BeiraThings to do

Things to do in Beira

  1. Complexo Monte Verde

    Beira's main nightclub is midway between Praia de Makuti and the airport.

    reviewed

  2. Mezimbite Forest Centre

    Central Mozambique's forests have long been plundered, but there's finally some good news on the scene. If you have extra time and are interested in learning about local sustainable development projects, take a few hours to visit Mezimbite Forest Centre, about 50km west of Beira along the EN6.

    In addition to promoting sustainable conservation of the surrounding forests through maximising the forests' benefits to local residents, it trains artisans and craftpersons to be competitive in quality at the highest levels, producing exclusive furniture designs, jewellery and other items that are marketed internationally.

    The centre can be visited during the daytime (and preferably…

    reviewed

  3. Praça do Município & Praça do Metical

    The heart of the city is the area around the squares of Praça do Município and Praça do Metical (the latter marked by a large metical coin perched on a pedestal). Near here, you'll find shops, banks, telecom and internet facilities, plus an array of sidewalk cafés. North of the two squares is the baixa (old commercial area), with the port and some charming old colonial-style architecture, while about 1km east is Maquinino, the main bus and transport hub.

    reviewed

  4. Praia de Makuti

    Makuti is the residential area fringing Beira's small stretch of beach. Praia de Makuti is one of the better places in town to relax, though it can't compare with the coastline further south or north. The water is moderately clean, currents strong (ask locally where swimming is possible) and the breezes good. At the end is the old red-and-white Makuti Lighthouse, dating to 1904.

    reviewed

  5. A

    Pic-Nic

    For years, this place was reputed to be one of the city's best restaurants and while its reputation is somewhat outsized for what you get, portions are large and service reasonable. Dining is in a windowless red-draped interior, with black-suited waiters at your beck and call.

    reviewed

  6. B

    Café Riviera

    This classic, pink Old World sidewalk café is a wonderful spot to sit with a cup of coffee and bolo de mandioca (almond cake) and watch the passing scene, with soft, plump sofas inside and outdoor tables overlooking the beach.

    reviewed

  7. C

    Art Bar Café

    This promising place in the cinema building was about to open when this text was written. It's run by the same people who used to run one of Beira's best bars (now closed) and will have snacks, drinks and a DJ after 23:00.

    reviewed

  8. D

    Pappas

    There are no tables here - you get your meals at the L-shaped bar - but the food is delicious - steak and seafood grills on hot sizzle platters - and the ambience convivial. It's just down from Hotel Tivoli.

    reviewed

  9. E

    Take-Away 2 + 1

    A usually empty takeaway counter, and a tiny restaurant serving a modest selection of inexpensive local fare on plastic checked table cloths. It's just northeast of Praça do Município.

    reviewed

  10. F

    Restaurante Ciné Nacional

    A dark, windowless place just opposite Pic-Nic in the cinema building and known for its curries (which should be ordered in advance). Portions are small but it's a reliable bet for vegetarians.

    reviewed

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  12. G

    Casa Infante de Sagres

    The streets in the area around the port are lined with faded colonial-era buildings. One to watch for is the restored Casa Infante de Sagres, now the offices of Manica Shipping Company.

    reviewed

  13. H

    Craft Shop

    The vendors near Clube Náutico hawk a modest array of woodcarvings and other crafts. Pricier but worth a look is the small Craft Shop opposite TDM and next to Cá Te Espero.

    reviewed

  14. Ponta Gêa

    From Praça do Município, tree-lined streets lead south and east through the shady and charming Ponta Gêa residential area, which features some charming old houses.

    reviewed

  15. I

    Mercado de Tchungamoyo

    The chaotic Mercado de Tchungamoyo, known locally as 'Goto', is in the northeastern corner of town. It's full of imported goods, contraband and some unsavoury characters.

    reviewed

  16. J

    Cathedral

    Beira's spired Cathedral, southeast of the centre, was built in the early 20th century with stones taken from the ruins of San Caetano fort in Sofala.

    reviewed

  17. K

    Clube Náutico

    A colonial-era social club with a swimming pool. On Saturday afternoons, there are all-comers-welcome rugby matches on the sand in front.

    reviewed

  18. L

    Casa de Cultura

    Opposite Hotel Embaixador, with theatre and dance performances. Information on upcoming programs is posted by the entrance.

    reviewed

  19. M

    Café Capri

    Another Beira classic, just down from Café Riviera, and with good café espresso.

    reviewed

  20. N

    Mercado Central

    Mercado Central in the town centre is quieter, and the best place to buy fruit and vegetables.

    reviewed

  21. O

    Restaurante Kanimambo

    Behind Hotel Embaixador, with Beira's best Chinese food and a friendly proprietor.

    reviewed

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  23. P

    Cá Te Espero

    Portuguese-style seafood and grills in a dark and smoky pub atmosphere.

    reviewed

  24. Q

    Mercado de Praia Nova

    Piles of fresh seafood, and just about everything else.

    reviewed

  25. R

    Golf Course

    There's a Golf Course in the southern part of town.

    reviewed

  26. S

    Kangas

    Kangas is a smart bar in Hotel Embaixador.

    reviewed

  27. T

    Shoprite

    Self-caterers can head to Shoprite.

    reviewed