25 fun things to do in Pretoria for couples in 2025

25 fun things to do in Pretoria for couples in 2025

Pretoria, situated in the Northern part of Gauteng Province, is one of South Africa’s top three capital cities. There are plenty of activities and fun things to do in Pretoria for couples and the entire family. Find out below the indoor and outdoor activities couples can do while exploring Pretoria.

An overview of Pretoria city and couple enjoying themselves at a park
Pretoria offers countless opportunities for couples to bond and create lasting memories. Photo: @cityofpretoria on Instagram.com, @prostooleh on Freepik.com (modified by author)
Source: UGC

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Key Takeaways

  • Pretoria is generally quiet and has a more relaxed atmosphere.
  • The city offers adrenaline-rush, relaxing, and calming activities.
  • It has numerous restaurants offering international and South African cuisines.
  • Pretoria also has parks and gardens, prominent historical landmarks and sites, and other attractions couples can enjoy.

25 fun things to do in Pretoria for couples

Are you looking for special date ideas? To determine the best fun things to do in Pretoria for couples looking to enjoy their time, we analyzed factors such as cost, uniqueness of the places to visit, safety, and the number of people doing the activities.

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Here are 25 fun places to visit in Pretoria as a couple:

RankingFun places to visit in Pretoria as a couple
1Colin's Horseback Africa
2The Blue Train trip
3Ludwig's Roses Farm, Pretoria North
4All Wellness Spa
5National Library of South Africa
6Lynnwood Bridge Shopping Centre
711 Ster-Kinekor movie theatre
8Balloon ride over Pretoria
9Grove Ice Rink
10Roodeplaat Dam
11Jacaranda-lined streets of Pretoria
12Union Buildings
13Johann van Heerden's Art Gallery
14Pretoria Love Bridge
15Freedom Park
16Brooks Gym
17012 Central
18Silver Lakes Golf Estate
19Climbing Barn Adventure Centre
20Savanna Game Farm
21Wonderboom Nature Reserve
22Acrobranch Pretoria North
23Castello Di Monte
24Brooklyn Theatre
25Pretoria National Botanical Garden

We used surveys and data from government sources and tour agencies to create the following list of fun places to visit and things to do in Pretoria as a couple:

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25. Go on a picnic at the Pretoria National Botanical Garden

The Pretoria National Botanical Garden
The Pretoria National Botanical Garden is a colorful 76-ha botanical tapestry. Photo: @pretoriapnbg (modified by author)
Source: UGC
  • Location: 2 Cussonia Ave, Brummeria, Pretoria
  • Area: 76 hectares (0.76 km2)
  • Contacts: +27 12 843 5071
  • Food and drinks: On-site café

The Pretoria National Botanical Garden is one of the best picnic places for an outdoor date. You can stroll through the park, go on an adventure hiking thrill on the trails, watch the birds, and see local art and sculptures.

The garden has shady spots for couples to relax, music events they can attend for entertainment, and an on-site café where they can grab something to eat.

24. Watch music performances and other shows at the Brooklyn Theatre

People performing at the Brooklyn Theatre
The Brooklyn Theatre is a 400-seat entertainment venue in Pretoria, South Africa that hosts classical music and other shows. Photo: @BrooklynTheatreTV (modified by author)
Source: UGC
  • Location: Greenlyn Village Centre in Menlo Park, Pretoria
  • Contact: +27 12 460 6033
  • Seating: Raked auditorium-style seating with a private balcony
  • Food and drinks: Restaurant, bar, and buffet lunch on Sundays before concerts

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If you are interested in a cultured activity, visiting the Brooklyn Theatre is a great date night idea. The venue hosts several shows, theatrical performances, operas, and concerts.

You can always check in advance to see if there is a specific activity at the theatre that will make your evening and probably make a memorable outing for the two of you.

23. Visit Castello Di Monte and other luxury hotels in Pretoria

The grand Tuscan-style Castello Di Monte hotel
The grand Tuscan-style Castello Di Monte hotel offers panoramic Pretoria views. Photo: @CastelloDiMonte (modified by author)
Source: UGC
  • Location: 402 Aries St, Waterkloof Ridge, Pretoria
  • Contacts: +27 12 346 6984

It is vital for a couple to find some time for a romantic moment amid a fast city life. What better way to do this than to visit one of the most romantic restaurants in Pretoria?

The Castello Di Monte is among the hotels in Pretoria that exuberates pure luxury and elegance. The palatial Tuscan-style villa is 11483 ft² of grounds and is located on a hilltop in high-end Waterkloof to enable guests to enjoy breathtaking views of the city.

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22. Enjoy zip lining at Acrobranch Pretoria North

People ziplining at Pretoria
The Acrobranch Pretoria North Park is equipped with adrenaline-packed activities, including ziplining. Photo: @Acrobranch, @Akhila Bandaru (modified by author)
Source: UGC
  • Location: 18 Honingnestkrans Street, Soutpan Road, Pretoria North
  • Contacts: +27 21 201 1121 | +27 86 999 0369
  • Food and drinks: On-site kiosk

If you are feeling a bit adventurous, going on a zip line trip with your significant other is a perfect outing if both of you are into adrenaline junkies. Acrobranch Pretoria North offers a 300 m-long safe zip line adventure for three years to adults.

Self-catering is not allowed at the park because there is an on-site kiosk that offers a range of takeaways and refreshments for your convenience.

21. Go on a hiking trail at the Wonderboom Nature Reserve

Nature walk trails at the Wonderboom Nature Reserve
The Wonderboom Nature Reserve is a 1 km², 200-hectare reserve that incorporates a section of the Magaliesberg range. Photo: @myhikinglogbook, @city_of_tshwane (modified by author)
Source: UGC
  • Location: 1 Lavender Rd, Annlin West, Pretoria
  • Area: 200 hectares (1 km2)
  • Contacts: +27 12 358 1792
  • Food and drinks: Restaurants near the reserve

Going hiking at the Wonderboom Nature Reserve (Afrikaans: Wonderboom-natuurreservaat) is one of the romantic things to do in Pretoria. It is a 2.4-mile loop trail (a 3km round-trip), so water and sunscreen are recommended. Bookings are required if you need a guide for a hiking trail.

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20. Go on a hunting adventure at the Savanna Game Farm

Tourist rangers with an antelope and buffalos at Savanna Game Farm
Whether you’re an avid hunter, nature lover, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, Savanna Game Farm has something for everyone. Photo: @Savanna Game Farm (modified by author)
Source: UGC
  • Location: Springfonteint 213JR, Portin 9 De Wagendrift, Moloto, Pretoria
  • Area: 10,000 hectares (100 km2)
  • Contacts: +27 82 927 0099 | +27 84 445 0077
  • Food and drinks: On-site restaurants and meat processing facilities

Experience the African bushveld at the Savanna Game Farm only 50 minutes from Pretoria. The place offers guidance from professional hunting guides, fully equipped hunting accommodations, and on-site meat processing facilities. You can also go hiking, game drives, or relax by the water and reel in a catch at scenic fishing spots.

19. Go for indoor rock climbing at the Climbing Barn Adventure Centre

Tourists at the Climbing Barn Adventure Centre
Climbing Barn Adventure Centre is one of the most adventurous places to visit in Pretoria. Photo: @ClimbingBarn (modified by author)
Source: UGC
  • Location: Plot 210 Korhaan Dirt Rd, Mooiplaats, Pretoria
  • Contacts: +27 82 335 3220 | +27 12 000 4803
  • Food and drinks: On-site restaurant

At the Climbing Barn in Pretoria, you can primarily engage in indoor rock climbing with various difficulty levels, making it suitable for beginners and experienced climbers.

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Couples can challenge each other to do a rock-wall climbing competition or participate in airsoft battles, off-road go-kart track driving, and high-altitude obstacle courses.

18. Try golfing at Silver Lakes Golf Estate

Golfers playing at Silver Lakes Golf Estate
The Silver Lakes Golf Estate is a golf course and a game reserve. Photo: @silverlakesgolfclub (modified by author)
Source: UGC
  • Location: 27 Muirfield Blvd, Silver Lakes Golf Estate, Pretoria
  • Area: 300 hectares (3 km2)
  • Contacts: +27 12 809 0430 | +27 12 809 0281
  • Food and drinks: On-site restaurants

The 18-hole, Par 72 Silver Lakes Golf Course is one of the finest in the country. As the first estate of its kind in Pretoria, a golf course and a game reserve, it offers spectacular views of the lakes and tranquil surroundings.

17. Attend an open mic poetry event at 012 Central

Tourists watching entertainment at 012 Central
A spoken word open mic night is an event where anybody can take a turn to perform poetry or stories in front of a microphone to an audience. Photo: @ClimbingBarn (modified by author)
Source: UGC
  • Location: 387 Helen Joseph St, Pretoria Central, Pretoria
  • Contacts: +27 12 110 4698
  • Food and drinks: On-site food court, bar, and food sold by local vendors

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Among the many fun things to do in Pretoria at night with your partner, got to an open mic poetry event at 012 Central on the first Saturday of every month. The venue is a large industrial shed that was renovated to provide amenities for events.

You can write a poem for your date and recite it for them at the venue. Tickets are available online on Webtickets and some are available at the gate. Free parking is available at 216 Sisulu Street.

16. Go for an outdoor fitness class at Brooks Gym

People working out at Brooks Gym
Brooks Gym offers challenging, fun, functional group training in an outdoor setting. Photo: @BrooksGaragegym (modified by author)
Source: UGC
  • Location: 291 Main Street, Waterkloof, Pretoria
  • Contacts: +27 60 519 7315

An outdoor fitness class at Brooks Gym is one of the things you can do as a couple. The gym offers challenging, fun, functional group training in an outdoor setting and one-on-one personal training from the convenience of your home.

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15. Try out outdoor Yoga at Freedom Park

Freedom Park in Pretoria
Freedom Park is a space where people can relax and learn about the country's unique heritage and culture. Photo: @FreedomParkSA (modified by author)
Source: UGC
  • Location: Corner Koch and 7th Avenue, Salvokop, Pretoria
  • Contacts: +27 (0) 79 873 9069
  • Food and drinks: On-site restaurant

If you need to unwind, go for outdoor Yoga at Freedom Park. You will also find guides at the park who can teach you the history of South Africa and the country's heritage.

The park has a memorial with a list of the names of those killed in the South African Wars, World War I, World War II as well as during the apartheid era.

14. Close padlocks at the Pretoria Love Bridge

Padlocks attached at Pretoria Love Bridge
The Pretoria Love Bridge is a popular spot for couples to symbolize their everlasting love. Photo: @BabySoftSA, (modified by author)
Source: UGC
  • Location: Magnolia Dell park, Walkerspruit, Pretoria
  • Food and drinks: On-site restaurant

The Intiem Love Bridge is among the free places to visit in Pretoria. After locking the padlocks on the bridge, couples usually throw the keys into the Seine River as a sign of their everlasting love. Since the bridge is located in Magnolia Dell Park next to Huckleberry's restaurant, you can stroll in the park or eat.

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Johann van Heerden's Art Gallery
Johann van Heerden's Art Gallery showcases a diverse range of visual expressions that inspire, provoke thought, and evoke emotions. Photo: @Johannvanheerdensart (modified by author)
Source: UGC
  • Location: 593 Jacqueline Dr, Garsfontein, Pretoria
  • Contacts: +27 79 780 9807
  • Food and drinks: On-site restaurant

Other fun things to do with your partner in Pretoria include visiting the city’s outstanding art galleries such as Johann van Heerden's Art Gallery at Garsfontein. The gallery features new exhibitions every month and artists from across South Africa are represented.

When you visit Johann van Heerden's Art Gallery, you can expect to find food and drinks, including a variety of wines, at their on-site restaurant's deck area.

12. Have a romantic picnic around the Union Buildings

An overview of the Union Buildings
The Union Buildings are a great place to walk around and absorb the crisp cool air of Pretoria on a sunny day. Photo: @cksiamtravel. Photo: @Johannvanheerdensart (modified by author)
Source: UGC
  • Location: Government Ave, Pretoria

Set up a romantic picnic to woo your lover at the lush garden of the Union Buildings. The ambience of green lawns, trees, and flowers offers a romantic set-up. This pretentious complex is the official headquarters of the South African government and houses the president's offices.

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11. Enjoy cycling through the Jacaranda-lined streets of Pretoria

Purple Jacaranda flowers in Pretoria
Pretoria is sometimes called Jacaranda City because thousands of jacaranda trees are planted along its streets and in its parks and gardens. Photo: @AfricaViewFacts (modified by author)
Source: UGC

You can try cycling through the Jacaranda-lined Streets. Pretoria has many streets lined with enormous white and purple jacaranda trees, including Government Avenue, Herbert Baker Street, and other roadsides.

10. Spend time kayaking on Roodeplaat Dam

People kayaking at Roodeplaat Dam
The Roodeplaat Dam Nature Reserve allows day and overnight visitors and camping. Photo: @DabulamanziCC (modified by author)
Source: UGC
  • Location: Moloto Road, just north of Kameeldrift East, Pretoria
  • Contacts: +27 (0)12 808 5131 | +27 (0)12 808 5174
  • Food and drinks: On-site restaurants and shops

The Roodeplaat Dam Nature Reserve is great for canoeing, kayaking, sailing, fishing bass, kurper, and carp fish species. Kayaking is the use of a kayak for moving over water. It is different from canoeing by the sitting position of the paddler and the number of blades on the paddle.

9. Enjoy ice skating at the Grove Ice Rink

A lady and a man ice skating at the Grove Ice Rink
The Grove Ice Rink is a nice and safe ice skating rink with skates for hire. Photo: @thegroveicerink (modified by author)
Source: UGC
  • Location: Lynnwood Rd &, Simon Vermooten Rd, Lynnwood Ridge, Pretoria
  • Contacts: +27 12 807 3060
  • Food and drinks: On-site restaurants and shops

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Another fun thing to do in Pretoria at night for couples is ice skating at the Grove Ice Rink. It is a famous yet small ice skating rink at the Grove Shopping Mall. Supervision for less experienced skaters is available.

8. Take a hot air balloon ride over Pretoria through Mmilo Tours

Hot air balloons
From thrilling safaris to shark cage diving and hot air ballooning, Mmilo Tours offers activities for adventure seekers and leisure travellers. Photo: @Mmilotours (modified by author)
Source: UGC
  • Location: 42 Henri Road Centurion, Pretoria
  • Contacts: +2712 654 5308 | +27 83 770 5298
  • Food and drinks: Breakfast served after the flight

You can take a hot air balloon ride over Pretoria from the Cradle of Humankind. Mmilo Tours offers a hot air balloon ride over the Cradle of Humankind, including hotel, airport pickup and drop-off, and a delicious breakfast served after the flight.

7. Go on a date night at the 11 Ster-Kinekor movie theatre

An empty 11 Ster-Kinekor movie theatre
The 11 Ster-Kinekor movie theatre is the ultimate leisure and entertainment destination in the central Pretoria area. Photo: @sterlandpta (modified by author)
Source: UGC
  • Location: Corner of Steve Biko and Pretorius Streets, Sunnyside, Pretoria
  • Contacts: +27 12 471 1600
  • Food and drinks: On-site restaurants and shops

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Another ideal date night is going to see a romantic movie. Pretoria has several excellent movie theatres including the 11 Ster-Kinekor movie theatre at Sterland Mall. The mall is situated on the corner of Steve Biko and Pretorius Street, has ample parking for guests, and is easily accessible via public transport.

6. Go shopping at the Lynnwood Bridge

The Lynnwood Bridge Shopping Centre
Discover an extraordinary lifestyle, shopping, and dining experience at the Lynnwood Bridge Shopping Centre. Photo: @freepik, @lynnwoodbridgeretail (modified by author)
Source: UGC
  • Location: Lynnwood Rd &, Daventry St, Lynnwood Glen, Pretoria
  • Contacts: +27 12 010 3541
  • Food and drinks: On-site restaurants

You can make your girl happy by taking her on a shopping spree date at the Lynnwood Bridge or any other sophisticated shopping centre in Pretoria. The Lynnwood Bridge is one of Pretoria's hidden gems for shopping. You can also rest and enjoy a meal at Tashas or any other on-site restaurant.

5. Try book hunting at the National Library of South Africa

The National Library of South Africa
The National Library of South Africa maintains a national library of all published materials relating to the country. Photo: @Ricky Esquivel, @NationalLibraryofSA (modified by author)
Source: UGC
  • Location: 228 Johannes Ramokhoase St, Pretoria Central, Pretoria
  • Contacts: +27 12 401 9700

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As a couple, you can spend time hunting for books to read in the National Library of South Africa or any of the numerous bookstores in Pretoria. Identify your topics of interest, and select books that align with that. This way, you will have endless conversations with each other when you finish reading those books.

4. Go for a spa date at the All Wellness Spa

The All Wellness Spa
The All Wellness Spa has a highly motivated team of specialists who strive to understand and meet your relaxation needs. Photo: @Ricky Esquivel, @NationalLibraryofSA (modified by author)
Source: UGC
  • Location: 308 Heuwel St, Capital Park, Pretoria
  • Contact: +27 12 329 9867
  • Food and drinks: Clients get a drink and a meal

The All Wellness Spa is a unique oasis of calm situated on the Capital Ridge Mountain Range in Pretoria. Nurture your body and soothe your mind with a wide selection of quality therapeutic, relaxing treatments at affordable prices.

3. Take a stroll on Ludwig's Roses Farm, Pretoria North

Flower nurseries at Ludwig's Roses Farm
Visiting Ludwig's Roses Farm, the mother nursery north of Pretoria is a sight to behold and an experience in itself. Photo: @therosethatgrows (modified by author)
Source: UGC
  • Location: 61 Haakdoornlaagte, Pretoria
  • Contact: +27 12 544 01 44
  • Food and drinks: On-site restaurant and a coffee shop

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Have an outing to Ludwig's Roses Farm, Pretoria North, to see the extensive gardens and fields of roses. The farm has been propagating roses since March 1971. Visiting Ludwig's Roses Farm, the mother nursery north of Pretoria is a sight to behold. A million rose bushes in full bloom appear like an ocean of colour with an overwhelming fragrance.

2. Take a romantic trip on the Blue Train

The Blue Train in Pretoria
The Blue Train offers the ultimate luxurious train travel experience as it whisks you through a world that whispers of romance and adventure. Photo: @The Blue Train - South Africa (modified by author)
Source: UGC
  • Location: Tshwane Train Station, Pretoria
  • Contact: +27 12 334 8459
  • Food and drinks: Meals and drinks are available on the train

You can take a trip with your loved one from Pretoria to Cape Town. The Blue Train will make the 54-hour journey of 1,600 kilometres (994 miles) memorable as it takes you through some of the most diverse and spectacular scenery.

All applicable meals and drinks are included on the trip, including a wide selection of South African wines sourced only from some of the finest boutique vineyards.

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1. Enjoy a horseback safari with Colin's Horseback Africa

People riding horses
Colin's Horseback Africa customizes every horseback safari to suit the guests, including teaching the beginners to help them feel safe and confident. Photo: @HBAHorsebackAfrica (modified by author)
Source: UGC
  • Address: Tourist route 4, Sand Road
  • Contacts: +27 82 789 9002
  • Food and drinks: On-site restaurant offering free breakfast

Colin's Horseback Africa is a family lodge offering sun-set horse riding safaris in the African bush, lion tours, and more holiday fun. The place feels like home from the moment you arrive.

The Lion Tours offered by Colin's Horseback Africa are fun and interactive with educational value. You'll want to come back to it again and again.

Is Pretoria worth visiting?

Pretoria is worth visiting if you are interested in South Africa's historical sites like the Union Buildings, blooming jacaranda trees in October, luxury hotels, nature reserves around the city, and more tourist attractions available in the city. 

What to do on a Sunday in Pretoria for couples?

Here are some free places to visit in Pretoria as couples:

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  • Close padlocks at the Pretoria Love Bridge.
  • Have a romantic picnic around the Union Buildings.
  • Enjoy cycling through the Jacaranda-lined streets of Pretoria
  • Try book hunting at the National Library of South Africa.
  • Take a stroll on Ludwig's Roses Farm, Pretoria North.

Where can you take a girl on a date in Pretoria?

Here are some five unusual things to do in Pretoria as couples:

  • Go on a hunting adventure at the Savanna Game Farm.
  • Take a hot air balloon ride over Pretoria through Mmilo Tours.
  • Try book hunting at the National Library of South Africa.
  • Take a stroll on Ludwig's Roses Farm, Pretoria North.
  • Take a romantic trip on the Blue Train.

Where can you take a girl on a first date in Pretoria?

You can take a girl on a date at the following places in Pretoria:

  • Pretoria National Botanical Garden
  • Brooklyn Theatre
  • Acrobranch Pretoria North
  • Wonderboom Nature Reserve
  • Savanna Game Farm
  • Climbing Barn Adventure Centre
  • Silver Lakes Golf Estate
  • Freedom Park Pretoria Love Bridge
  • Union Buildings
  • Grove Ice Rink

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Where do couples go on dates in Pretoria?

Couples in Pretoria go on dates at restaurants, game parks, public gardens, historical sites, and other places they can enjoy.

Do you want to spice your relationship? This article lists fun things to do in Pretoria for couples planning to enjoy their time together. You should try out a few of these ideas if not all. You can also invite your friends or another couple to join you. The more, the merrier!

Briefly.co.za shared romantic at-home date night ideas for couples. You don't have to spend a fortune or leave the house to enjoy a memorable date.

You can enjoy a cosy evening at home and create a romantic atmosphere with simple activities live a romantic movie marathon.

Source: Briefly News

Authors:
Jedidah Tabalia avatar

Jedidah Tabalia Jedi is a journalist with over 5 years working experience in the media industry. She has a BSc. in Human Resource Management from Moi University (graduated in 2014) and a working in progress MBA in Strategic Management. Having joined Genesis in 2017, Jedi is a passionate Facts and Life Hacks, Fitness, and Health content creator who sees beauty in everything. She loves traveling and checking out new restaurants. Her email address is jedidahtabalia@gmail.com

Peris Walubengo avatar

Peris Walubengo (Lifestyle writer) Peris Walubengo is a content creator with 5 years of experience writing articles, researching, editing, and proofreading. She has a Bachelor of Commerce & IT from the University of Nairobi and joined Briefly.co.za in November 2019. The writer completed a Google News Initiate Course. She covers bios, marketing & finance, tech, fashion & beauty, recipes, movies & gaming reviews, culture & travel. You can email her at perisrodah254@gmail.com.