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Praia — literally "Beach" in Portuguese — is Cape Verde's capital and busiest city. While it's maybe not comparable to a western metropolis, with a population of only about 159,050 (2017), one in four Cape Verdeans call the city home and the city is an important thoroughfare for international visitors to the archipelagic country.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
Antiga Câmara Municipal
Built in neoclassicist style with a square central tower, the town hall is one of the finest examples of colonial architecture around. It's still in use. When the doors are open, make sure to have a look inside. There's even some information on the building's history available for visitors.
Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Graça
The city's cathedral was constructed in 1902 in classicist style.
Palácio da Justiça
The supreme court is a pretty building at the Praça Alexandre Albuquerque. It may be possible to visit it on the inside too.
Palácio Presidencial
Built in the late 19th century as the residence of the Portuguese governor, nowadays it is the presidential palace. It has lately been renovated with financial help from China. Other governmental buildings are located nearby.
Old barracks next to the presidential palace, have seen better days.
A Protestant church.
Assemblada Nacional
The national assembly of Cape Verde.
A square in the central old town. Albuquerque was a governor who was passionate about card playing; therefore, each of the four corners of the square is marked by a suit.
Located in a historic building in the old town, this museum presents the history of the Cape Verdean people through objects of everyday life.
Cultural centre dedicated to the revolutionary leader Amílcar Cabral (1924-73). Notable for its murals.
The city's football stadium seating 10,000 persons.
Gamboa beach, which gave the city its name. However, it's not suitable for swimming.
A small island just outside the harbour. Formerly people with leprosy were quarantined on the island; Chinese businessmen are planning to set up a casino here.
A large cross; from where it stands, there's also a nice view over Quebra Canela beach.
A monument dedicated to Diogo Gomes, the explorer of the islands. It is located at the south of the plateau, and there are great views from there to Praia do Gamboa and Ilhéu de Santa Maria.
Down-to-earth restaurant popular among locals.
A great place to eat local food and watch the world go by. Popular among expats and the local chess playing community.
Italian and Cape Verdean cuisine.
In the city centre at the Hotel Felicidade. Open all day. Their buffet is popular with businesspeople.
Cap Verdean cuisine, wide menu and large servings.
Famous for its BBQ chicken, this is also a good place to meet locals.
Brazilian-style barbecue restaurant.
Specialising in fish, famous for tuna and bacalao on white wine.
African cuisine and large servings. They also have a nice selection of local wines. Friendly service.
Next to the Portuguese embassy with a good view of the city, O Poeta is popular among the upper class and tourists. House speciality is barbecued squid with vegetables and cheese.
Reportedly good food in the city centre, but the service is slow as usual in Cape Verde. Occasionally live music.
Located in the Hotel Praia Mar complex.
Located on the plateau, here you can hear national and traditional music, plus eat.
B&B in the Plateau district. Free Wi-Fi.
Probably the only dorm-beds in Praia. About fifteen minutes from Plató, but close to much of Praia's nightlife. Pluses include free lockers, cleanliness, beers for sale and fast Wi-Fi. However, it does lack a good common area and the kitchen facilities are somewhat limited.
Very orange.
Wi-Fi available in the common areas, laundry service, private parking.
Has a panoramic terrace with good views.
Bright, cheery place with wifi and free appetizing breakfast close to some embassies and restaurants.
Free breakfast on rooftop terrace, wifi, a/c, pretty clean, nice buffet spread in restaurant with bar, reliable paid pick-up service from the airport, sells and activates SIM cards.
Free breakfast and wifi, some good views from rooms higher up.
10 min to centre of the Praia. 5 km from the airport. Comfortable rooms with free Wi-Fi. The hotel also has a pool, fitness center and private parking.
Decrepit infrastructure, outrageously overpriced. Rooms have kingsize beds and are equipped with cable tv, minibar and hairdryer.
Mercado Central
Food and artisanal objects for sale from the early morning. It's a vibrant, colourful place worth visiting for every visitor, except that it's not a good place if you suffer from claustrophobia as it can get pretty crammed. Also, watch out for pickpockets.
Another market to visit; the same precautions apply.
By bus
There are two main bus companies that serve the city, Moura Company and Sol Atlantico. Each route has their own numbers.
By taxi
When it comes to taxis you should be careful with illegal taxis that sometimes roam around and might rip you off.
By foot
The lack of an official map makes the city a little hard to navigate, especially since large parts still lack proper street names and house numbers.
By rental car
Rental cars can be found mainly at the airport, but with the boom of tourism some downtown locations have opened as well. Rates are around 4500$ per day including tax and insurance.
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Praia · International · RAI
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