Photothek via Getty Images

Maputo

With its Mediterranean-style architecture, waterside setting and wide avenues lined with jacaranda and flame trees, Maputo is easily one of East Africa's most attractive capitals. With a wide selection of hotels and restaurants, well-stocked supermarkets, shady sidewalk cafes and a lively cultural scene, getting to know the city is a highlight of visiting Mozambique and essential to understanding the country. Don't miss spending time here before heading north.

The heart of the city is the bustling, low-lying baixa (old town), spreading out north and east from the port. A few kilometres away, the seaside Avenida Marginal is lined with new developments on its inland side, while life moves at a more leisurely pace next to the ocean.

Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Maputo.

  • Gallery

    Chissano Gallery

    Works of renowned sculptor Alberto Chissano, as well as his remains, are on display in his family’s residence at the Chissano Gallery. Taxis from central Maputo charge from Mtc500 return, including waiting time.

  • Museum

    National Art Museum

    Half a block west of Avenida Karl Marx, the National Art Museum has an excellent collection of paintings and sculptures by Mozambique’s finest contemporary artists, including Malangatana and Alberto Chissano.

  • Historic Building

    Train Station

    Maputo’s landmark train station is one of the city’s most imposing buildings. The dome was designed by an associate of Alexandre Gustav Eiffel (of Eiffel Tower fame), although Eiffel himself never set foot in Mozambique. Also impressive are the wrought-iron latticework, pillars and verandas gracing the dark-green exterior. Inside is the Kulungwana Espaço Artístico, with a small exhibition of works by local and visiting artists, and sculptures and paintings for sale.

  • Plaza

    Praça da Independência

    This wide and imposing plaza is the gateway from the upper part of town to the baixa. It's rimmed by several notable buildings and well worth a stroll.

  • Plaza

    Praça dos Heróis Moçambicanos

    The large Praça dos Heróis Moçambicanos, along Avenida Acordos de Lusaka near the airport, is notable for its 95m-long mural commemorating the revolution. The star-shaped white-marble structure in its centre holds the remains of Mozambique’s revolutionary and post-independence heroes, including Eduardo Mondlane and Samora Machel, as well as those of national poet José Craveirinha. Photography is prohibited. The public is only permitted to visit (including walking across the praça) on Mozambican Heroes’ Day (3 February).

  • Fortress

    Fort

    The old fort was built by the Portuguese in the mid-19th century near the site of an earlier fort. Inside is a garden and a small museum with remnants from the era of early Portuguese forays to the area. The sealed, carved wooden coffin of Ngungunhane – final ruler of the famed kingdom of Gaza – is on display in one of the side rooms.

  • Notable Building

    City Hall

    The hulking, neoclassical City Hall looks down over the baixa area from a low hill at the top of Avenida Samora Machel. The building, which was completed in 1947, is still in active use today, so it cannot usually be visited unless you have business in one of the offices inside.

  • Cathedral

    Cathedral of Nossa Senhora da Conceição

    With its simple but imposing lines and soaring, white spire, this cathedral is one of Maputo's most attractive buildings. It was completed in 1944. Inside, don't miss the altar work, the stained-glass windows and the paintings.