🚶Walking Atlas

Pretoria walking tour & city guide

The Jacaranda City and seat of government.

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Pretoria, South Africa's administrative capital, is known as the Jacaranda City, as thousands of trees turn its streets purple in spring. It is home to the Union Buildings and important monuments.

The city

The Union Buildings, the seat of government, sit in terraced gardens with a giant statue of Nelson Mandela. Church Square is the historic center. The Voortrekker Monument and Freedom Park tell different chapters of the nation's history.

Jacaranda season

In October and November, more than 50,000 jacaranda trees bloom, covering the city in purple.

Top sights in Pretoria

  1. 1

    Union Buildings

    The seat of government.

  2. 2

    Nelson Mandela statue

    A giant bronze statue.

  3. 3

    Voortrekker Monument

    A huge granite monument.

  4. 4

    Freedom Park

    A memorial to the struggle for freedom.

  5. 5

    Church Square

    The historic center.

Food markets & where to eat in Pretoria

  1. Hazel Food Market

    A Saturday market.

  2. Hatfield

    A student district of cafés.

  3. Brooklyn

    Restaurants and malls.

Food to try in Pretoria

  1. Biltong

    A favorite South African snack.

  2. Vetkoek

    Fried dough with fillings.

  3. Melktert

    A milk tart with cinnamon.

Opening hours and prices change often. Please check with each place before you visit.

Plan your trip to Pretoria

Enjoyed the walk? Here is everything you need to see it for real.

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