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Things to Do in Pietermaritzburg (2026)
Begin your visit at the Pietermaritzburg City Hall, the largest red-brick building in the Southern Hemisphere, located on Church Street. It's free to admire the exterior, andβ¦ ποΈ Start at City Hall
Begin your visit at the Pietermaritzburg City Hall, the largest red-brick building in the Southern Hemisphere, located on Church Street. It's free to admire the exterior, and the adjacent Tatham Art Gallery offers a rotating collection of South African art, open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 17:00. Don't miss the statue of Queen Victoria in front, a nod to the city's colonial past.
πΏ Explore the Botanical Gardens
The KwaZulu-Natal National Botanical Garden, on President Brand Street, is a peaceful escape with a 1920s stone bridge and a cycad collection that's over 100 years old. Entry is just R30 for adults, and the gardens are open daily from 07:30 to 18:00. Pack a picnic or join a free guided walk on the first Saturday of each month at 10:00.
π Ride the Comrades Route
Even if you're not running the Comrades Marathon, you can walk or cycle along parts of the route, especially around the City Hall finish line. For a deeper dive, visit the Comrades Marathon House on Connaught Road, which has a small museum with race memorabilia, open weekdays from 09:00 to 16:00. The route is marked with blue and red lines on the roads, making it easy to follow at your own pace.
π¦ Meet Wildlife at Tala
Just 30 minutes from the city center, Tala Private Game Reserve offers a self-drive safari with white rhinos, giraffes, and over 300 bird species. Entry costs R180 per adult, and the gates are open from 06:00 to 18:00, with the best sightings in the early morning. You can also book a guided game drive for R350 per person, which includes a knowledgeable ranger.
π½οΈ Taste Local Flavors
For a true taste of Pietermaritzburg, head to the Victoria Road area, where you'll find bunny chow at the famous Patel's Vegetarian Restaurant, a hollowed-out loaf filled with curry, for under R60. For a sit-down meal, try The Farmer's Daughter on Golf Road, known for its farm-to-table dishes and Sunday buffet, which costs R185 per person. Don't leave without sampling a local craft beer at the Thatcher's Brewery taproom, open Thursday to Sunday from 12:00 to 20:00.
ποΈ Hike at Howick Falls
A 20-minute drive from the city brings you to Howick Falls, a 95-meter waterfall that plunges into a deep gorge. The viewing platform is free, but for a closer look, take the 5-kilometer Umgeni River Trail, which costs R50 and starts at the Howick Falls parking lot. The trail is well-marked and takes about two hours, with plenty of spots for photos.
ποΈ Shop at the Market
On the first Saturday of every month, the Pietermaritzburg Farmers' Market takes over the old bus depot on Boshoff Street, with over 100 stalls selling fresh produce, crafts, and street food. Arrive before 09:00 to avoid the crowds and grab a coffee from the local roasters. You'll find unique souvenirs like Zulu beadwork and handmade pottery, with prices starting at R50.
π Catch the Sunset
End your day at the top of the Pietermaritzburg City Hall tower, which offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding hills. The tower is open for guided tours at 16:00 and 17:00 on weekdays, costing R40 per person. Alternatively, head to the Alexandra Park, where you can watch the sunset over the cricket oval while enjoying a takeaway meal from a nearby cafΓ©.
the tatham gallery is honestly underrated, the permanent collection has some really good south african pieces but the real gem is the sculpture garden out back, quiet and free. also if u're here on a weekday, skip the city hall tower tour and just walk up to the top of the old fort on victoria road instead, better view of the whole valley and no queue. for bunny chow, patel's is solid but i'd actually say the mutton one at the khan's on retief street is the local's pick, slightly greasier but way more flavour, and it's like R45. the farmers market is great but honestly the best stalls sell out by 8:30 so if ur not there before that u're missing the good stuff, especially the vetkoek with mince. one thing the guide missed: the nsc cricket stadium does a behind the scenes tour on fridays at 11, R60, and u get to walk the actual pitch and see the change rooms, never busy, worth it if u're even slightly into sport. also the botanic gardens are nicer in the late afternoon around 4pm, the light hits the cycads real pretty and u'll have the place almost to yourself before they close.
solid list honestly, the comrades house museum is small but the volunteers there have some wild stories if u chat them up, way better than just looking at the medals. for a different vibe, grab a late lunch at the sweet sensation on longmarket street, their chicken pie is proper old school and the tea garden out back is dead quiet on a tuesday. also, if ur driving to howick falls anyway, stop at the midmar dam viewpoint just past the falls, it's free and u get this huge open water view that most people skip, plus there's a little path down to the shore where u can dip ur feet. the market tip about the vetkoek is real, but the samosa stall on the far left by the old ticket office does a mean mince and cheese one for like R10, get there before the church crowd hits around 9:30. one thing i'll add: the city hall tower tour is fine but the real hidden spot is the church street pedestrian bridge at dusk, u can see the whole red brick facade lit up and the bats come out over the gardens, weirdly magical for free.
Both replies have covered the food and the views well, so I'll throw in a different kind of afternoon. If you're here on a weekday and want a proper slice of local life, walk through the old Scottsville racecourse area around 3pm, the horse trainers do their evening gallops on the grass and you can watch from the fence near the main gate for free. It sounds niche but it's oddly peaceful, and the horses are stunning up close. Also, for a quick bite that no one mentions, the kebab shop on Commercial Road opposite the taxi rank does a chicken and chips plate for R35 that's been feeding workers for decades, not fancy but it's real Pietermaritzburg. The Comrades route tip is spot on, but if you're walking it, start at the 33km mark near the Ashburton turnoff, that's where the hills really start and you get the full drama without the first 30km of flat.
Where to Stay in Pietermaritzburg (2026)
The city center is the most convenient base for first-time visitors, with easy access to attractions like the Tatham Art Gallery and the City Hall. You'll find a mix of midβ¦ ποΈ City Center Overview
The city center is the most convenient base for first-time visitors, with easy access to attractions like the Tatham Art Gallery and the City Hall. You'll find a mix of mid-range hotels and guesthouses, with prices ranging from R800 to R1,500 per night. It's walkable during the day, but be cautious after dark and consider using taxis for evening outings.
π³ Quiet Suburbs
For a peaceful stay, head to suburbs like Scottsville or Chase Valley, which offer leafy streets and family-friendly atmospheres. Guesthouses here typically cost between R600 and R1,200 per night, and many have gardens or pools. These areas are ideal for families or anyone wanting to escape the city bustle, but you'll need a car or ride-hailing service to get around.
π Nightlife Hotspots
If you want to be near bars and restaurants, look for accommodation around the Golden Horse Casino or in the trendy area of Hayfields. Rooms at the casino's hotel start at around R1,200 per night, while nearby boutique guesthouses offer rates from R900. This area suits travelers who enjoy evening entertainment and don't mind some noise.
π» Digital Nomad Choices
Digital nomads should consider self-catering apartments in the city center or near the University of KwaZulu-Natal, where Wi-Fi is generally reliable. Monthly rentals range from R6,000 to R10,000, and serviced apartments like those at The Grange offer flexible terms. Cafes such as The Coffee Lab on Boom Street provide good workspaces during the day.
π° Budget-Friendly Stays
Backpackers and budget travelers can find dorm beds at places like The Bamboo Guest House, starting at R250 per night. Private rooms in budget guesthouses in the Eastwood area cost around R400 to R600. These options are basic but clean, and you'll save money for exploring the Midlands Meander.
π¨ Top End Hotels
For luxury, book a room at the Protea Hotel by Marriott, which offers rooms from R1,800 per night with full amenities. Another upscale option is the Hilton Hotel in the nearby suburb of Hilton, about 10 minutes away, with rates from R2,200. These hotels provide fine dining, pools, and conference facilities, perfect for business travelers or special occasions.
π Getting Around
Most accommodation is spread out, so having a car is the easiest way to explore Pietermaritzburg. Ride-hailing services like Uber and Bolt operate widely, with typical fares of R50 to R150 within the city. Public minibus taxis are cheap but confusing for visitors, so stick to private transport for convenience.
π Seasonal Booking Tips
Book well in advance for major events like the Comrades Marathon in June, when hotels fill up quickly and prices double. The summer months (November to February) are peak tourist season, so expect higher rates and book early. Winter (May to August) offers lower prices and mild weather, making it a great time for budget-conscious travelers.
One thing I'd add: if you're in Scottsville, take a late afternoon walk through the old part of the suburb near the university. The jacaranda trees are stunning in October, and there's a small deli on Golf Road that does a decent flat white for like R35. It's the kind of spot you'd miss if you're just driving between the cricket oval and your guesthouse.
For the Comrades, don't overlook the option of staying in a self-catering place in Eastwood and driving to the start with a local shuttle service. It's less glamorous than the casino or Hilton, but you'll save enough for a proper celebratory meal after the race. Just confirm the shuttle pickup time the night before, they're punctual to a fault.
honestly the city center hotels are fine but i'd skip them and go for scottsville if u can, especially near the cricket oval. stayed at a guesthouse there last year for the comrades and it was like R700 a night, garden and pool, and the vibe is way more chill than downtown. just make sure u uber to the start line on race day, parking is a nightmare.
one thing the guide missed: check out the food stalls at the liberty mall on a saturday morning, they do these amazing bunny chows that beat any restaurant in the city. also, if ur here in winter, the mist over the hills in chase valley is pretty unreal, worth a morning walk even if it's cold. and for the marathon, book like 6 months out, not just a few weeks, places go stupid fast.
the grange is solid for nomads, i worked from there for a month and the wifi never dropped once. also worth knowing the botanical gardens are free and way quieter than the city center if u need a break from screens, grab a coffee from the little kiosk there. for the comrades, yeah book early but also check guesthouses in boston or even further out, they sometimes have shuttles and it's way cheaper than hilton.