Arcadia, Pretoria

/ About Arcadia - Attractions, Destinations and Places of Interest in Arcadia, Gauteng, South Africa
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Arcadia, Pretoria

Arcadia
Arcadia, Pretoria

Arcadia is a suburb in Pretoria known for its historical buildings, embassies and hotels. The Union Buildings as well as the President's residence are also situated here.

Interestingly, Andries Francois du Toit was the original owner of the land on which the Union Buildings were built. In addition, he was Pretoria’s first magistrate and was responsible for the layout of the city. During this period he sold his land, called Arcadia, to Stephanus Jacobus Meintjies after whom the hill in Arcadia is named. The Union Buildings form the official seat of the South African government and also house the offices of the President of South Africa. These grand buildings sit on Meintjies Kop and overlook Pretoria.

Pretoria has the second largest number of embassies in the world, after Washington, D.C., most of which are located in or near Arcadia. The main road is Park Street on which the US Embassy compound can be found. Other attractions situated on Park Street is the spectacular Pretoria Art Museum in its Mid-Century Modernist building, The Gerard Moerdyk Restaurant which serves traditional colonial African meals in a house built in 1920 by this famous architect, as well as Loftus Versfeld Stadium where local and international rugby as well as soccer matches are played and can be seen.

The University of Pretoria is also near Arcadia. With a total of approximately 38 499 students, this university is the country's largest residential university. Arcadia is home to trendy shopping malls, nightclubs to satisfy the abundance of students, upmarket residential areas, world class restaurants and other entertainment facilities. The amenities as well as important monuments and fascinating architectural buildings make Arcadia a must to experience.

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Featured Attractions in (or near) Arcadia

Loftus Versfeld Stadium

In the city of Tshwane (Pretoria), Loftus Versfeld is situated 5 km from the city centre. To qualify for selection as a first and second round venue the floodlights, sound system and scoreboard at Loftus Versfeld will be upgraded and designated media areas will be constructed in the lower level of ... more information

Melrose House

A beautiful example of Victorian architecture. The Peace Treaty of Vereeniging which ended the Anglo-Boer War was signed here in 1902. Today, Melrose House is a museum containing period furniture. Melrose House offers visitors guided tours by appointment, a clay tennis court, a reference library and a ... more information

National Cultural History Museum

The National Cultural History Museum is regarded as a centre for living culture and it focuses on the diversity of the country’s cultures and history of its people. It includes objects, manuscripts, documents, records, photographs and publications on cultural history in all areas in South Africa. Some of the ... more information

Pretoria National Zoological Gardens

This is one of the most famous zoos in the world and the largest in South Africa. The most interesting feature of the zoo is the aquarium and reptile park. Visitors can also take a ride in the famous cable cars which provide excellent views of the zoo and city. See the koala bear from Australia ... more information

Pretoria Tours

Pretoria also serves as one of the country’s three capital cities, officially the executive or administrative capital. With plenty to see and do in Pretoria most tourists find a day trip is often not enough to explore all the city has to offer. Browse through the tours of Pretoria and contact one of our Tour Guides who ... more information

South African Reserve Bank

Regarded as the highest building in Pretoria / Tshwane, with a basement that extends some 25 metres below ground (for very good reason – where better to place a vault or two), SARB (The South African Reserve Bank) is the country’s central bank; its purpose to protect the value of the ... more information

South African State Theatre

The huge State Theatre complex in Church Street in Pretoria / Tshwane, with its five theatres and huge public square, opened in 1981 as a non-profit, government funded company famous for lavish productions that saw overseas opera singers and ballet dancers grace the huge main stage ... more information

Transvaal Museum of Natural History

On one of the major streets in the centre of Tshwane, the capital city of South Africa, lies what is regarded as the country’s leading natural history museum, open every day of the week. Founded in 1892, the Transvaal Museum of Natural History was originally buried away in a tiny room next to the clock tower on the ... more information

Union Buildings

Designed by Sir Herbert Baker and completed in 1913. Considered by many to be the architect's greatest achievement & South Africa's architectural masterpiece. This was the setting for President Nelson Mandela's historic inauguration in 1994. The spacious, terraced gardens command fine views of the city ... more information

Wonderboom Nature Reserve

Named after the wild fig (Ficus salicifolia) Wonderboom, for which the reserve is famous, and which grows at the foot of the northern slopes of the Magalies Mountain range, the Wonderboom Nature Reserve lies to the north of the city - a 200 hectare reserve that has as its heart a 1 000 year old specimen... more information

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Things To Do in Arcadia

Rosarium at Venning Park

Where: Eastwood
How much (per person): Free to Browse

The Venning Rose Park was previously known as Eastwood Square. The name Venning Park honoured John Harold Venning, former Municipal Director ... more information

Unique Shopping Experience at Duncan Yard

Where: Hatfield
How much (per person): Free to Browse

Nestled in the heart of Pretoria, Duncan Yard is a distinctive boutique lifestyle centre, where you wander through quaint stores and eaterie ... more information

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Events and/or Festivals in Arcadia

Tom Jenkins Challenge Half Marathon

Location: Arcadia
Duration: 1 day

More Information

event starts: 24 November 2012
November

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On Holiday in Arcadia

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South Africa is one of the most diverse and enchanting countries in the world. With eight world heritage sites, a multitude of game reserves and national parks, over 1350 ha of national botanical gardens, and exotic combinations of landscapes, people, history and culture, South Africa offers the traveller a unique and inspiring experience. To start planning your holiday click here to find accommodation in South Africa. Enjoy your stay in Arcadia!
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