Do you love shopping, dining, and entertainment? Are you looking for the best places to spend your time and money in Pretoria? If so, you might want to check out some of the big malls in Pretoria that offer a variety of options for every taste and budget.
Pretoria is the administrative capital of South Africa and a vibrant city with a rich history and culture. It is also home to some of the largest and most impressive shopping malls in the country, which attract millions of visitors every year. In this blog post, we will explore three of the big malls in Pretoria that you should not miss: Menlyn Park Shopping Centre, Menlyn Maine, and Brooklyn Mall.
Big Malls in Pretoria
Menlyn Park Shopping Centre: The Biggest and Most Popular Mall in Pretoria
Menlyn Park Shopping Centre is the biggest mall in Pretoria and one of the largest in Africa, with over 500 stores and a floor area of 177,000 square meters. It is also the most popular mall in Pretoria, with an average of 1.8 million visitors per month. Menlyn Park has something for everyone, from fashion and beauty to electronics and homeware, from local and international brands to specialty and niche stores.
But Menlyn Park is not just a shopping destination, it is also a hub of entertainment and leisure. You can enjoy a movie at the IMAX cinema, the first of its kind in South Africa, or have fun at the ice rink, the largest in the country. You can also explore the fashion district, which features a runway, a fashion lounge, and a style studio. Or you can relax at the food court, which offers a wide range of cuisines and beverages.
Menlyn Park is also a leader in sustainability and innovation, as it is the first South African mall to achieve a Four Star Green Star rating from the Green Building Council of South Africa. This means that the mall has implemented various measures to reduce its environmental impact, such as using natural light, solar power, and water recycling.
Menlyn Maine: South Africa’s First Green City
Menlyn Maine is a separate but adjacent development to Menlyn Park, and it is South Africa’s first green city. It is a mixed-use precinct that combines residential, commercial, retail, and entertainment spaces, all designed to be eco-friendly and energy-efficient. Menlyn Maine covers an area of 315,000 square meters and aims to be a model of urban regeneration and social integration.
One of the highlights of Menlyn Maine is the Sun Casino, which opened in 2022 and is the second-largest casino in South Africa. The Sun Casino features 2,000 slot machines, 60 table games, a poker room, and a VIP lounge. It also hosts regular events and shows, such as concerts, comedy nights, and sports screenings.
Another attraction of Menlyn Maine is the Time Square arena, which is the largest multipurpose venue in Pretoria, with a capacity of 8,500 people. The arena hosts various events, such as music festivals, exhibitions, conferences, and sports matches. It also features a state-of-the-art sound and lighting system, as well as a retractable roof.
Menlyn Maine also offers a range of trendy restaurants and bars, such as Forti Grill and Bar, which is run by celebrity chef Fortunato Mazzone, and Altitude, which is a rooftop champagne lounge with panoramic views of the city. You can also find some of the best coffee shops, bakeries, and delis in the precinct, such as Seattle Coffee, Fournos Bakery, and Vovo Telo.
Brooklyn Mall: A Smaller but More Upscale Mall in Pretoria
Brooklyn Mall is a smaller but more upscale mall in Pretoria, catering to the affluent and sophisticated shoppers. It has over 220 stores and a floor area of 50,000 square meters. It is located in the leafy suburb of Brooklyn, which is known for its elegant homes and embassies.
Brooklyn Mall is the place to go if you are looking for exclusive and high-end brands and boutiques, such as Hugo Boss, Armani, and Tiffany & Co. You can also find some of the finest jewelry, watches, and accessories in the mall, such as Cartier, Rolex, and Swarovski. Or you can treat yourself to some of the best beauty and wellness products and services, such as L’Occitane, Clarins, and Sorbet.
Brooklyn Mall also offers some of the services and conveniences that make shopping a pleasure, such as the personal shoppers, who can help you find the perfect outfit or gift, the valet parking, which saves you the hassle of finding a spot, and the beauty salon, which can pamper you with a haircut, a manicure, or a massage.
See also: Cape Town Malls in Waterfront
Conclusion
Pretoria is a city that has a lot to offer to shoppers and visitors, especially when it comes to big malls.
Whether you are looking for the biggest and most popular mall, the first and most sustainable green city, or the smallest and most upscale mall, you can find it in Pretoria. Each of the big malls in Pretoria has its own unique features and attractions, and you can easily spend a whole day or more exploring them.
If you are planning to visit or explore the big malls in Pretoria, here are some tips and suggestions for you:
Check the opening hours and directions of the malls before you go, as they may vary depending on the day and season.
Wear comfortable shoes and clothes, as you will be walking a lot and the weather can be unpredictable.
Bring enough cash and cards, as some of the stores and restaurants may not accept all types of payment methods.
Take advantage of the discounts and promotions that the malls offer, especially during the festive seasons and special occasions.
Have fun and enjoy yourself, as the big malls in Pretoria are more than just places to shop, they are destinations to experience.
We hope you enjoyed this post and learned something new about the big malls in Pretoria.
