Pretoria is South Africa's executive capital, a city of government departments, embassies and universities set in a warm, sheltered valley at around 1,339 m, with the Magaliesberg hills rising to its west and the Apies River running through it. Thousands of jacarandas line its streets and parks, which is why it is known as the Jacaranda City. Summers are long, hot and rainy; winters are short and dry, with clear, cold nights.
For a visitor, the practical question is which part of this spread-out city to base yourself in. Much of the accommodation sits in the eastern suburbs around Hatfield and the university campuses, while the central business district holds the historic core and the main rail station, and a few guesthouses sit further out in suburban or semi-rural settings. This guide covers the areas the sources identify, what each suits, and how the choice changes with your budget.
Best areas to stay in Pretoria
1. Hatfield
Hatfield, east of the centre around Arcadia Street and the university precinct, is where most of Pretoria's traveller-oriented accommodation is concentrated. You find backpacker hostels with dorms and doubles, guesthouses, and converted family homes used as bed-and-breakfast rooms, several with gardens, pools and free breakfast. It suits budget travellers, students and anyone who wants a central base with company around them.
It is also the most convenient area for a first visit, since it sits next to the University of Pretoria and the sports university, and the N4 brings you in directly from the highway towards Hatfield. Expect a lively, campus-driven atmosphere rather than quiet.
2. Pretoria Central
The central business district holds the corporate offices, shops and government buildings, along with the city's historic architecture, and it is where you find the railway station. Accommodation here includes budget and mid-range hotels, among them the oldest hotel in the city, next to the station. It suits travellers arriving by train and those who want the historic core and the main transport hub on foot.
This is the area to choose if your priority is proximity to the station and the centre rather than a suburban setting.
3. Clydesdale
Clydesdale, a smaller area close to the centre, appears in the sources as a base with backpacker-style accommodation offering double rooms and breakfast. It suits budget travellers who prefer a quieter spot than the Hatfield student strip while staying within easy reach of the centre.
4. Waterkloof Ridge
Waterkloof Ridge is a suburban area on the eastern side of the city, represented in the sources by guesthouse-style accommodation. It suits travellers looking for a calmer, residential base and those on a splurge budget who want space rather than a central location.
5. Faerie Glen and Shere
Faerie Glen and Shere are eastern suburbs with guesthouse accommodation, both described as easily accessible from all the major highways. They suit visitors with a car, or those whose plans take them across the city, who prefer a quiet suburban base over a central one.
6. Amandasig
Amandasig, in the north of the city, is likewise served by guesthouse accommodation and is easily accessible from the major highways. It suits self-driving visitors who want a northern base and straightforward road connections.
7. Lynnwood
Lynnwood, on Lynnwood Road, is a suburban area with guesthouse-style accommodation offering a South African setting with animals around the property, and it also welcomes day visitors. It suits families and travellers who want a semi-rural feel within the city.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: backpacker hostels with dorm beds, single and double rooms, and occasionally camping space; guesthouses with dorm beds and free breakfast; and budget hotels, including one beside the railway station. Shared facilities, gardens and pools are common at the hostel end.
- Mid-range: guesthouses with en suite rooms, off-street parking and internet access; converted family homes used as bed-and-breakfast rooms; and chain hotels, some with restaurants, bars, pools and 24-hour front desks.
- Splurge: established hotel chains and upmarket guesthouses, including properties close to the Union Buildings, generally with breakfast and fuller facilities. Note that when Parliament is in session or state events are on, mid-range and splurge rooms can be almost impossible to find, and nearby Centurion is the suggested alternative.
Best area for a first visit
Hatfield is the best base for a first visit. It holds the widest choice of accommodation at every level, from dorms to guesthouses, and it sits next to the university precinct with direct highway access from the N4. Staying here puts you in the part of the city where most other travellers are, without cutting you off from the centre.
Frequently asked questions
When is it hard to find a room in Pretoria?
When Parliament is in session and during other state events, mid-range and splurge rooms can be almost impossible to find. Nearby Centurion is worth considering as an alternative at those times.
Do I need to check the address when booking?
Yes. Many hotels belong to the same chains, so note the address when booking to make sure you go to the right property.
Which areas are easiest to reach from the highways?
Amandasig, Faerie Glen and Shere are all described as easily accessible from the major highways, and the N4 brings you directly into Hatfield.
What is the climate like through the year?
Summers are long, hot and rainy, while winters are short, dry and mild by day with cold, clear nights that can bring sharp frosts. Rain falls mainly in the summer months.
Compare live prices for the areas that suit you using the booking tools on this page.