Maputo

Travel Guide

Maputo
Maputo
Maputo which includes art
Maputo
Maputo

Get swept up in the vibrant atmosphere of Mozambique’s capital as you discover its colonial history, delicious food and colorful markets. 

Visit Maputo, Mozambique’s most populous city, where museums, interesting architecture and excellent restaurants make for a worthwhile stop.

Maputo as it exists now was founded by the Portuguese colonists of the 18th century. It soon became one of Africa’s wealthiest and most cosmopolitan cities. In the 20th century, however, a long civil war ravaged the city. The war started in the 1970s and didn’t end until the 1990s. Today, the scars are still visible, but the city has been revived. Appreciate the atmosphere and architecture as you set off to explore.

Wander among the once-glorious colonial buildings, imagining them during their heyday. Don’t miss a visit to Maputo’s 20th-century Praca dos Trabalhadores, the city’s main train station. Spot its architectural highlights, including wrought-iron lattice work and a dome designed by an associate of famed French engineer and architect Gustave Eiffel.

Art plays a big role in Maputo’s culture. Visit the National Art Gallery to see an eclectic collection of pieces by national artists. Also worth visiting is the Chissano Gallery and the Núcleo De Arte. For an insight into Mozambique’s flora and fauna, head to the Natural History Museum.

Delight in the medley of smells, sounds and sights of the Municipal Market. Peruse the stalls selling tropical fruits and heady spices. For something more laid back visit the Fortaleza, an imposing colonial fortress overlooking the ocean.

Food in Maputo is a true highlight. Savor heaped plates of sizzling prawns while enjoying the beach views along Avenida Marginal, or get comfortable in a street-side café to soak up the lively atmosphere.

Maputo International Airport is the main gateway to the country and most visitors will pass through here. Rent a car, hop in a taxi or join a guided tour to get to your hotel and begin exploring. You will find many different public transportation options to travel around the city and across the country.

Where to stay in Maputo

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Central A

Though Central A might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Maputo City Hall and Maputo Central Market.

Central A
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Polana Cimento A

4.5/5(21 area reviews)

Polana Cimento A is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Geology Museum and Vila Algarve.

Polana Cimento A
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Sommerschield

4.5/5(15 area reviews)

Travelers enjoy Sommerschield for its spas and seafood restaurants. Consider checking out FEIMA Craft Market while you're in the area.

Sommerschield
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Catembe

You'll appreciate the seaside views during your time in Catembe and you might want to plan a stop by Maputo Botanical Gardens and Maputo Cathedral while you're in the area.

Catembe
Built in 1912 (with a dome designed by Gustave Eiffel), the CFM #Railway #Station

Central C

4/5(7 area reviews)

Central C is noteworthy for its bars, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Maputo Botanical Gardens and Maputo Cathedral.

Central C
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Coop

4.5/5(2 area reviews)

While Coop isn't home to many top sights, Maputo Central Market and Maputo City Hall are some notable places to visit nearby.

Coop
Radisson Blu Hotel & Residence, Maputo
Radisson Blu Hotel & Residence, Maputo
5 out of 5
Avenida Marginal 141, Maputo
$204 nightly
The price is $237 total per night from Jul 4 to Jul 5
$237 total
Jul 4 - Jul 5
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Maputo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and private pools. Popular attractions FEIMA Craft Market and Vila Algarve are located ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (352 reviews)
"Very good location, helpful staff"

Reviewed on Mar 19, 2025

Radisson Blu Hotel & Residence, Maputo
Polana Serena Hotel
Polana Serena Hotel
4.5 out of 5
Avenida Julius Nyerere 1380, Maputo
$190 nightly
The price is $221 total per night from Aug 1 to Aug 2
$221 total
Aug 1 - Aug 2
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Maputo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions FEIMA Craft Market and Vila Algarve ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (225 reviews)
"Perfect"

Reviewed on Mar 2, 2025

Polana Serena Hotel
City Lodge Hotel Maputo
City Lodge Hotel Maputo
3 out of 5
Para O Palmar Road, Maputo
Fully refundable
$87 nightly
The price is $101 total per night from Jul 14 to Jul 15
$101 total
Jul 14 - Jul 15
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Maputo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Fish Market and FEIMA Craft ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (28 reviews)
"This was an excellent hotel for our business trip. The rooms were clean, comfortable, and spacious. The food in the restaurant was well prepared. The breakfast buffet was always hot with plenty of offerings. We would definitely stay there again."

Reviewed on Jun 21, 2025

City Lodge Hotel Maputo
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
VIP Executive Suites Maputo Hotel
VIP Executive Suites Maputo Hotel
4 out of 5
Avenida Mártire de Machava, 1309, Maputo
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Maputo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions FEIMA Craft Market and Vila Algarve are ...
"REVIEW FOR: VIP Guest Hotels ROOM: Approx 46 sq m / 500 sq ft PICTURES: Accurate, though lobby has changed a bit INTERNET SPEED: 10-20 Mbps, some floors are better than others WORKING SPACE: Dining room table or using laptop from chaise LOCATION: Nice central location, 5-10m from beach or 5-10m to ..."

Reviewed on May 6, 2025

VIP Executive Suites Maputo Hotel
Xenon urban apartments
Xenon urban apartments
3.5 out of 5
776 Av. Julius Nyerere, Maputo, Maputo
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly apartment in Maputo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and private pools. Popular attractions FEIMA Craft Market and Vila ...
"Excellent, convenient location. Basic IKEA comfortable furnishings. Pleasant managers but they are available only M-F and gave a cursory review of the unit and property. Unfortunately, strapping and cement loosened on the balcony ceiling and fell off. I was unable to use the balcony for 2 days. It ..."

Reviewed on Dec 2, 2019

Xenon urban apartments
Palm Aparthotel
Palm Aparthotel
3.5 out of 5
174 Avenida Eduardo Mondlane, Maputo, Maputo
Stay at this 3.5-star spa aparthotel in Maputo. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Vila Algarve and Geology Museum are located ...
"Terrible coffee, you had to pay extra for a proper coffee."

Reviewed on Nov 8, 2019

Palm Aparthotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Things to do

Reviews of Maputo

4.1
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
20
5 - Excellent 32%
4 - Good
30
4 - Good 48%
3 - Okay
11
3 - Okay 18%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 2%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Maputo is pleasant and welcoming!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Maputo is always pleasan

5/5 - Excellent

Oumuwa

Love the city and would like to return

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Loved the Dhow Maputo restaurant the view was amazing and food and again the people were very nice

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

It was a very bad to get visa at border between Manzini and Maputo. It took for 2 hours to get visa. Immigration of Mozambique system and workers are very stupid. I should have taken a visa at Embassy of Mozambique at Swaziland. I waste time

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Nice modern city.

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