Ever wondered “where can I go on a date in Pretoria?”

There are hundreds of ways to spend the day in the capital, no matter what your budget, we’ve sought out the most brilliant date ideas Pretoria has to offer. You and your other half will love them!

Here are romantic things to do in Pretoria. Some of them are even free!

Foodie Date Night in Pretoria

These date ideas in Pretoria will keep things interesting long after you’ve exhausted the obvious options!

Try a New Cuisine

Pretoria has no shortage of diverse food, but surely there’s a cuisine you and your date have never tried.

Whether it’s unique fusion fare, plant-based dishes, or simply a cultural cuisine you’ve never sampled, find a local restaurant specializing in these dishes and make a reservation.

Expanding your culinary horizons is a special idea for a date night in Pretoria that lets you bond over a new shared experience.

• Morocco: Moroccan House in Menlo Park
• Italian: Old Town Italy at Menlyn Maine
• Mexican: Texan Eatery & Tequila Bar in Willows

Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth at Irene Farm

Milkshakes are delectable frosties that turn something already delicious into an elevated experience. Creamy, smooth, and fun, these concoctions are worth the brain freeze.

Go Milkshake Tasting at Irene Dairy Farm. They offer 5 milkshakes tasters – ONLY available Monday to Friday. 

Have an Appetizer Crawl

You’ve heard of a bar crawl, but what about an appetizer crawl? Trying out different small bites at different restaurants solves the problem of choosing who picks the restaurant, and gives you an opportunity to explore your city or town together, too.

The best place to go is The Village in Hazelwood. I’d start at Culture Club then Peaches, and RAYA.

Go on a Picnic at Kievits Kroon

Much like going out for a meal, going on a picnic is almost always an excellent Pretoria date idea. It can feel a little less formal and stilted than a fancy restaurant or bar, and it gives you the opportunity for some added privacy, too, depending on where you choose to set up.

Kievits Kroon is a 16 hectare upmarket country estate in Pretoria North. It’s the ultimate wine tasting or picnic date location in Pretoria. Make sure you call and make a reservation before you go.

Laid-Back Date Ideas in Pretoria

Whether it’s your first date or hundredth one, a cozy winter, or a special way to spend a sunny day, here are some laid-back Pretoria date options:

Stroll at Pretoria Botanical Gardens

Pretoria Botanical Gardens is a 76 ha urban oasis is a pristine getaway situated in the eastern suburbs of Pretoria. 

It’s filled with lush greenery – tall trees, streams, and vibrant flora — is particularly balmy and makes you feel like you’re in a tropical oasis. No matter the season, this makes for a great date idea in Pretoria.

Go to the Zoo

A trip to Pretoria zoo is a great way to connect because it combines outdoor activity (walking), a little bit of adventure (wild and exotic animals), and a chance to connect in a setting that’s not super familiar to either of you.

Go on the Pretoria Cable Car for scenic views of the city.

Ludwig Roses

Go plant shopping at Ludwig Roses – this is one of the most romantic places to go in Pretoria. With over 800 rose cultivars, they are the premier rose nursery in SA and grow the largest selection of roses.

You can walk through the garden and enjoy lunch at their Rose Kitchen. It’s the perfect place to go on a sunny day in Pretoria!

Anton Smit Sculpture Park

Anton Smit Sculpture Park is a tranquil garden in Bronkhorstspruit. The park showcases Anton Smits masterpieces, and there is also an indoor gallery, art cafe, and spa on site.

Outdoor Date Ideas in Pretoria 

When in doubt, planning something outdoors is always a good option for a date.

Get Outside

There are many spots for activities like walking, mountain bike riding, or hiking.

If you are interested in outdoor sports, head to Rosemary Hill for hiking, fishing at Rietvlei Nature Reserve, or Mountain Biking at Wolwespruit.

Play Golf

You don’t have to be an avid player to enjoy a golf session. Head to Kimiad Golf and Leisure to practice your swing and spend quality time with your partner at one of the best places to play golf in Pretoria.

Fancy Date Ideas in Pretoria

Fine Dining

It’s hard to go wrong with a top-quality meal in a good restaurant. Some of the best fine dining restaurants in Pretoria include:

• Brasserie de Paris
• Kream Brooklyn
• PRIVA
• Fermier Restaurant

A Spa Day

Relaxing, restorative, and indulgent, perfect for the dream date in Pretoria.

Some of the best spas in the city include Soulstice Day Spa and Go Tšosa Spa at Anton Smit Sculpture Park.

Go on a Hot Air Balloon Ride

If there’s one thing that will impress almost anyone (especially someone who lives for adrenaline), it’s a date that involves a hot air balloon ride—and it’s not as expensive as you might think.

Companies like Air Ventures offer rides from R2600 per person. Finish the date with dinner or brunch together to reflect on the hot air balloon ride experience. 

Fun Pretoria Date Ideas

Break out your inner child with fun date night ideas in Pretoria:

Have Fun at the Arcade

Challenge your partner to play some of your childhood favorites. Shoot the aliens, race cars, show off your skills, and laugh yourself silly as you both win tickets for crazy prizes.

Head to The Fun Company – The Grove or Menlyn and make it a night to remember!

Take a Pottery Class

If you’ve fallen into a routine of going to the same restaurants or staying home and watching Netflix, switch it up with a pottery painting session at The Clay Cafe.

There’s just something truly romantic about creating something together. Head to Clay Cafe Red Barn (Irene Centurion) or Clay Cafe Wolwespruit in Erasmuskloof.

Wine Tasting at Greenhouse Cafe

Wine-tasting is a romantic and extremely fun date idea in Pretoria. It’s perfect if you’re nervous about meeting up – as there’ll be plenty of ice breakers.

We went wine tasting at The Greenhouse Cafe located on Rosemary Hill Farm. Drink responsibly and be sure to use Uber, or alternatively, you can book a stay and sleep in one of their romantic containers houses.

Shopping Date Ideas in Pretoria

Pretoria markets are a great date idea for handmade goods, food, and entertainment.

If your date is a fan of the local and the homegrown, you could check out one of Tshwane’s many delicious markets:

Bus Stop 7

Bus Stop 7 is an open-air market in Pretoria. They offer bespoke art, craft, and décor stalls that include handcrafted jewelry, apparel, fine art, and much more.

Comment below and let me know which other Pretoria places you’d recommend for date nights.