What areas should you avoid in Pretoria?

Certain parts of the CBD (Central Business District) after dark: Can be unsafe due to poor lighting, limited pedestrian activity, and potential for petty crime. It's advisable to use transport to get around this area at night.. Unfamiliar industrial or very isolated residential areas: These areas often lack tourist amenities and can pose safety risks due to low visibility and fewer people around.

What are the safest areas to stay in Pretoria?

The safest neighbourhoods for tourists in Pretoria include Brooklyn, Waterkloof. These areas are popular with visitors and well-regarded for safety.

What scams should you watch for in Pretoria?

Common scams in Pretoria: Overcharging by unregistered taxi drivers.. Distraction theft (e.g., someone spilling something on you while an accomplice picks your pocket).. Fake police officials demanding fines on the spot..

Areas to Avoid in Pretoria

Q: Is Pretoria safe for tourists?

Pretoria is rated as "moderate" for tourists. Generally safe in well-lit, popular areas like shopping malls and restaurants in suburbs like Brooklyn. Exercise caution in the CBD and less populated areas; avoid walking alone.

South Africa

|⚠️ Moderate

Honest 2026 safety guide for travellers visiting Pretoria. Which areas need extra caution, common scams to watch for, and safe neighbourhoods to stay instead.

Last updated: March 2026

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Skip the risky areas. Compare hotels in safe neighbourhoods on Expedia.

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Pretoria is generally Moderate

2 areas to be aware of · Best areas to stay: Brooklyn, Waterkloof

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Quick tip: Most tourist areas in Pretoria are safe. This guide covers areas locals recommend avoiding.

Areas That Need Extra Caution

These areas are not necessarily dangerous, but travellers should be more aware

Certain parts of the CBD (Central Business District) after dark

Can be unsafe due to poor lighting, limited pedestrian activity, and potential for petty crime. It's advisable to use transport to get around this area at night.

🛡️ Stay here instead: Arcadia

A bustling, central area with a mix of government buildings, embassies, shopping centers, and residential apartments.

Unfamiliar industrial or very isolated residential areas

These areas often lack tourist amenities and can pose safety risks due to low visibility and fewer people around.

🛡️ Stay here instead: Brooklyn

An upscale, leafy suburb known for its high-end shopping, fine dining, and elegant residential areas.

Our Top 5 Favourite Tours in Pretoria

Now you know which areas to avoid, here are the best guided experiences to explore the city with confidence.

Guided walking tour through a European city

Pretoria Walking Tour: Highlights & Hidden Gems

Discover Pretoria on foot with a local guide who knows every backstreet and story. You will cover the must-see landmarks and stumble upon places most visitors never find.

View Tour Details

Pretoria Food Tour: Street Food & Local Favourites

Eat your way through Pretoria with a local foodie as your guide. From bustling markets to tucked-away restaurants, taste the dishes the city is truly known for.

View Tour Details

Best of Pretoria: Skip-the-Line Top Attractions

Skip the queues and get straight into Pretoria's top attractions with pre-booked access. An expert guide brings each site to life with stories and context you would not get on your own.

View Tour Details

Day Trip from Pretoria: Scenic Excursion

Escape Pretoria for the day and explore the stunning surroundings. Transport, guide, and itinerary are all sorted so you can relax and enjoy the scenery.

View Tour Details

Local cultural experience and traditions

Pretoria Cultural Experience: History & Traditions

Go beyond sightseeing and connect with Pretoria's living culture. From hands-on workshops to historic neighbourhood walks, this is the side of the city most travellers miss.

View Tour Details

View all tours in Pretoria

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Stay Safe, Explore Confidently

Book a hotel in a safe neighbourhood or join a guided tour in Pretoria

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Stay in a safe neighbourhood

Compare hotels in Pretoria on Expedia

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Book a guided tour

Explore Pretoria safely with a local guide

We earn a small commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you.

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Book a Hotel in a Safe Neighbourhood

These areas are recommended by locals and popular with travellers

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Brooklyn

An upscale, leafy suburb known for its high-end shopping, fine dining, and elegant residential areas.

Generally very safe during the day; nighttime is also safe with good lighting and security in commercial areas, but avoid poorly lit side streets.

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Waterkloof

An affluent and peaceful residential area, home to many embassies and large, executive homes.

Extremely safe due to high security and affluent nature; nighttime is very secure.

View All Safe Neighbourhoods

General Safety Tips for Pretoria

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At Night

Generally safe in well-lit, popular areas like shopping malls and restaurants in suburbs like Brooklyn. Exercise caution in the CBD and less populated areas; avoid walking alone.

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Solo Female Travel

Exercise vigilance, especially when alone and at night. Stick to well-lit, populated areas, particularly in the CBD. Avoid walking long distances after dark. Use ride-sharing services for nighttime travel.

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Emergency Number

10111

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Stay Connected

Save your accommodation address and emergency contacts on your phone. Download offline maps before exploring.

Common Scams to Watch For in Pretoria

1Overcharging by unregistered taxi drivers.
2Distraction theft (e.g., someone spilling something on you while an accomplice picks your pocket).
3Fake police officials demanding fines on the spot.

🛡️

Travel Insurance for Pretoria

SafetyWing Nomad Insurance. Medical cover from $45/month, designed for travellers. 10% back if unused.

Get covered

Safe Neighborhoods to Stay Instead

These areas are popular with travellers and rated well for safety

🛡️

Brooklyn

An upscale, leafy suburb known for its high-end shopping, fine dining, and elegant residential areas.

Generally very safe during the day; nighttime is also safe with good lighting and security in commercial areas, but avoid poorly lit side streets.

luxurycouplesfoodies

🛡️

Waterkloof

An affluent and peaceful residential area, home to many embassies and large, executive homes.

Extremely safe due to high security and affluent nature; nighttime is very secure.

luxurycouplesfamilies

Safety in Pretoria

Moderate

CautionModerateSafeVery Safe

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Solo Female Travel

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At Night

Generally safe in well-lit, popular areas like shopping malls and restaurants in suburbs like Brooklyn. Exercise caution in the CBD and less populated areas; avoid walking alone.

🚨

Emergency

10111

Common Scams to Watch For

1Overcharging by unregistered taxi drivers.
2Distraction theft (e.g., someone spilling something on you while an accomplice picks your pocket).
3Fake police officials demanding fines on the spot.

Back to Pretoria full guide