Budget/Backpacker Travel Guide: Pretoria

Accommodation

$8-25 per night

Dorm beds in backpacker hostels, budget guesthouses, or shared rooms in residential areas

Food & Dining

$6-18 per day

Street food, local markets, self-catering with groceries, township eateries, and occasional casual restaurants

Transportation

$3-12 per day

Public buses, minibus taxis, walking, and occasional ride-sharing for longer distances

Activities

$5-20 per day

Free attractions like this destination gardens, self-guided walking tours, occasional museum entries, and local cultural experiences

Use minibus taxis and public buses instead of ride-sharing services for 60-80% savings on transportation

Eat at local markets and township restaurants rather than tourist areas for typically 50-70% lower food costs

Book accommodation in residential suburbs rather than city center for 30-50% savings while still maintaining easy access

Take advantage of free attractions like this destination, government district walking tours, and public gardens

Shop for groceries and self-cater for breakfast and some meals to reduce daily food costs by 40-60%

Travel during South African school terms (February-November excluding holidays) for 20-40% lower accommodation rates

Use group tours instead of private guides for cultural experiences to save 50-70% on activity costs

Relying exclusively on ride-sharing services instead of learning the minibus taxi system, which typically costs 4-6 times more

Eating only in Hatfield or Brooklyn areas without exploring local township restaurants, missing out on 60-80% food savings

Booking accommodation without considering location relative to public transport, leading to much higher daily transport costs