Whether you’re looking for an amazing munch spot or a place you can meet some friends for drinks, Pretoria’s got various fitting dining and drink spots that might tickle your fancy. In addition, the City of Jacarandas is also filled with some of the country’s best shops, and for families looking to have some fun, there are loads of exciting things happening in and around the city.
Here are ten things to do in Pretoria:
Double Dutch has just opened its doors at The Village in Hazelwood and from its swoon-worthy Instagram photos, the whole world will be streaming here soon! Rough around the edges with graffiti on the walls, the contrast lies in Chef Ramon Gouws’ kitchen creations. He’s known to be pedantic about every plate, which means you can expect perfection. The restaurant is easily accessible and open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Bonus: Your pooch can come along too! Order pet mince or a snack for your furry friend from the menu, sip back and relax.
Prosopa Restaurant is an institution in Pretoria and one that everyone should visit at least once. The Greek restaurant draws its gastronomic heritage from the Mediterranean and owner, Dino Fagas is very hands-on. Prosopa is known for its out-of-this-world wine dinners and with Moses Magwaza as master sommelier and restaurant manager, you can expect only the best here. Moses previously spent 12 years at the award-winning Restaurant Mosaic at the Orient Hotel, which has now moved to France.
Ideal for breakfast, brunch or lunch, or even drinks and dinner after work, Blos Café has it all. With ample outdoor deck seating, you get to dine under the trees and enjoy some fresh air. Blos also has numerous meeting spaces and many Pretorians meet up there since it’s the ideal location for those wanting to meet halfway. With a splash of yellow here and a dash of pink there, it’s also a funky photo spot for foodies. They host various events too, like Paint and Wine evenings and Monday curry nights and they are open from 07:00 in the mornings.
Fashionista alert! Chirpy Chicks recently opened their doors at The Village in Pretoria and here you will be able to find all kinds of chirpy, trendy outfits and accessories. For them, femininity is top priority, so expect lots of girly garments as you browse through the store. Grab an ice cream at Aroma nextdoor and enjoy a lovely little shopping spree here.
Alex Strydom’s Boot and Rally shop at the Equistria Shopping Centre in Pretoria boasts various beautiful leather goodies for both men and women. If you’re unable to visit the shop during the week, be sure to check out their stall at the popular Silverton-based Boeremark or the Irene Village Market over weekends. They’ve got some really great duffle bags in store, as well as belts, handbags and more.
Get the look for your home at Vintage Vista, located at the Glen Village Shopping Centre in Fearie Glen. Here you’ll be able to find anything from trendy pots and scatter cushions to curtains, blinds and upholstery services. They also have the most beautiful paper placemats on display, making dinner parties so much easier! Here, it’s all about small touches.
If you’re looking for an open bar experience surrounded by nature, PLTFRM Wolwespruit’s recently added WIJNTUIN is definitely worth a visit. Open Monday to Saturday from 07:00 to 23:00 and Sundays from 08:00 to 22:00, it is the perfect chill spot for sunset drinks. It offers the perfect mix of fresh air, cocktails, live music and good feels. Reserve your seat on one of their comfy outdoor pillows and indulge in a cold beer, sip on a G&T or enjoy a glass of wine while the kids play to their hearts’ content.
Currently one of actress Leandie du Randt’s favourite spots, this Hazelwood-based rooftop bar is the perfect spot for a an after-work tipple or a kick-off to your date night at golden hour. You will struggle to find views of Pretoria at dusk like the views from this bar. Pair it with a glass of bubbly from their impressive Cap Classique selection and indulge in what they’ve dubbed the Sunset Culture. No under 23s allowed. Card payments only.
Families often stream to this indoor playroom over weekends since it’s probably one of the best-planned kiddies play areas you’re bound to find in Pretoria. Filled with brightly coloured soft walls and balls, The Fun Room lures young and old for a fun-filled hour or more. There’s a café where parents can enjoy a cup of coffee (or a glass of wine) with breakfast or lunch while the kids climb, jump and slide. The menu includes kiddie-inspired options for hungry rascals too. Entrance at The Fun Room excludes meals and drinks and works at an hourly rate. Remember to bring socks for both parents and kids as you won’t be allowed in the play area without them.
Explore farm life at Irene Farm – a working dairy farm in the heart of Centurion. Apart from lovely restaurants on the premises and a unique deli where you’re bound to stumble upon some out of the ordinary foodie finds, part of the grounds is open to the public to explore. There are large sandpits, a lovely jungle gym and old tractors to play on. You’re also sure to encounter cows, calves, chickens, ducks and swans as you stroll along the circle route. P.S. Kids eat for free at The Barn on Mondays.
For more things to do around South Africa, click here.
Subscribe to our newsletter here.
Check out our event calendar here.
Stay up-to-date on the hottest, hippest and most happening things to do in Mzansi!