where you can enjoy 300 hectares of open-air vegetation, ideal for family trips.
Being located in the centre, Garsfontein is served by a large number of bus stops and stations in the area, although walking to the attractions is the best alternative.
Garsfontein is the most peaceful and peaceful area to stay in Pretoria, designed for family enjoyment and to contemplate another facet of the city.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Pretoria:
- Parks and green areas
- Rietvlei Nature Reserve
- Menlyn Shopping Centre
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Xaviera Guest House
Located in Pretoria, Xaviera Guest House offers 3-star accommodation with a seasonal outdoor pool. This property with BBQ is within walking distance of the Woodhill Park Pretoria Mall and Eastdale Pavilion Mall.
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Budget
Oppermans Villa
Oppermans Villa is 12 km from the University of Pretoria and offers free Wi-Fi. The accommodation features a patio, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. There is a fridge and kettle.
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