Managua

Archaeological Site

Discovered by miners in 1874, these fossilized tracks record the passage of perhaps 10 people – men, women and children – as well as birds, raccoons, deer and possum across the muddy shores of Lago de Managua some 6000 to 8000 years ago. Despite early speculation that they were running from a volcanic eruption, forensics specialists have determined that these folks were in no hurry – and, interestingly, were fairly tall at between 145cm and 160cm. Come here by taxi (US$2 to US$4).

Cathedral

The hollow shell of Managua’s Old Cathedral remains Managua’s most poignant metaphor, shattered by the 1972 earthquake – and slowly undergoing restoration. Though its neoclassical facade is beautiful and serene, attended by stone angels and dappled in golden light, its interior is empty and off-limits: a cathedral without a heart in a city without a center.

Park

Home to what’s easily Managua’s most recognizable landmark, Sandino’s somber silhouette, this national historic park was once the site of the Casa Presidencial, where Sandino and his men were executed in 1934; what looks like a dilapidated parking structure was for decades one of Nicaragua’s most notorious prisons.

Park

Inaugurated in 1899 by national hero and original anti-American General José Santos Zelaya, this open plaza has been the scene of countless protests, parades, romances and more. On the northeast of the plaza rests the tomb of Sandinista commander Carlos Fonseca. It's particularly atmospheric on afternoons and weekends, when it fills with promenading Managuans.

Museum

Inside the Palacio de la Cultura y Biblioteca Nacional, the beautiful national museum is an enjoyable romp through the country's history – from Nicaragua's prehistory and the formation of the lakes and volcanoes – not to mention gold mines – to pre-Columbian statuary and one of the best pottery collections in the country, all well signed and explained.

Cathedral

Just north of the Metrocentro mall is an unforgettable Managua landmark that's practically new (the doors opened in 1993). It's an architectural marvel that leaves most visitors, well, scratching their heads. It’s not a mosque, really: the 63 cupolas (or breasts, or eggs; speculation continues) symbolize Nicaragua’s 63 Catholic churches, and also provide structural support during earthquakes – a good thing, since it sits astride a fault line.

Waterfront

The malecón (pier) has been perked up by the Puerto Salvador Allende tourist complex at its base, and comes alive in the evenings (particularly on weekends), with several restaurants, bar and food stalls, lit up 'trees of life' (courtesy of first lady Rosario Murillo) and promenading families. There's a scale replica of Av Bolívar before the 1972 earthquake, a water park (US$1), a Boeing 737 for kids to explore, replicas of Nicaragua's most famous churches and two bland museums.

Public Art

East of the National Assembly along Av Central is a pedestrian walk with open-air exhibits on Nicaragua's history, featuring everything from historic photos of Sandino to evocative pictures of pre-earthquake Managua. It's a great path to take if you're walking from Barrio Bolonia to the lakefront, especially if you're interested in Nicaragua's political and literary histories.

Park

This park is a prime spot for observing local life. It really comes alive on weekends and in the evenings, when it seems like all of Managua's families pour out onto its footpaths, with kids splashing in the fountains or playing baseball at the stadium, teenagers breakdancing and young couples canoodling.