Pretoria

CityGauteng, South Africa

Pretoria is a CITY in Gauteng, South Africa.

Pretoria, South Africa's administrative capital, is a city of jacaranda-lined streets, historic landmarks, and vibrant culture. Known for its Union Buildings, Voortrekker Monument, and Freedom Park, Pretoria offers a blend of colonial history and modern African dynamism. The city is a hub for education and diplomacy, hosting numerous embassies and universities. Visitors can explore the Pretoria National Botanical Garden, enjoy local cuisine at Church Square, or experience the bustling markets of Hazelwood. Pretoria's rich cultural tapestry is reflected in its museums, festivals, and diverse communities.

Best time to visit Pretoria

March to May (autumn) and September to November (spring) offer mild weather and fewer crowds. The jacaranda bloom in October is a highlight.

October

Now

Right now

Condition
Clear
Temperature
17°
Feels like
17°
Humidity
69%
Wind
7 km/h
Precipitation
0 mm

Typical for October

Weather
Warm 20-29°C, some rain

Travel notes

Crowds
Moderate
Prices
Moderate

Still good weather; spring flowers

Weather from Open-Meteo

Know before you go

Getting there

PRY

Wonderboom Airport

Domestic

10 km away

JNB

O.R. Tambo International Airport

International

55 km away

HLA

Lanseria International Airport

Domestic/Charter

80 km away

Getting around

"Public transport includes buses and minibus taxis, but renting a car or using ride-hailing apps like Uber is more convenient. The Gautrain connects Pretoria to Johannesburg."

Stay connected

WiFi speed

25 Mbps

Mobile data

Good

WiFi

Widely available in hotels, cafes, and malls

Local SIM

Local SIM available at airport from $5

Calling code

27

Stay safe

Overall

7/10

Petty crime is common; avoid displaying valuables.

Night safety

6/10

Petty crime is common; avoid displaying valuables.

Transport

8/10

Scam risk

6/10

"Exercise caution in crowded areas and avoid walking alone at night. Use reputable taxi services and keep valuables secure. Petty crime can occur, so remain vigilant."

Entry and health

Health information

"Pretoria has good medical facilities, but travel insurance is recommended. Vaccinations for hepatitis A and typhoid are advised. Malaria is not a concern in the city, but precautions are needed if visiting nearby game reserves."

Culture

Local customs

"Greetings are important; a handshake is common. Tipping 10-15% in restaurants is customary. Respect local traditions and dress modestly when visiting religious sites."
AfrikaansEnglishNorthern SothoTswanaZulu

Costs and practicals

Cost level

Mid-range

Meals

$8 | a cheap local meal costs ~$8

Hotels

$50-100 | budget hotels range $50-100/night

Local transport

$1.50 | local bus ride ~$1.50

Cost notes

Mid-range dining $15-25 per person; luxury hotels $150+.

Timezone

Africa/Johannesburg +02:00 (GMT)

More facts

Population

2.5 million

Area

687.54 km²

Government

Metropolitan Municipality

ISO code

PRY

Type

City

Frequently Asked Questions

Also known as: Pretorija, ਪ੍ਰਿਟੋਰੀਆ, Pretoriä, Պրետորիա, Prétoriye, プレトリア, ፕሪቶሪያ, प्रॆटोर्य, Pretoría, Pretoria, 比勒陀利亞, پرتوریا, Прэторыя, பிரிட்டோரியா, Piriitooriya, iPitoli, ཕི་རི་ཐོ་རི་ཡ།, Pretorii, 比勒陀利亚, Pretoria jamana na, پرێتۆریا, პრეტორია, IPitoli, Piritōria, Pitori, 프리토리아, Prætoria, प्रिटोरिया, E-Pitoli, Претория, പ്രിട്ടോറിയ, Priturya, Претори, پریٹوریا, Pretorio, Pretória, Tshwane, प्रिटोरीया, Преториа, ప్రిటోరియా, بريتوريا, پريٽوريا, พริทอเรีย, Pretòria, Преторија, Tsindiitłʼííshí, Pretorja, Pretoriya, Преторія, Πρετόρια, פרטוריה, ಪ್ರೆಟೋರ್ಯ, প্রিটোরিয়া

HistoricCulturalFamily-FriendlyNatureUrban