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 Malangatana. Inside are some taxidermy specimens accompanied by interactive computer terminals, a small ethnography exhibit and a fascinating display of what is probably the region’s only collection of elephant foetuses.
Natural History Museum
Maputo
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
7.42 MILES
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…
1.19 MILES
Half a block west of Avenida Karl Marx, the National Art Museum has an excellent collection of paintings and sculptures by Mozambique’s finest…
Centro Cultural Franco-Moçambicano
0.98 MILES
An excellent place, with art exhibitions, music and dance performances, films, theatre, a craft shop, a cafe and more.
1.47 MILES
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…
1.02 MILES
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.
3.04 MILES
The large Praça dos Heróis Moçambicanos, along Avenida Acordos de Lusaka near the airport, is notable for its 95m-long mural commemorating the revolution…
1.02 MILES
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…
1.04 MILES
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…
Nearby Maputo attractions
0.1 MILES
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…
0.24 MILES
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…
0.47 MILES
Wonderful for families, with a children's playground, pedalo rentals, lots of space, a good and inexpensive cafe and views over Maputo Bay.
0.52 MILES
Art and photography exhibits; opposite the South African High Commission.
0.83 MILES
Maputo's tallest building – now known as the Mcel building because of its unmissable advertising – makes a convenient landmark.
0.95 MILES
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…
7. Cathedral of Nossa Senhora da Conceição
0.97 MILES
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…
8. Centro Cultural Franco-Moçambicano
0.98 MILES
An excellent place, with art exhibitions, music and dance performances, films, theatre, a craft shop, a cafe and more.