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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.

Explore Maputo

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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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • Landmark

    President's Residence

    Mozambique's presidential complex is a beautiful and impressive structure overlooking Maputo Bay. Photographs are not permitted. It is also not permitted…

  • Historic Building

    Iron House

    This house was designed by Eiffel (or an associate) in the late 19th century as the governor’s residence, but its metal-plated exterior proved unsuitable…

  • 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.

  • Park

    Jardim dos Professores

    A pleasant, green area to while away a morning or late afternoon, with a children's playground, a small cafe, a community library and views over the…

  • Park

    Jardim dos Namorados

    Wonderful for families, with a children's playground, pedalo rentals, lots of space, a good and inexpensive cafe and views over Maputo Bay.

  • Museum

    Natural History Museum

    The Natural History Museum, near Hotel Cardoso, is worth a stop simply to see its stately Manueline architecture and its garden with a mural by…

  • Market

    Municipal Market

    With its long rows of vendors, tables piled high with produce, fresh fish and colourful spices, and stalls overflowing with everything from brooms to…

  • Gallery

    Kulungwana Espaço Artístico

    This small gallery exhibits works by local and visiting artists and offers sculptures and paintings for sale. It's located inside the city's landmark…

  • Arts Centre

    Núcleo de Arte

    This long-standing artists cooperative has frequent exhibitions featuring the work of up-and-coming artists (some of which is for sale). There’s also a…

  • Gardens

    Jardim Tunduru

    These botanical gardens – now more than a century old – have been recently rehabilitated and are well worth a stroll. There's a small kiosk to the left of…

  • Museum

    National Money Museum

    Housed in a restored yellow building on the corner of Rua Consiglieri Pedroso, the National Money Museum dates from 1860. Inside are exhibits of local…

Top experiences

Whether it’s a guided tour of a historic landmark, private tasting of local delicacies, or an off-road adventure — explore the best experiences in Maputo.

  • Activities