Where to stay in Pretoria

Menlyn has firmly established itself as Pretoria's go-to area for those who love a cosmopolitan lifestyle. The Menlyn Maine precinct, a sleek mixed-use development, is a recent addition to Pretoria and has benefited from a huge dose of modernisation over the last decade. 

Now, it hosts a casino, shopping malls, restaurants, bars, hotels, office parks, and more. Right next door is the tiny enclave of Hazelwood, which punches way above its weight as Pretoria’s undisputed foodie hub. The streets here are packed with top restaurants, cocktail bars, and wine lounges. 

STAY

The Maslow Time Square is a stylish option offering modern rooms with sweeping city views and plush furnishings. The infinity pool is the perfect place to unwind after a long day. If you prefer something more boutique and personal, you can’t go wrong with Menlyn Boutique Hotel. It’s home to two small restaurants (including a pizzeria, which is arguably the best type of in-house restaurant), a spa, and only 25 suites. 

Prefer something even quieter and more authentic? Airbnb options are rife in this area, from elegant apartments with skyline views to a giant smart house with a fire pit and entertainment area.

EAT

Foodies won’t be disappointed here. Koi is a standout for sushi and Asian fusion lovers - try their signature prawn tempura rolls or crispy duck salad. If you’re after a killer brunch, the ever-popular South African chain Tashas is the place to be. You can’t go wrong with their levelled-up almond toast which features labneh, fresh chives, and crunchy pistachio nuts. 

In Hazelwood, Alfie’s Pizzeria is a must-visit. It’s famous for homemade pasta, wood-fired pizzas and fresh, simple Italian flavours. For Mediterranean flavours, Mezetaki is a must for Greek-inspired dishes, while Spanish-inspired sharing plates and extravagant cocktails reign supreme at Culture Club Bar de Tapas. 

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Menlyn Park Shopping Centre, one of Africa’s largest malls, takes retail therapy to a whole new level, with a host of international and local brands, plus an arcade and cinema. Sun Arena hosts major concerts, while Time Square Casino runs 24/7 in case you want a late night roll of the dice. 

For a break from the madness, Hazel Food Market brings together gourmet food, artisan products, and great coffee in a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere every Saturday. You can even bring your pets! On a clear day, take the 10-minute drive to Fort Klapperkop for panoramic views over the city. 

If you only do one thing… spend a few hours hopping from coffee shop to restaurants to ice cream bars and soaking in the pedestrian-friendly area of The Village.

Waterkloof – and neighbouring Brooklyn – are the ‘old money’ suburbs. The streets are famously lined with Jacarandas which bloom into a canvas of purple over Spring. The area exudes refinement and it’s clear that people lead very content lives here; the streets are packed with ivy-walled houses, embassies, small schools, and upmarket cafes and restaurants. Despite that, there’s easy access to business hubs as well as shopping and dining areas.

STAY

For something truly special, Castello di Monte offers a luxurious stay in a Tuscan-inspired mansion, complete with intricately carved wooden ceilings, hand-painted murals, and antique furnishings. Unwinding in the sauna after a business meeting or sipping a glass of wine on the terrace, you’d be hard-pressed to believe you were right in the heart of South Africa’s capital city. The Apogee Boutique Hotel offers ultra-luxury accommodation with a curated art collection, private butler service, and panoramic city views.

If understated charm is more your style, Brooklyn Guesthouses provides a homely retreat with individually decorated rooms, lush garden courtyards, and a cozy library for a quiet read.

EAT

Kream is a local favourite. It’s upscale but not stuffy, and serves excellent meat and refined versions of South African classics. If you’re visiting for the first time, it’s never a bad decision to try their Koeksisters and “Bush Coffee” – a truly South African mixture of hot chocolate mixed with espresso and Amarula served with syrupy sweet plaits of fried dough.

As the name suggests, Wood & Fire specialise in dishes cooked over open flames, so you can’t go wrong with any of their steaks or pizzas. Want something whimsical? Alice in Waterkloof is a beautiful little café inside a nursery; a quiet little spot for a light lunch or healthy breakfast and a cappuccino. 

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Art lovers can explore the Pretoria Art Museum, which showcases both historic and contemporary South African works.

Visit the Austin Roberts Bird Sanctuary for a quiet escape and a chance to spot some of Pretoria’s beautiful birdlife. If you fancy it, have a drink or lunch at the on-site restaurant, The Blue Crane, which has a gorgeous sun deck next to the lake.

If you only do one thing... Take a drive to the Union Buildings and stroll around the grounds. Don’t forget to stop for the iconic photo of a bronzed statue of Nelson Mandela flanked on either side by the curves of the main buildings

Montana is the first area most people think of when it comes to Pretoria North. One of the city’s fastest-growing suburbs and once a quiet residential area, it has transformed into a lively hub with malls, restaurants, and family-friendly attractions while still offering easy access to nature reserves and scenic hiking trails. It’s popular if you’re looking for affordable accommodation, outdoorsy activities, and plenty of family-friendly things to do while still being close enough to the city for business and leisure. 

STAY

Gabbata Lodge offers a countryside retreat with beautifully landscaped gardens, stylish rooms, and a tranquil setting, about a ten minute drive from Montana and near the gorgeous Roodeplaat Dam. For a more central stay, Villa San Giovanni is a modern boutique guesthouse known for its warm hospitality – and amazing Italian food! Seriously, the stay is worth it for the pasta alone. 

Another excellent option is Kievits Kroon, a luxury country estate known for its Cape Dutch-style architecture, world-class spa, and award-winning wine cellar. The sprawling gardens and serene atmosphere make it an ideal escape just outside the city. If you prefer something more homely, check in to this AirBnb - and check out those mountain views. 

EAT

In case it needs repeating: Villa San Giovanni’s Italian menu is a local gem with handmade pasta and wood-fired pizzas. It’s an absolute must-do when you’re in Montana. 

For a sweet treat, Aroma Gelato serves some of the best handcrafted gelato in the city, as well as excellent coffee. 

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Nature lovers can hike in the Magaliesberg mountains and go on a zip-line adventure, or visit Wonderboom Nature Reserve, home to the legendary 1,000-year-old Wonderboom fig tree. Montana Family Market offers a lively mix of food stalls, crafts, and entertainment, making it a fun stop for families.

If you only do one thing... Hike to the top of Wonderboom Nature Reserve for panoramic city views.

Located southeast of Pretoria, Erasmuskloof is a smaller, quieter suburb than the buzzing hubs of Menlyn and Brooklyn. Close enough to highways and business areas to work or sightsee, but quiet enough to feel like you’re still retreating from the bustle, it’s a great choice if you want to see the more local and authentic side of Pretoria East living. 

Mainly a residential area, you’ll find lots of cute boutique accommodation, green spaces, and more humble, ‘hidden gem’ type spots to eat out. 

STAY

The Nobleman Boutique Hotel provides five-star luxury. Set up on the hills, you’ll definitely find yourself spending one too many nights watching the sun setting from the terrace with a view over the famous Erasmus Castle. It’s rumoured to be haunted, but… who knows. 

Set on a 20-hectare working farm, The Rasmus Hotel is a fairytale stay, complete with a gorgeous little footbridge and a turreted red and grey, castle-like building. It’s a small hotel, so it doesn’t feature a gym or spa. But if your travelling priorities are less wellness and more indulgence, the farm breakfast more than makes up for it. 

Or, opt for a veritable mansion of a house with a pool and braai area.

EAT

Peppertree Restaurant is a standout, offering fine dining in a serene, tree-shaded setting with seasonal dishes featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Their signature Moroccan-style lamb shanks are a wintery highlight, cooked overnight until they pull apart at the touch of a fork. 

For South Africa’s answer to pub food, head to BOSSA at Castle Gate for burgers, pregos, pizzas, nachos, and every type of deep fried jalapeno popper you could imagine, all washed down with a cold beer pulled straight from the tap. 

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Visit Create at Wolwespruit or Clay Café near Silver Lakes for a fun afternoon decorating your own pottery with a coffee and a light meal. If you’re not the arty type, cheat a little and use one of their stencils – there’s no need to let anyone know you’re not the next Picasso. 

If you only do one thing... See some of Pretoria’s best hiking and nature trails. The pet-friendly (and child-friendly!) Wolwespruit has scenic MTB and hiking trails suitable for all experience levels, as well as a gorgeous café. Or you could go slightly further to Rietvlei Nature Reserve, which has a huge damn, and a resident cheetah or two, some rhino, and even six lion. 

Irene is a charming suburb that feels a little like the English countryside. Known for its beautiful green spaces, oak-lined streets, historic farmsteads, and the quaint atmosphere, it’s perfect if you prefer a quieter stay. 

Originally a farm, Irene was named after Irene Fitzpatrick, the daughter of Johannes Albertus van der Byl. In later years, Irene also became home to General Jan Smuts, a former Prime Minister of South Africa and a key figure in the founding of the League of Nations and the United Nations. His residence, now the Jan Smuts House Museum, preserves his extensive library, personal artifacts, and insights into his life. 

STAY

Irene Country Lodge is the obvious choice for a relaxing retreat. Set alongside a tranquil lake, this luxury lodge provides a perfect blend of country charm and high-end comfort. Guests can unwind at the award-winning Camdeboo Day Spa, where hot stone massages and hydrotherapy sessions are just part of the offering. 

For something a little more intimate, River Meadow Manor is a boutique stay in a beautifully restored country house amongst immaculate gardens and towering trees. Expect elegance in the extreme; high teas on the lawn, vintage furnishings, and warm South African hospitality.

Airbnb also offers a selection of unique stays in Irene, including this gorgeous guest cottage shadowed by enormous oak trees.

EAT

Irene has no shortage of great spots to eat, whether you want a quick breakfast or a long, lingering lunch.

Goddess Café Southdowns is a stylish and Instagram-worthy café which is completely adorned in shades of blush, bright pink, gold, and cream. Their gourmet breakfasts, colourful smoothie bowls, and fancy cakes make it feel like you’ve walked into Alice in Wonderland for brunch. Try their signature red velvet latte or the rose petal French toast for something special. And of course, if you don’t post it on social media, it didn’t happen! 

For something different, visit Ouma Isie’s at Smuts House. This charming tea garden is located within the grounds of the Jan Smuts House Museum. It serves up cute cafe fare like quiches, burgers, and huge scones. Plus, the open-air setting makes it a great spot to linger over a long lunch and a few cups of coffee. 

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One of Irene’s biggest draws is the Jan Smuts House Museum, once the home of General Jan Smuts, a prominent South African statesman and military leader. This well-preserved house gives a fascinating glimpse into the country’s history, with many of Smuts’ personal items and furniture still intact. The museum is surrounded by a beautiful nature reserve, with walking trails leading through the veld. You can also

For those interested in South African history, a visit to the Irene Concentration Camp Cemetery is a must. This site serves as a solemn memorial to the thousands of Boer women and children who were interned in British camps during the Anglo-Boer War. The cemetery is well-maintained, with informative plaques providing insight into this tragic period. It's a humbling experience and a place of remembrance that adds depth to any visit to Irene.

If you’re in town on the right weekend, check out the Irene Village Market. Hosted at the Smuts House grounds, this vibrant market brings together local artisans selling handmade crafts, gourmet food, and unique gifts. It’s a great place to pick up one-of-a-kind souvenirs or simply spend the morning browsing the stalls while listening to live music.

If you only do one thing... Spend an afternoon at Irene Farm. This working dairy farm is one of the oldest in the area and remains a favourite spot for families and food lovers. You can sit under the trees, stock up on fresh farm produce, and bring the kids to watch the cows being milked. Then, pop over to the restaurant for a milkshake or their famous scones and homemade cream. The farm’s setting is stunning, with tall trees offering plenty of shade and a calm, countryside feel that makes you forget you’re just minutes from the city.