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Capital and the largest city of São Tomé and Príncipe
Photo: Ji-Elle, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
São Tomé is the capital city of São Tomé and Príncipe, and the largest city, travel hub and main commercial center in the country. It had a population of almost 72,000 in 2018, or over a third of the total population of the country. As it has the only international airport in the country, it plays an important role in the country's small tourism industry.
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Catedral de São Tomé
A Roman Catholic cathedral, parts of the building date back to the 15th century, but since then significant alterations have been done, including in 1956, when the church was remodeled in an eclectic revival style, with a neo-romanesque main façade.
Palácio Presidencial
Built in the mid-19th century as a governor's administrative center and expanded in 1954, the palace has served as the presidential residence since 1975. The palace is not open to the public and photography of the building is not permitted.
Located in the historic Fort of São Sebastião, this museum showcases life during the colonial era and also has a collection of local religious art.
Sao Nicolau Waterfall
To get there, you must have a 4x4 vehicle, and good footwear for slippery surfaces. A raincoat is recommended.
Great hiking on several trails. You can stay overnight at the old plantations called 'roças'. The lightest rainforest trek is the round trip to Lagoa Amelia, which takes about 4-5 hours. For longer treks, you must organise transport, guides, and accommodation. You can pick up guides from Bom Successo on the way. A 2-day, 2-night trek would be from Bom Successo to Roca Bombain, overnight in Roca Bombain, and then Bombain to Roca Sao Joao dos Angolares.
São Tomé cuisine. Also offers rooms with shared bath €65, with private bath €75.
Excellent grilled fish.
Restaurant terrace looks over a beach with a shipwreck. English spoken.
Seafood. Local dishes. Bar services with petiscos (tapas). Good coffee and Wi-Fi.
A drinks place facing the sea. Petiscos (like tapas), soups, live music on Saturdays. Nicely decorated with artifacts.
Nightclub where the rich and beautiful young things of STP sip pricey cocktails and dance to DJs.
Clean and homey guest house 10-15 minute walk to the centre of town. A kitchen and lounge are available for meeting other travellers. Continental breakfast €7. Launderette next door.
One of the oldest hotels in the city. It's in the heart of the city and close to restaurants and markets. 14 rooms with AC, TV, mini fridge, kettle, and private bathroom. Daily lunch menus, and free Wi-Fi.
Luxury hotel, in front of Ana Chaves Bay, 2 minutes' walk from the beach. Several gardens, infinity pools, a restaurant, full breakfast, two bars and free parking. Rooms have direct access to gardens with balconies overlooking the pool or sea and have Wi-Fi internet access.
Boutique hotel with 30 rooms and suites around a pool. It has the only tennis court in the country, and there is a beach across the road .
STP Airways is on the list of carriers banned from operating into the European Union, so its flights are operated by the Portuguese airline EuroAtlantic Airways.
Read in the guideMotorcycle, bicycle and car hire is available in the city center. The main taxi rank is next to the Municipal Market.
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São Tomé · International · TMS
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