So many people wait for their significant others, friends, or family members to have someone to go on new experiences with, but taking some time to yourself to try out a new restaurant or going on a solo activity is so underrated. There is something freeing about curating your own experience without any fear that someone else might not be interested in what you have planned. Here is a list of really great places to visit on solo dates:
Places For The Foodies
Sorcery Coffee Roasters in Wapadrand is a really scenic coffee shop with ample seating and very tasty small plates. Their brews are incredible, and make sure you visit there on a Sunday for their live DJ sets and meet new people.
The Tasting Room is probably one of the most underrated restaurants in the city in terms of value and the quality of food. It is located in Waterkloof and has daily specials like The Harvest Table, which is a buffet-style lunch for only R155. Just find a special you like and pay them a visit on the day, you won’t regret it.
Market@TheSheds is a monthly market hosted at 012 Central. It is the perfect place if you’re into art and fashion, as there are a lot of stalls that sell custom pieces. There’s live music and also a lot of local food vendors to explore.
Adventures in Your City
Groenkloof Nature Reserve has really great hiking trails for people who are more inclined to activities. They also offer horseback rides to explore the reserve, great if you want to get in touch with nature.
Roodeplaat Dam Nature Reserve offers kayaking and canoeing on the dam. You can also come and camp overnight, provided you have your own equipment; there are also braai facilities available.
For The Romantics
Pretoria National Botanical Gardens has a vast array of South African indigenous flora and various picnic and braai spots, the perfect place to spend the day.
Apogee Boutique Hotel and Spa: You can book for the night or just go there for a spa day (or both, I prefer both). Whatever you choose is guaranteed to be fulfilling thanks to the very friendly team and facilities that are some of the best in class. Make sure to also visit the restaurant.
You don’t need a lot of money or to exhaust your leave days to have a memorable experience; sometimes, the best places are not that far from where you stay. Whenever you visit the places, please remember to book in advance.