Pretoria is a rich history, varied architecture, and a unique blend of African, European, and Asian influences. For photographers and tourists, this city is filled with natural sceneries and unique photo spots that are waiting to be explored.

Grab your camera and join us as we take you on a journey to discover the most gorgeous and Instagram-worthy places in Pretoria.

Beautiful Places in Pretoria to Take Photos

1. Pretville

Pretville is the bee’s knees of tourist attractions located in Hartbeespoort, a town near Pretoria. This movie set-turned-tourist destination is a groovy recreation of a 1950s South African town, complete with vintage cars, colourful buildings, and retro decor. 

The town was built in 2010 as the set for a South African musical film called “Pretville,” which was set in the 50s. When you visit, you’ll feel as though you’ve hopped back in time so why not snap some quirky photos as mementoes?

The town’s vivid colours, old-school vibe, and attention to detail make it a perfect photo spot. Visitors can mosey through the streets and alleys, snap a selfie next to a vintage car, or strike a pose in front of one of the colourful houses. 

The town’s beauty has also made it a popular spot for music videos, photo shoots, and even lovebirds’ nuptials.

In addition to its epic aesthetic appeal, Pretville offers various activities such as mini-golf, vintage arcade games, and a diner serving scrumptious milkshakes and burgers. 

The town also hosts rad events such as car shows, live music, and outdoor cinema screenings. 

2. Church Square

This historic landmark is the heart of the city and a hub of activity, perfect for capturing the essence of Pretoria.

Surrounded by impressive architecture like the grand Palace of Justice, the old Capitol Theatre, and the iconic Ou Raadsaal (Old Government Building), Church Square provides a stunning backdrop for your photos. 

Plus, the statue of Paul Kruger at the centre of the square adds a touch of history and culture to your shots.

But Church Square isn’t just a pretty face! It’s also a cultural hub that regularly hosts markets, concerts, and parades. This is a great opportunity to snap photos of the locals or capture the vibrant atmosphere in the square.

And let’s not forget about the street vendors selling traditional South African crafts and souvenirs. They add a touch of local flavour to your photoshoot, making your experience even more memorable.

3. Fort Klapperkop

Fort Klapperkop is a historical gem originally built as a military fort in 1898 during the Second Boer War. It has now transformed into a fun and meaningful photo spot that combines history, nature, and stunning views.

You can explore the fort’s walls, cannons, and other military artefacts, and use them as backdrops for your photos. The fort’s elevated location also provides breathtaking views of Pretoria’s cityscape and the surrounding nature reserve. 

You might even spot some local wildlife, like zebras and giraffes!

For the adventurous types, climbing to the top of the fort’s tower offers panoramic views that will surely make for stunning group shots and solo portraits. 

And, if you’re looking for something more cosy, the nature reserve surrounding the fort is perfect for capturing the natural beauty of South Africa.

4. Union Buildings

The Union Buildings is another iconic photo spot you can’t miss out on in Pretoria. These gorgeous buildings were designed by renowned architect Sir Herbert Baker and were built in 1913.

These buildings serve as the official seat of the South African government and the office of the President of South Africa. Aside from being a significant landmark historically and architecturally, the Union Buildings is also a well-known tourist attraction.

Aside from the impressive architecture, the Union Buildings are surrounded by beautiful terraced gardens, covering an area of 265 hectares and containing monuments, sculptures, and fountains that add to the area’s charm. 

The buildings also hold a rich history, having played a vital role in South Africa’s past, including Nelson Mandela’s presidential inauguration in 1994.

Moreover, the Union Buildings offer breathtaking views of Pretoria and its surroundings, particularly during sunset and nighttime when the buildings are illuminated. We suggest going on a photo walk here during these times as it really is stunning.

5. Pretoria Botanical Garden

If you’re into nature photography, you’ll love the Pretoria Botanical Garden. This vibrant garden covers 76 hectares and was established in 1946. 

It’s one of the nine National Botanical Gardens in the country and is known for its natural beauty and diverse plant collections.

A visit here will let you take photos of diverse plant collections, stunning landscapes, and birdlife in the bird garden. 

We’re sure you’d love exploring the garden’s themed areas, including the medicinal garden, cycad garden, succulent garden, water-wise garden, and bird garden, each with its unique charm to add to your photos.

You can also take a stroll along one of the walking trails, like the heritage walk, to capture the garden’s history and the city of Pretoria.

You also don’t want to miss the annual flower festival in September, a must-see for anyone who wants to capture the stunning displays of flowers and plants in bloom.

6. Faerie Glen Nature Reserve

Nature and wildlife photographers will absolutely love the Faerie Glen Nature Reserve. 

It covers about 128 hectares of land and is home to a variety of wildlife, including small antelope, reptiles, and bird species such as the African Fish Eagle and the African Hoopoe.

The reserve is a popular spot for nature photography, with opportunities to capture wildlife, landscapes, and unique rock formations. 

You’ll be able to access several lookout points that provide breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and valleys, particularly during sunset.

After your photo walk, you can also set up a picnic or a braai as the reserve has designated areas for it. 

7. Austin Roberts Bird Sanctuary

This nature reserve was established in 1956 and has always been the perfect spot for bird photography. 

The sanctuary covers approximately 11 hectares of land and homes over 170 species of birds, including waterbirds, owls, and eagles. It also has several walking trails and a boardwalk to explore the area and observe the bird life. 

You’ll have plenty of chances to ruffle some feathers and capture unique shots of the African Fish Eagle, the Purple Heron, and the Blacksmith Lapwing.

We love how the bird hide provides a great spot for birdwatching and photography, without disturbing the birds’ natural habitat. 

The sanctuary’s beautiful landscapes and water features, including dams and ponds, also add to its charm and set the mood for awesome photo opportunities. 

There are also various events throughout the year, including bird walks, bird counts, and bird banding sessions.

These provide a nest egg of knowledge for bird enthusiasts and photographers to learn more about the bird life in the area and capture some fantastic shots.

8. Jacaranda Trees

Of course, you can’t visit Jacaranda city without seeing the Jacandra trees. These beautiful and vibrant trees were incorporated into Pretoria in the late 1800s, when the city was being developed as the capital of the South African Republic.

There are over 70,000 Jacaranda trees in Pretoria, making the city one of the largest urban forests in the world. They can grow up to 20 meters tall and have a wide canopy, making them a truly impressive sight to see, especially when they’re in bloom.

Thus, the best time to visit is during October and November when the Jacaranda trees are in full bloom. Don’t miss the annual Jacaranda Festival in October, which features events and activities celebrating the blooming of the trees.

If you’re looking for the best places to see Jacaranda trees in Pretoria, check out the University of Pretoria, the Union Buildings, and the streets of Brooklyn, Arcadia, and Waterkloof.

Jacaranda trees have also become a symbol of unity and transformation in South Africa, with many people using the blooming of the trees as a reminder of the country’s progress since apartheid.

9. Pretoria Street Art

In case you didn’t know, Pretoria also boasts a thriving street art scene that features a diverse range of styles and themes. The city’s murals and graffiti are awesome subjects for urban photography.

The city’s street art can be found in various neighbourhoods and locations, including the city centre, Maboneng, and the Hatfield area.

Many of the city’s street art pieces reflect the country’s political history and culture. Some artists use their work to make social and political statements, while others create colourful and whimsical murals that give life to the city’s urban landscape.

10. Loftus Park

Loftus Park is a hip mixed-use development with a sprawling space of around 42,000 square meters adjacent to the famous Loftus Versfeld Stadium, home to the Blue Bulls rugby team.

The development is a one-stop shop for everything from shopping and dining to working and living. 

The stunning architectural design of Loftus Park incorporates a mix of modern and traditional elements with an emphasis on sustainability and eco-friendly spaces.

One of the highlights of Loftus Park is the public park area, which features a wide-spread of lawn area, a playground, a water feature, and several quirky sculptures and artworks.

You’ll definitely have a field day capturing the stunning architectural design, the lush greenery, and the stunning artworks dotted throughout the park.

11. Rosemary Hill

If you’re going for the rustic and cottagecore feel for your photos, Rosemary Hill is the way to go. It’s a 200-hectare farm that’s known for its organic farming practices and scenic landscapes.

Renowned for its picturesque lavender fields that burst into full bloom from December to February, Rosemary Hill is a popular wedding venue and a go-to spot for prenuptial photos. 

However, it’s not just the lavender fields that make Rosemary Hill a must-visit for photographers. The farm is also home to a range of plants and flowers, including indigenous trees, roses, and herbs.

You can also capture amazing shots of farm animals and the breathtaking landscapes that make Rosemary Hill a paradise for photographers seeking to capture the essence of the countryside.

Rosemary Hill also plays host to various events throughout the year, including markets, concerts, and festivals, providing even more opportunities to capture stunning photos.

12. Intiem Love Bridge

Just like the love lock bridge in Korea, Pretoria also has a spot where you can seal your love for eternity. Located in the Magnolia Dell Park, this little lover’s point has soon become a spot for friends, lovers, and photographers.

This is a great spot to snap photos of your loved one or of strangers in love.

The bridge has become a popular spot for couples to take romantic photos, especially during sunset, when the light is at its most flattering. The Intiem Love Bridge is also a popular spot for wedding and engagement photo shoots.

What’s great about this spot is it’s considered a hidden gem and not a lot of tourists know about it, which is why it doesn’t get very crowdy. 

And, because it’s located within a park, you’ll also be able to take snapshots of the majestic magnolia trees, blooming flowers, and people strolling around.