The centre of the City of Pretoria is rich in history and architectural gems, but interesting and noteworthy places can be found all over Pretoria.
Pretoria's main street, Church Street, is the longest urban street in South Africa.
Historically significant buildings surround Church Square, with the statue of the legendary Boer leader Paul Kruger at its centre, including the Old Capitol Theatre, the Tudor Chambers, the 'Ou Raadsaal' and the Palace of Justice, site of the famous Rivonia Trial. Church Square is therefore a site full of associations with a number of struggles for freedom. Above the Church Square entrance is a clock surrounded by creations of sculptor Anton van Wouw.
To the south of the city centre, about a 20-minute walk up Paul Kruger Street, is the Pretoria Station Building, designed by Sir Herbert Baker.
The Pretoria city centre is also the location of the Museum Mall, designed along the lines of the American Smithsonian Institute in Washington.
Burgers Park
Close to the Pretoria city centre, is the suburb of Burgers Park. Many grand villas in Burgers Park were built from the wealth generated in the economic boom on the Witwatersrand gold fields during the 1880's and 1890's. Melrose House in Burgers Park is a fascinating museum.
Marabastad
Marabastad lies a few blocks north of the city centre. Filled with African fascination, 'muti' shops and 'Sangomas' (traditional healers), cinemas and a mosque blend into the vibrant, cultural and religious life of Marabastad. A beautiful and ingenuously constructed Mariammen Temple stands witness to a devoted Hindu community.
About five city blocks to the east of Marabastad are the National Zoological Gardens of South Africa.
Sunnyside, Arcadia and Hatfield
The Union Buildings in Pretoria, with their beautiful gardens and sweeping lawns, were started in 1901 and completed in 1913. The Union Buildings were built in the early years of the 20th century, during the era of the Union of South Africa, and cost 1,180,000 pounds Stirling. The Union Buildings embody much of the British philosophy at the time, on how colonies should be run and governed, and was designed by Sir Herbert Baker.
The suburbs of Sunnyside, Arcadia and Hatfield popular areas for its embassies, shopping centres, pretty lanes, beautiful old homes and the University of Pretoria. Some regard these suburbs as the most affluent and interesting suburbs of Pretoria.
Hatfield, with its abundance of bars, cafes, boutiques and sidewalk coffee shops and restaurants, is the ideal place to soak up some South African sun and watch the bussle of passing students, artists, street artists and African sidewalk traders from all the continent.
The Pretoria Art Museum in the suburb of Arcadia, showcases the finest South African and international art.
Waterkloof
Waterkloof Ridge and Waterkloof Glen are the large, hilly and gracious suburbs to the south of Pretoria. It's home to some very wealthy households, and offer a pleasant view of Pretoria.
Centurion
The Voortrekker Monument and its attractive parks are located in the suburb of Centurion, to the south of the city and heading towards Johannesburg.
The Pretoria National Botanical Gardens is home to more than 5,000 indigenous plant species. Not far from the Pretoria National Botanical Gardens, the Fountains Valley Resort, just outside the city, offers walks, trails and picnic areas.
Places to see in Pretoria
Other interesting places in Pretoria include The African Window Museum, The General Post Office designed by John Cleland, Kruger House (Residence of Paul Kruger the old president of the ZAR ), Transvaal Museum and Pretoria Boys High School.
