One Day · Pretoria

One Day in Pretoria: Mid-Century Modernism and Culinary Secrets

Often overlooked in favor of neighboring Johannesburg, South Africa's administrative capital has a quiet, leafy confidence all its own. From imposing Art Deco monuments to one of the country's most visionary sustainable restaurants, this is how to spend a perfect 24 hours exploring Pretoria's design, art, and culinary scenes.

Design Fine Dining Architecture Africa Urban Explorer
Share
One Day in Pretoria: Mid-Century Modernism and Culinary Secrets
6 stops · One Day · Pretoria Guide
1
90 min

Karoo Cafe

Kick off your morning at this creative oasis in Lynnwood, which feels more like a rustic farm-to-table gallery than a city cafe. Grab a table among the indigenous plants, order a flat white made with local beans, and try the shakshuka served in a cast-iron skillet.

15 min by car
2
105 min

Pretoria Art Museum

Housed in a striking mid-century modernist building in Arcadia, this museum is a quiet sanctuary for South African art. Skip the massive crowds of Jo'burg galleries to admire pioneering works by Gerard Sekoto, Judith Mason, and Jacobus Hendrik Pierneef in crowd-free peace.

15 min by car
3
120 min

Alfie's Italian Cafe

Hazelwood is the city's undisputed culinary hotspot, and Alfie's is its beating heart. This intimate, beautifully styled cafe serves exceptional, no-nonsense Italian classics—the hand-rolled pasta of the day is always a smart bet.

20 min by car
4
115 min

Voortrekker Monument

While politically complex, this colossal granite structure is an undeniable masterclass in Art Deco and Brutalist architecture. Climb to the top dome for sweeping 360-degree views of the city's purple jacaranda canopy and geometric suburbs.

15 min by car
5
135 min

Priva Gastronomy

Head up to Waterkloof Heights for early evening drinks on a terrace that overlooks the rolling hills of Pretoria. Pair a glass of vintage Chenin Blanc from their extensive cellar with some light live jazz as the sky turns orange over the valley.

20 min by car
6
180 min

Fermier

End your day at Adriaan Maree's extraordinary restaurant, built entirely from rammed earth and recycled materials. The multi-course tasting menu is a masterclass in zero-waste dining, with almost every ingredient grown or reared on-site. It is a quiet, profound dining experience that stays with you long after you leave.

Book an experience

via Viator

More in One Day

One Day in Assago: Milan's Design and Entertainment Outpost
One Day

One Day in Assago: Milan's Design and Entertainment Outpost

One Day in Bloemendaal: Wild Dunes, Clean Design, and Lakeside Dining
One Day

One Day in Bloemendaal: Wild Dunes, Clean Design, and Lakeside Dining

One Day in Hjørring: Art, Beer, and Quiet North Jutland Charm
One Day

One Day in Hjørring: Art, Beer, and Quiet North Jutland Charm