Location: Maputo
Top Things to do in Maputo
- 1. Inhaca Island
- 2. Iglesia de San Antonio de la Polana
- 3. Maputo Central Train Station
- 4. FEIMA - Feira de Artesanato, Flores e Gastronomica
- 5. Cathedral of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception
- 6. Fortaleza da Nossa Senhora da Conceicao
- 7. Maputo Central Market
- 8. Casa do Ferro (The Iron House)
- 9. Tunduru Gardens
- 10. Natural History Museum
10 Things to Do in Maputo That You Shouldn't Miss
Maputo, the lush capital of Mozambique, sits on the shore of the Indian Ocean. Founded as a port town by the Portuguese, the influence of travelers and traders from Africa, Asia, and Europe, has made the city a diverse and lively metropolis. The area is famous for its prawns in peri-peri sauce, a spicy concoction made from an especially hot African chili pepper. Calm down your taste buds afterwards with a beer at one of the many bars and nightclubs in the Fere de Populare neighborhood.
Restaurants in Maputo
1. Inhaca Island
Overall Ratings
4 based on 230 reviews
Reviewed By GarySib - Kempton Park, South Africa
This island is years behind the Mainland, it's beautiful, with great people that are friendly and just not well off, however they are all smiling and happy. It's a bit of a challenge to get there especially if you do not speak Portuguese, however the beauty, welcoming Beaches, people and landscape...it's worth all the challenge of getting there. There are a few options now that we have spoken to the locals, the government ferry (Lau Lau) leaving at Katembe pier at 7H30, you have to be there by 7H00 Am, otherwise that are multiple private Ferries, at the Maputo harbour, and they leave thought the day, however as they are private, they do get very expensive...forget the Vodacom ferry, it no longer exist. On arrival at Inhaca... assistance is in abundance, however everything is at a minimal cost. The island is much bigger than what is expected and from Inhaca, you can visit the Portuguese island, Santa Maria, the lighthouse and other local attractions. Do arrange return ferry on arrival it makes it easy as there are forever multitudes going to Mainland daily, pay a little bit more and travel comfortably. The government ferry cost 400 Mts, it's a better option to the wooden made boats "doala" the doala is a No No, it's snail's at 10km/hour taking about 3 hours in the basking sun, with No seats, No toilets, No service at all, just getting you across....stay away. Government ferry is far better compared to the douala, however it's also not maintained as corrosion, falling fittings, gents toilet not flushing, barriers damaged...d list goes on but it's a better ride.
On arrival there are beach boys helping with laggage, and ferrying to lower waters on smaller boats, it's all safe. On entry to the island a government tax of 200 Mts is payable, from there it's paradise in the 60's. You have to visit...it's magnificent...have pao (bread) have local food it's tasteful affordable and worth every penny.
2. Iglesia de San Antonio de la Polana
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 105 reviews
Reviewed By irishmike60 - Hillcrest, South Africa
Our group of 8 were taken through the Cathedral on tour and a small wedding was taking place. No problem to our guide, he walked us right between the officiating minister and the couple getting married. We were very embarrassed, but they did not seem to mind at all. Par for the course as it were !!
Not as large as the pictures make it out, but great architecture, and stained glass, and ornamentation.
Well worth a visit, even if a person is not religious.
3. Maputo Central Train Station
Overall Ratings
4 based on 501 reviews
Reviewed By 2016msm - Cape Town Central, South Africa
Maputo's Central Train Station is an impressive structure still used today, but with rich history. Photos of the Train Station's development and progress over the years are displayed along the area where people wait for trains. There's also a museum with artifacts and detailed information.
4. FEIMA - Feira de Artesanato, Flores e Gastronomica
Overall Ratings
4 based on 248 reviews
Reviewed By f2s - Glasgow, United Kingdom
There are stalls of African stuff, but this sad looking park was not worth seeing the day we were in town.
5. Cathedral of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception
Overall Ratings
4 based on 118 reviews
Reviewed By LuxeFamilyFun - United States
I hate to sound dismissive, but you have to lower your expectations when visiting Mozambique. This Cathedral is nice based upon the surroundings, but is by no means a worldly treasure or a top 250 Cathedral in the world. It might not even be top 1000.
Still, it's easily accessible and seems relatively safe to visit during a city tour of Maputo.
6. Fortaleza da Nossa Senhora da Conceicao
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 164 reviews
Reviewed By wombatdavid - Tasmania
This is an old Portuguese Fort down by the waterfront. It is only MTM20 to go in. There is not much to see in terms of exhibits but there are some old statues and cannons in good condition.
7. Maputo Central Market
Overall Ratings
4 based on 135 reviews
Reviewed By JacobFS
Interesting experience. Different fruits and vegetables. Though the produce was more expensive than locals suggested it should be. I was told a coconut costs M$20 but in the market the charged M$30 and didn't negotiate.
None of the vendors tried to harras us into buying anything. If you just want to wLk around and have a look this is a good place to go.
8. Casa do Ferro (The Iron House)
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 191 reviews
Reviewed By LuxeFamilyFun - United States
This is a very unusual home - it's all metal, with some wood wall interiors. I can't say I've ever seen anything like it, but the East German's would have loved it during the old USSR days.
It's on a corner lot in downtown Maputo. It's easily accessible and can be checked out very quickly.
When I think of Eiffel - we all think of the unbelievable structure in Paris - that can only be truly appreciated in person.
This is something very different. A metal house that was constructed abroad and assembled a piece at a time. It's not aesthetically pleasing in any way. Other than being designed by Eiffel, there is nothing to see here. Eiffel would probably regret his work in Maputo if he were still alive.
9. Tunduru Gardens
Overall Ratings
4 based on 39 reviews
Reviewed By Mohnomishe - Maputo, Mozambique
I remember my first visit in Maputo back in 2000, this park was a no-go zone inhabited by dubious characters. Now after a year or more of renovations, it has finally been rehabilitated and reopened. It's such a nice place to stroll around, and you don't have to be an avid botanist for enjoying all the examples of indigenous trees and plants lining the pathways. There's a tourist information service, now I just wish they'll open a café too.
10. Natural History Museum
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 189 reviews
Reviewed By WonderfulWorld59 - Missouri
Mildly Interesting Museum on 2 Floors of A Victorian Mansion. The Main Floor features a Large Life-sized Display of Wildlife. Don't Miss the Display Illustrating Elephant Development (in a Back Corner). Upstairs are Similar Displays of Insects and Fish. Allow 20-30 Minutes.
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