10 Best Things To Do At Night In Pretoria, South Africa

1. Watch a performance at the South African State Theatre

The South African State Theatre is the premier venue for live entertainment in Pretoria. This massive entertainment venue showcases opera, comedy, dance, and music performances. It boasts six different theaters within its complex. In addition to the wide variety of festivals and recitals, the South African State Theatre also hosts numerous programs for up-and-coming artists. There are other attractions on the property such as an on-site restaurant, a sophisticated bar, and the Artifacts Gallery which features model theater sets, décor, and costumes from past productions shown at the South African State Theatre.

The South African State Theatre

Address: 320 Pretorius St, Pretoria Central, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa

Website: The South African State Theatre

2. Explore National Zoological Garden of South Africa at sunset

National Zoological Garden (NZG) is an outstanding attraction to visit during the day, offering many fun things to do. However, touring the zoo at night creates an extra-special excursion. During Sunset Safaris, you’ll get to learn more about the nighttime behaviors of their resident animals and how certain animals have adapted to thrive in a nighttime environment. Over the course of an hour, your guide will lead a walking tour through the zoo and share fascinating insights about the zoo’s animals, conservation efforts, and ecology. Once the tour concludes, NZG will provide braai stands and charcoal so you can enjoy your own barbecue on the zoo grounds. Tours are offered from September to March every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, from 6:30pm to 11:30pm.

National Zoological Gardens of South Africa

Address: 232 Boom St, Daspoort 319-Jr, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa

Website: National Zoological Gardens of South Africa

Opening hours: 8:30am - 5:30pm (daily)

Price: 80 ZAR (5.2 USD) - 110 ZAR (7.1 USD)

3. Shop and snack at Market @ The Sheds

Market @ The Sheds is a vibrant community event that occurs on the first Saturday of every month. This food market brings together local entrepreneurs, designers, artists, and musicians for a full day of energetic entertainment with live bands, pop-up art installations, shopping, and more! Stroll among the stalls and shops for souvenirs, or snack on delicious street food while enjoying the upbeat ambiance of Pretoria’s inner city. The market also hosts brilliant festivals and themed events throughout the year.

Market @ The Sheds

Address: 387 Helen Joseph St, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa

Website: Market @ The Sheds

Opening hours: Sat: 11am - 8pm (every first Saturday of the month)

Price: 50 ZAR (3.2 USD) - 100 ZAR (6.5 USD)

4. Try out the games at the Fun Company Menlyn Park

Head to the Fun Company Menlyn Park for an evening of family-friendly entertainment. This fantastic amusement center offers a variety of games for everyone to enjoy, including ten-pin bowling, bumper cars, and mini-golf. For some friendly competition, challenge your friends to a game of laser tag or see if you can beat the lasers (and the clock) as you navigate the laser maze. There’s a fantastic trampoline park where you can try out tricks and a terrific collection of retro and new age arcade games. The Fun Company Menlyn Park is open daily and the price varies by game.

The Fun Company Menlyn Park

Address: Shop SH13 Menlyn Park Shopping Centre Cnr Atterbury Rd and, Lois Ave, Menlyn, Pretoria, 0063, South Africa

Website: The Fun Company Menlyn Park

Opening hours: Mon – Fri: 11am – 11pm; Sat – Sun: 10am – 11pm

Price: 25 ZAR (1.6 USD) - 95 ZAR (6.2 USD)

5. Take an evening stroll in Burgers Park

Burgers Park, the oldest public park in Pretoria, is an idyllic setting for an evening stroll. This beautiful area is situated in the center of Pretoria, next to Melrose House, and has been a highlight of the city since it was completed in 1892. Formerly designed as a botanic garden, Burgers Park is now named as a South African National Monument and features commemorative statues and a picturesque pavilion.

Burgers Park

Address: Thabo Sehume St & Jacob Maré Streets, Pretoria Central, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa

Website: Burgers Park

Opening hours: 7am - 7:30pm (daily)

Price: Free

6. Test your luck at Time Square Casino

With a plethora of table games, state-of-the-art slots, on-site dining, and lively weekly events, Time Square Casino keeps the fun rolling into the night. This vibrant casino is one of the largest in Gauteng and features 2 floors for gaming with over 1,750 slot machines and 60 casino tables available. The casino is divided into smoking and non-smoking areas, and it has terrific on-site restaurants and bars that serve a variety of cuisines and meal options. The casino is open daily and offers amazing monthly jackpots.

Time Square Casino

Address: 209 Aramist Ave, Menlyn, Pretoria, 0010, South Africa

Website: Time Square Casino

Opening hours: 6:30am - 11:30pm (daily)

7. Grab a drink at House 22

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

House 22 is a casual bar that serves small dishes and drinks. This late-night establishment also offers live music entertainment throughout the week and is open past midnight every Wednesday through Sunday. There are indoor and outdoor seating and takeaway dining options. It’s the perfect spot to hang out with friends and fill your stomachs with hearty food and drinks.

House 22

Address: 22 Gerhard Moerdyk St, Sunnyside, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa

Opening hours: Mon - Tue: 10am - 12am; Wed - Thu: 10am - 2am; Fri - Sun: 10am - 3:30am

8. Enjoy fine-dining at The Black Bamboo Restaurant

The Black Bamboo Restaurant will give you a delectable dining experience. This wonderful fine-dining restaurant is chic, contemporary, creative, and specializes in local renditions of international dishes. The menu is a la carte and ever-changing to showcase the tireless innovation of the chefs. In addition to superb hand-crafted meals, the restaurant also has an extensive beverage menu that brims with both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options and it includes many exceptional South African products, including local beer, gin, whiskey, and wine. The Black Bamboo is situated within Menlyn Boutique Hotel.

The Black Bamboo Restaurant

Address: 207 Tugela Rd, Ashlea Gardens, Pretoria, 0081, South Africa

Website: The Black Bamboo Restaurant

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 7am - 10pm; Sun: 7am - 3pm

9. Cheer on your team at The Hang Over Sports Bar

Sit back, grab a beer, and cheer on your sports team at The Hang Over Sports Bar. This laidback sports bar is cozy, casual, and broadcasts a variety of sporting events. The Hang Over has a menu bursting with bistro favorites, hand-crafted pizzas from the indoor wood-burning pizza oven, and traditional Portuguese dishes. It also boasts an extensive drinks menu. In addition to sports, The Hang Over also hosts Bingo game nights and features a lively roundup of live musicians.

The Hang Over Sports Bar

Address: Shop 30, Moreleta Lifestyle Centre, 620 Spes Bona Drive, Moreletapark, Pretoria, 0181, South Africa

Website: The Hang Over Sports Bar

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 10am - 11:30pm; Fri: 10am - 12am; Sat: 10am - 11:30pm (closed on Sun)

10. Enjoy a production at Atterbury Theatre

Atterbury Theatre is a multi-genre performing arts venue that features a variety of shows. Located in eastern Pretoria, this stellar venue has a bustling lineup of concerts, plays, and comedy performances throughout the year that features both local and international talent. The venue can seat 400 patrons. Plus, the auditorium was designed by an acoustic engineer, guaranteeing that there isn’t a bad seat in the house. From emotional dramas to hysterical comedy sets, there’s always something exciting to watch at Atterbury Theatre.

Atterbury Theatre

Address: 4 Daventry St, Lynnwood Manor, Pretoria, 0081, South Africa

Website: Atterbury Theatre

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 5pm (closed on Sat & Sun)

Explore the beauty of Pretoria at night

With its blend of cosmopolitan flair and family-friendly activities, Pretoria is a stellar destination even after sundown. No matter the time of day, there are so many terrific things to check out in this quiet city. From bumper cars to cocktail bars, Pretoria is well worth an evening of exploring. Start planning your next adventure today and check out these nighttime activities in Pretoria, South Africa. For the best places to stay, have a look at the top Airbnb vacation rentals in Pretoria Central.