We've created a list of must-see and must-do things in our lovely city. From cultural and historic, to outdoor activities, to leisure. Incorporate exploring our city into your monthly schedule and find out again why you love staying in Pretoria.

We may not have a big mountain to stare at or a beach to stroll on, but our city still has many thrills and joys to embrace.

Leave a comment on the blog post to tell us which activity was your favourite, or give us some of your own ideas for what should be added to the Pretoria Bucket List.

1. Union Buildings
Designed by the architect Sir Herbert Baker, completed in 1913. This magnificent, crescent-shaped red sandstone edifice looks over the city from the heights of Meintjes Kop, with stunning panoramic views.

2. Church Square
The historic centre of our city, its most prominent feature is the statue of the Boer leader and president of the South African Republic Paul Kruger. Several historically and architecturally significant buildings surround the square.

3. Zoo
The National Zoological Gardens of South Africa is the largest zoo in the country and the only one with national status. The zoo was originally established at the outbreak of the Second Boer War in 1899.

4. Botanical Gardens
76 ha of urban oasis. A 35m high quartzite outcrop divides the Garden in two sections - a frosty south-facing section and the north-facing, warmer section.

5. Voortrekker Monument
Did you know the momument is an exact square cube? 40 metres high, with a base of 40 metres by 40 metres. It is a unique Monument which commemorates the Pioneer history of Southern Africa and the history of the Afrikaner.

6. Museums
Pretoria boasts with a wide variety of museums, with historic and cultural importance. If you want to explore a number of museums in one trip, your best option would be to start in Pretoria City center.

7. Marabastad
Also called the Asiatic Bazaar, situated in Boom street, close to the Pretoria Zoo. A cultural experience of shopping where everything is a little bit cheaper.

8. Gautrain
The Gautrain has made life in Gauteng much more exciting, with the possibility of whizzing between Pretoria, Centurion and Joburg in the blink in of an eye for a quick trip. A European type of experience on our doorstep!

9. Local Nature Reserves & Public parks
Did you know that we have the second oldest nature reserve in the world in our city? Groenkloof Nature Reserve is but one of the many local nature spots that you can escape to. Pretoria was chosen as An Outstanding Garden City of the World in the 1996 International Garden City competition, awarded the Golden Trophy. Rural mixed in between the urban.

10. Art Galleries
Enjoy staring at pretty things and take in the beauty of artistic talent that has come alive. A fun activity is joining the opening evenings, hosted at the beginning of exhibitions.

11. Theatres
Hidden in our suburbs, lies little creative hubs, showcasing drama and musical talent. An excuse to dress up a little and enjoy an evening out of decadent entertainment

12. Spas
There's something about stepping into the serene environment of a spa and settling in for a good massage or facial. It's as if you can switch off the world for a moment and enjoy true relaxation.

13. Malls & Lifestyle Centres
What would a city be without great shopping options! We have one of the biggest malls in South Africa, Menlyn, and one of the most successful in Gauteng, Kolonnade. Set aside a day for shopping, great restaurant options and a movie.

14. Loftus Versfeld
With a capacity of well over 50 000, the venue was first used for sports in 1906. It hosts both rugby and soccer events. The stadium is also frequently used as a venue for musical events.

15. Local markets
Enjoy the handiwork of local artists and chefs, with products ranging from arts and crafts, to delicious eats. Great vibe and great bargains to enjoy.

16. Restaurants & Coffee Shops
With an array of fine dining and casual restaurant options, you will need to set aside at least a whole year to work through all the great places strewn across our city!

17. Steam train ride to Cullinan
Enjoy the nostalgia of the old world travel style, where everything happens a little bit slower, and you can take in the sights on the way more thoroughly.

18. Royal Danish
Ice-cream made to a special, traditional Danish recipe using only the finest ingredients and served in homemade wafer cones. Situated on the corner of Gordon and Bernard street, just off Church street. Most heavenly ice cream you'll ever taste!

19. Antique Route
12 antique shops within a radius of about 5km, between these you will find many hidden treasures and bargain, hop from one to the next if you are looking for something specific. Situated in the area north of Church Street (suburbs Pierneef, Villeria, Deerness and Rietfontein). The famous Toni's Pizza also found on route.

20. Local music gigs
There's something different to listening to live music instead of a CD. For one, you appreciate the musicians more, as you see them master their instruments. Various restaurants across town boast live music evenings, or go to full-on music venue.

21. Roadhouses
A dying trend, but still lost of fun as alternative dining outing! We've got the Lollipop in Church street, one of the oldest roadhouses in the country, opened in 1935. And definitely lots of worth for money from Casbah, with branches in Gezina, Annlin and Colbyn.

22. Mamelodi Tours
The Mamelodi Heritage Experience is an entrepreneurial initiative. It seeks to share with domestic and international travellers the rich history of one of Gauteng’s oldest townships, in a green and fun way with guided bicycle tours. Through guided bicycle tours of Mamelodi

23. Menlyn Rooftop Drive-In
A world-first in our lovely Jacaranda city! Suspended above the city, park your car, get comfortable and watch two movies back-to-back. Relive the old school vibe of movies on a big screen in an open-air environment