//
Capital and largest city of Angola
Photo: Waqcku at English Wikipedia, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Luanda, the capital of Angola, is on the Atlantic coast. Its current renaissance is an inspiring success story. Decades of conflict, which only ended in 2002, had long held Angola back. Since the start of the 21st century there has been a massive boom in construction in Luanda, where peace and stability have attracted numerous foreign companies to invest in offices in the city. The government of Angola, getting rich off revenue from oil, diamond and other natural resources, is also investing heavily in and around Luanda, including large social housing high-rise blocks of flats to replace slums and existing dilapidated (and often bullet-ridden) tower blocks; extensive repaving; the construction of several six-lane highways leading out of the city; the reconstruction of railway lines leading out of the city; and a large new airport on the south side is under construction, and following various delays is scheduled to open in 2023.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
Fortaleza de São Miguel
Built in 1576, it became the administrative center of Luanda during the early part of colonial rule and was a self-contained city for the early military garrison and an important holding place for slaves. It contains ornate wall tiles detailing the history of the city along with many relics, such as cannons and the original holding cells for slaves.
Fortaleza de São Pedro da Barra
A fortress that served a variety of purposes throughout its history. It was constructed in the 17th century to protect the area from invaders. When the slave trade began, it was then used as a keep for the slaves until they were ready to send them away. Throughout Angola's struggle for independence against Portugal from 1961-1975, the fort housed nationalists who were arrested and then forced into labor camps.
The fortress is a military area which cannot be visited without authorization.
Museu da Moeda
About Angola's history of currency, from non-cash to Zimbo and Kwanza.
Museu Nacional da Escravatura
Built in the area where the slaves were held prior to being taken off to the Americas. The museum building is the Capa de Casa Grande, which is where they baptized slaves prior to sending them off to the Americas. The museum is worth seeing for the chapel and the cannons on the outside. In the center of the chapel is a fascinating stone font, but with no description. There are a few period objects of real interest (such as stocks, a whip, shackles), but the framed prints on the walls are mostly copies from published works, with relatively little accompanying information. The high, windswept location is beautiful.
A museum filled with thousands of species of animals, including fish, birds, crustaceons and insects. Many of the displayed animals are endangered, and some are even extinct. The museum does an impeccable job of displaying the large amount of diverse organisms that inhabit and once inhabited the country.
Museu Nacional de Antropologia
Dedicated to educating people about Angolan history and culture, the National Museum of Anthropology features an impressive array of traditional masks along with art, sculptures, tools, weaponry, jewellery, clothing and musical instruments.
Built in 1669.
A church built in 1664. It is famous for its beautiful altar made of Italian rose marble.
Igreja Nossa Senhora dos Remédios
Another old Catholic church, this one built in 1628.
Upon arrival in Luanda, it is impossible to miss the towering obelisk-like structure shooting above the rest of the city. If you're curious to know what it is and why it is there, it's a mausoleum dedicated to Agostinho Neto, the first President of Angola who led Angola's struggle for independence.
Historic quarter of Luanda, contains a splendid variety of Portuguese colonial buildings and dates to the 16th century.
A very relaxing place in the heart of the city. Tables are set in the refreshing shade of green plants. Cheap local dishes and fresh fruit juices. Also a shop selling plants and gardening items.
Formerly Coconuts Restaurant, still with a great Atlantic Ocean view though.
BBB
Formerly the popular Cais de Quatro Restaurant. You can still see a spectacular view of the Luanda skyline from your table.
Inn Luanda Boutique Hotel Type
Boutique hotel in residential area close to center. Very clean and good air-con with free WiFi. Breakfast was included and they can prepare lunch and dinner. The manager speaks English.
Free breakfast, wifi, a/c, restaurant/bar, beach access. Nice artistic vibe.
Free wifi and breakfast.
This one will cost a pretty penny.
A prestigious four-star hotel in the city center.
Hotel Rouxinol
Near the embassies in Miramar and the centre of town.
For local crafts, at low prices, try this market just south of Luanda.
Opened in 2007, it is Angola's first shopping mall. It features nearly 100 shops, a cinema, various restaurants and a central square for live entertainment.
By train
Rail services in Angola have seen a dramatic improvement over the last few years.
By car
The main road for tourists will be the coastal highway leading north to the DR Congo and south to Namibia. It is very scenic and in reasonably good repair.
By bus
The National Bus Service has just re-opened but routes are not organized yet. There are some local services in Luanda and in between cities.
By boat
In 2018 a new ferry started on the Luanda to Cabinda, which is useful to avoid a transit through the DR Congo. It is operated by TMA Express.
By taxi
A popular means for locals to get around the city is by mini bus taxis (Candongueiros), easily identifiable by their pale blue and white.
By car
The roads in Luanda are generally of okay standard, as is the case on the main routes between cities, but elsewhere road quality greatly decreases.
By train
A commuter rail service is expected to open during the first half of 2021. While useful for reaching the suburbs, it will not be too useful for the average tourist.
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Luanda · International · LAD
Loading places around the airport…
Articles and travel topics about Luanda and Angola.
Culture & historyThe Portuguese Empire (O Império Português) was, or is, one of the longest-lived colonial empires.
Wikivoyage
Culture & historyArt Deco architecture is a very characteristic form of early 20th-century architecture that shaped the skylines of many cities around the world.
Wikivoyage
Travel tipsSince the 1970s, air travel has become more and more affordable in many parts of the world thanks to the liberalization of air travel regulations, growing competition, increasing efficiency of airline operation, and…
Wikivoyage
Travel tipsThe main air hubs of South America are Sao Paulo, Buenos Aires, Bogota, Santiago, and Lima, so many flights to other parts of South America will connect in one of these hubs.
Wikivoyage
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.