Pretoria Nightlife

A night out at Hatfield Square in the suburb of Hatfield is quite an eye opener. One would think that the South African city of Pretoria is nothing but bureaucrats and museums, but Pretoria is home to the best universities in the country, and therefore loads of university students. Where do these restless young crowd go on weekends to wind down and party? Well, it's Hatfield Square, and there's hundreds of them packed in this square surrounded by pubs, restaurants, clubs and more pubs. One can go from one establishment to another taking your drinks with you and mingle. It's a mixed crowd of all races, but still think that the whites tend to congregate at particular bars and the blacks in other bars. But it's safe with very little trouble because eagle-eyed bouncers make sure of that. Surprisingly, despite the drunkeness, everyone seem reasonably behaved.

Dress Code: University crowd, therefore slacker clothes, but some clubs have dress codes, so if you want to go in, you need to look the part.

This cosmopolitan nightclub is situated around an upmarket suburb in the East of Pretoria called Brooklyn it's about 50km away from my hometown called Att/ville.It has a multicultural ambience of young and old with people coming from big cities like Johannesburg for a real treat.It's rather sensual & vibey as well because it's surrounded by various trendy resturant of Thai origin and Chinese hangouts.I would recommend a virtual tourist to grace this beautiful night spot because it's encompassed by a beautiful mall and a square where one can spoil herself/himself with shopping,dining etc.

Dress Code: This club is classy and dress code is observed in strictest terms and it has an age restriction of 18yrs and above.Dress code is smart casual no sneakers allowed.

If you would like to listen to local mainstream music, Firkin is one of best places to visit. It is extremely popular and you should arrive early. It is also a pub and serves meals.
The atmosphere is good and here you might experience a typical South African evening.
(It is not ethnic African music, but rock/pop etc)
Good website (click on Centurion)

Dress Code: Informal

The South African State Theatre is in the heart of the Pretoria and is much more than just a complex of theatres.
It offers a variety of exciting venues for performances, festivals, film festivals etc.
You can attend shows ranging from Opera, Ballet, Musical, Drama and Cabaret.
The website gives very good info about current happenings.
Bookings can be made at computicket : 083 915 8000 www.computicket.com

Dress Code: Depends on the theatre (there are three theatres) and the type of show, anything from informal to formal

For the perfect atmosphere while out with friends you have got to visit Menlyn Park shopping entertainment mall for the coolest world class restourants and clubs with a modern flavour, its situated in Pretoria east, go to www.menlynpark.com for the map and info

The entire square and surrounding area are packed qith nightclubs and bars, from Recess, which is the biggest, to Herr Gubthers, etc. Crawling with students, it is also one of the safer areas to go clubbing in Pretoria.

Dress Code: No dress code, though i wouldn't arrive in shorts. You may get some worried looks!

If you search for nightlife in Pretoria, the only place to consider Hatfield: this is the area where the university is and all nightlife is concentrated there.There are nightclubs, bars and all that, and it's quite safe, but also a bit conservative. You won't find underground music, and the party is all but finished at 2 a.m. and weekdays are even worse.The girls are good-looking though : )

Dress Code: Casual

Hatfield Square is the place to be for the young and the young at heart. It located near the University of Pretoria, known as Tukkies to the locals, and Loftus Rugby Grounds.
The most bars per square kilometer in South Africa.

Dress Code: Come as you are. :)