Maputo is the bustling capital of Mozambique and is also the largest city in the island nation. Most people come to Mozambique in search of a great beach vacation, but spending a day or two in Maputo gives you a different but very interesting perspective on Mozambique.
Located at the southern tip of the country, the capital city definitely has its own charms such as its riverside scenery, wide tree-lined avenues, Mediterranean and Portuguese-style buildings, and a variety of hotels and restaurants. While most of Mozambique is about laid-back and relaxing beach life, Maputo has a lively cultural scene, topped off by an electrifying nightlife.
Some of the best places to visit in the city are the bustling markets. Here, you will see the locals go about their day. Women wearing sarongs sell a wide variety of items, locally called capulanas. One of the largest markets in the city is the Municipal Market which is located in the Baixa district. Here, you can buy fresh produce, seafood, and household items. And even if you don’t intend to buy anything, it’s still a great place to people-watch and learn a bit about the culture.
Maputo has always been an important port city, mainly due to its location, which is only 90 kilometers from the South African border. When it comes to accommodation, the city has a variety ranging from multi-star hotels to reasonably priced hostels. If you’re an early riser, head to Avenida Marginal, where fishermen organize their catch of the day and attract passing customers with the freshest seafood available in town. And speaking of seafood; don’t forget to try their signature dish: sizzling peri-peri prawns, best paired with a Laurentina beer. In fact, feel free to indulge in various seafood dishes, considered some of the best on the East African coast.
A very lively tourist center in Maputo is Julius Nyerere Avenue, which is lined with restaurants, shops, video stores and boutiques. The street is also a place frequented by the exclusive population of the Polana neighborhood. The train station is also one of the most prominent buildings in the city that is worth exploring. This impressive building is located in Praca dos Trabalhadores and is more lively on Friday and Saturday nights when live musical performances are held.
The museum buff will appreciate the collection of paintings at the National Museum of Art. Some exhibits feature Mozambican art, while others are works by the famous artist Malangatana. And if you’re still craving more museums, visit other notable sites like the Museum of the Revolution and the Museum of Natural History. (Museum of Natural History). The Eiffel Tower may be Gustave Eiffel’s most famous work, but his architectural prowess is also on display at the Casa do Ferro. This former governor’s house, located on Avenida Samora Marcel, is often called “Casa de Hierro” or “Casa de Acero” due to its all-metal design.
If you are looking for great beaches, the sandy stretches of Ponta d’Ouro and Catembe are at your fingertips. Ponta d’Ouro, in particular, is also a popular place for diving. Spring and fall are the most ideal times to visit Maputo because they have the most ideal weather. The city maintains an airport that receives daily flights from Johannesburg.
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