How to spend 48 hours in pretoria
Centurion is located between Pretoria and Midrand (Johannesburg) and you can easily spend some time in Pretoria on your next visit to Centurion.
Pretoria is the administrative capital of South Africa. Pretoria has a reputation for being an academic city with three universities, the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), University of Pretoria (UP), and the University Of South Africa (UNISA). Pretoria is named after the Voortrekker leader Andries Pretorius, and within South Africa sometimes called the “Jacaranda City” due to the thousands of jacaranda trees planted in its streets, parks and gardens. In this beautiful city you will find significant old buildings and fascinating museums.
When you visit Pretoria on a short vacation, here are some suggestions on how you can best spend 24 hours in the “Jakaranda city”.
MORNING
Enjoy a delicious South African breakfast at your Guest House/Bed and Breakfast or at any of the great breakfast spots in the city. Then head over to the Voortrekker Monument to learn about the history of the Afrikaner people. This Monument overlooking the city from its hilltop vantage is a must see heritage site and is surrounded by magnificent gardens and a nature reserve. Climb the 169 steps, gaze down upon the Cenotaph from the top of the dome and explore the grounds on foot or by car and spot some non-predatory animals.
AFTERNOON
To shop until you drop! If you’re in need of some retail therapy then Menlyn Park Shopping Centre is conveniently located just off the N1 highway in Pretoria. This multi-level centre boasts a large base of international brands and flagship anchor stores. This amazing mall has some of the best restaurants, cafes and bars in Pretoria, and one of only four 4DX cinemas in the country. Want more? Then Brooklyn Mall, Woodlands Boulevard, The Grove and the Kolonnade Mall are some of the largest shopping centers in Pretoria and all have something unique to offer.
EVENING
One of the most popular places to visit in Pretoria for craft beer tasting is the Capital Craft Beer Academy restaurant and bar in Menlo Park. Visit this bar who not only serve our local SAB brands, but also a selection of craft beers for the more refined palate. They serve top quality foods which will complement the craft beer experience in a great atmosphere. This is a must visit! Tel: +27 12 424 8601
If you and the night are both still young, go see a movie at the IMAX. There are only seven IMAX theaters in South Africa and one of them is located in The Grove Mall in Pretoria. If you like your movie experiences large and immersive, with quality surround sound and 3D screens, then this is the place to see the latest blockbuster.
The Grove, Tel: +27 87 820 8240