Maputo, the capital of Mozambique, is a vibrant city with a mix of colonial architecture, rich culture, delicious cuisine, and beautiful coastal views. Below are the top things to do while you are here:
1. Explore the downtown
Start your visit in downtown, the most historic area of the city
- Maputo Railway Station – Considered one of the most beautiful train stations in the world.
- The Iron House (Casa de Ferro) – A prefabricated iron structure, designed by Eiffel.
- Independence Square (Praça da Independência) – Located next to the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception and a statue of Samora Machel, Mozambique’s first president.
2. Visit the Central Market (Mercado Central)
For an authentic local experience, head to Maputo’s Central Market. This marketplace offers fresh tropical fruits, vegetables, spices, handicrafts, and souvenirs, etc. It’s a great place to try local delicacies.
3. Discover Maputo’s Art and Culture
Maputo is home to a thriving arts scene.
- The National Art Museum – Showcasing contemporary Mozambican art.
- Feima Arts and Craft Market – A great spot to buy local crafts, paintings, and wood carvings.
- Nucleo de Arte – A collective of Mozambican artists offering exhibitions and live art performances.
4. Take a Trip to Inhaca Island
If you have extra time, take a boat trip to Inhaca Island, located about 40 km from Maputo. The island offers pristine beaches, snorkeling, and fresh seafood.
5. Enjoy Maputo’s Nightlife
Maputo has a lively nightlife scene with bars, live music, social dancing events at some restaurants, etc.
- Bella Madallena – A restaurant with social dancing events every Wednesday and Thursday
- Gil Vicente Café Bar – Known for its live jazz and alternative music.
- South Beach – Fancy restaurant with ocean views and music events during weekends
6. Experience Mozambican Cuisine
Food lovers should not miss trying the local cuisine, especially dishes influenced by Portuguese and Indian flavors. Some must-try foods include – and they can be found at the Graciana’s reataurant in FEIMA (Crafts Market):
- Prawns with peri-peri sauce and Xima or Mucapata
- Matapa (peanut and cassava leaf stew)
- Chamussas (Mozambican samosas)
7. Visit Maputo National Park
For nature and wildlife lovers, Maputo National Park (formerly known as Maputo Special Reserve) is just a short drive from the city. Here, you can see elephants, zebras, giraffes, and hippos in a beautiful coastal setting.
8. Ride a Tuk-Tuk for a City Tour
For a fun way to explore, hop on a tuk-tuk and take a city tour with us. It’s an easy and enjoyable way to visit multiple attractions in one go while getting a feel for the local streets.
9. Explore Mafalala, a Historic Neighborhood
Mafalala is a culturally significant neighborhood where famous Mozambican poets and revolutionaries once lived. A guided tour will take you through its rich history, traditional houses, and vibrant street art and we are here to help you with that.