Places of Interest Maputo
WHAT TO SEE IN THE CITY
We do organize day tours for a minimum of 4 people.
It is strictly forbidden to take pictures of government buildings, so if you're not sure ask first.
At night, use the main roads and avoid walking alone. If it's far and late, and you are feeling unsafe, just take a taxi.
SOME IMPORTANT BUILDINGS:
Tribunal (Court of Justice), on Vladimir Lenine Ave. by the Tunduru Gardens was built in the late 1890 by Dutch, Gerard Pott, to be the Transvaal Consul. Dutch architectural style, the only one in Maputo. From 1914 become Portuguese property and housed the Natural History Museum until 1933.
Casa de Ferro (Iron house) built in the latest XIX; building materials were supplied by the Belgian Congo, as this was a swamp area then. The purpose was to be the Governor's House, but it was too expensive and become the Court House. In 1910, it was an orphanage. Now, it holds the city archives. Located outside Tunduru Gardens on Samora Machel Ave
Mesquita (Mosque) situated on Mesquita Str. right in front of the Central Market was built at the end of XIX Century, renovated in 1887. They hold services every day, but the massive one is on Fridays at 12.30h
B I P (Bureau of Public Information) on Eduardo Mondlane Ave/Francisco O. Magumbwe is the best place for maps, statistics, journals, books of our famous writhers like Mia Couto, videos on various Moçambique subjects, postcards, posters, etc. English and Portuguese.
Centro Cultural Franco-Moçambicano (French Cultural Centre), a cultural centre, on Samora Machel Ave for art exhibitions, free movies, concerts. Go there and find what's on. French, Portuguese or English.
British Council Library, John Issa off 24 de Julho. Loans and references.
Centro de Estudos Brasileiros (Brazilian Cultural Centre), on 25 de Setembro/Karl Marx Ave. This centre features some commendable exhibitions of both local and international artists. There is a veranda with a nice bar upstairs. They have live music on weekends sometimes. Pass by, and find what's on. Portuguese.
Centro Cultural Português (Portuguese Cultural Centre), on Julius Nyerere Ave, in front of E. Mondlane Av. Sometimes they have really good art exhibitions. For the Portuguese readers, there is a good library.
American Cultural Centre, on Mao Tse Tung Ave/Kim Il Sung Ave. There is a library, magazines, and books. Internet free for Americans. They don't hold exhibitions. It's more for there own citizens.
Cooperativa de Arte Makonde (Makonde Art), on Marien Ngouabi Ave 798. Various Makonde artists. They encourage the preservation of makonde art, one of the oldest in this part of Africa. They sell Mapiko masks, statues, wooden bracelets, etc. Open Monday to Saturday, office hours.
Núcleo de Arte, on Argelia Street 194, (just off J. Nyerere). Open Mon to Fri. 09.00-18.00h. Displays local art by established and upcoming artists. Various creative people use this spot as a studio, so stop by to see some of the Moçambicano local talent in the making. They have a nice bar also.
Casa da Cultura do Alto Maé (Cultural House), on Albert Luthuli/Ho Chi Min Ave. This centre sponsors dance and music courses. Part of the house is used for theatre amateurs. They have an Art Gallery on the other side of the road, where you can see new up coming artists and famous ones. They have cloths made of capulanas or batique on sale at the entrance hall. There is a bar-restaurant as well. The National Company of Theatre and Dance once used this as well, now they are on Bagamoio Ave.
Ceramic Art, on Angola Av., next to Dalo Construções. Here you can buy the most amazing ceramic plates, cups and other earthenware. You can also create your own design. Open office hours.
Capulanas & Fabrics, on places like Casa Elefante, right in front of the Central Market, Tritique on Mtomoni Str, 57, Zeinab, which shops you can find on Eduardo Mondlane Ave near the old cemetery and on Lenine Ave just before E. Mondlane Ave. The shops next to Xipamanine Market also have really nice fabric.
Music from Mozambique and neighbour countries at the Commercial Centre of Radio Moçambique on Radio Str, also at the Vidisco on E. Mondlane/Karl Marx Ave, Interfranca on 24 de Julho Ave and at Sensações, you will also find books at their shops on J. Nyerere/E. Mondlane Ave and at the Rovuma Carlton Hotel behind the Catedral.
Minerva Central, Joaquim Lapa Str, Sopress, José Mateus Ave, and Livraria Editora Escolar, 24 de Julho Ave, other places to buy books, mostly in Portuguese.
MUSEUMS
História Natural (Natural History) was built in 1931 and is found on the Praça da Travessia do Zambeze. This gothic style (Manuelinho) building provides an insight into Moc. Past abundance of animals, reptiles, insects and marine life, like coelantho fish. Look out for the preserved elephant foetuses representing the 20-month gestation period of the animal. In the back, is the studio of a well-known makonde ceramist, Reinata. They have a library and other services. Open from Tuesday to Sunday, 09.00h/11.30h - 14.00h/16.00h. Children under 10 years free entrance.
Revolution is highly recommended. On 24 de Julho, 3003. Closed on Wed, otherwise opens 09.00-12.00 and 14.00-18.00. Sat.12.00-18.00. Sunday 09.00/12.00h - 15.00h/18.00h. Relive the past struggles of this country in the four floors of photographs, maps and various military artefacts depicting Moçambique history from its colonial past to the revolution and beyond.
Geology, on 24 de Julho Ave 335. Opens Tue-Fri 15.00-18.00, Sat 09.00-12.00-15.00-18.00. Have extensive displays of Moçambique geology with exhibits of malachite, radioactive minerals and many more finds.
Moeda, (Coin), the oldest building in Maputo on the Praça 25 de Junho, holds an interesting display that traces the history of the money market in Moçambique including artefacts used with early barter systems. Open weekdays from 09.00-12.00 and 14.00-16.30, Sun.14.00-17.00. Entrance fee 5.000.00 Mts.
Museu Nacional de Arte (National Art), on Ho Chi Min Ave.1233. Open Tues. to Sun. 15.00-19.00. It offers displays of Moçambique paintings and sculptures of a high artistic standard. They sell shirts, postcards and others. Free entrance.
Chissano, at Matola, on Torre do Vale Str, contains a feast of the work of famous Moçambique. Artist Chissano. There is a restaurant that serves only traditional meals. Closed on Mon. Daily 09.00-17.00. Take a chapa to Bairro Sial, and ask for directions.
ARPAC (Arquivo do Património Cultural), located in the historical building know as Prédio Landes Syndicate. It has everything you want to know about Moçambique cultural - history right from the beginning. On Bagamoio Str, 201. Opening Mon-Fri - 07.30-12.30 - 14.00-17.30h.
Casa Algarve, on Francisco O. Magumbewe/Ahmed S. Toure Ave, now closed for renovation, was the main headquarters of the political Portuguese police, where lots of political prisoners were tortured and killed. Certainly one of the most beautiful houses in Maputo with its' magnificent Portuguese architecture and tiles. This building has become the Moçambique Lawyers Association headquarters.
Catedral (Cathedral), Casa de Ferro (Iron House) and Conselho Executivo (City Hall), all at the Praça da Independência, shows same examples of the imposing architecture in Maputo. You should admire the stained glass windows and the magnificent altar at the Cathedral, the grandeur of the Portuguese times at Camâra Municipal (City Council), which used to be the governor's house in the early 1920's, or the gothic steel structure dating from 1892 of the Casa de Ferro, where the Department of Museums' offices are now.
Samora Machel Statue, our first President who died in a air crash, is at the entrance of Jardim Tunduru (Gardens), the botanical gardens with some great old trees was designed by the English gardener Thomas Honney. Beneath the statue you will find street photographers with really old cameras willing to take your photo. The Maputo Tennis courts are situated at the top end of the gardens. Take a walk around there and relax.
C.F.M. Railway station, its top dome designed by Mr. Eiffel, two original steam locomotives, the marble arches and floor entrance and bells that sound every time a train is leaving will take you back to the memorable days of train travel. Situated at Praça dos Trabalhadores (Workers Square), a monument to the Great War of 1914/1918, near by the Porto de Maputo, which is one of oldest areas of Maputo. You need permission to go in the port and permission to take pictures inside the station.
Fortaleza (Forte), another historical reference in Maputo is situated at Praça 25 de Junho. Was built by the Dutch who occupied the Bay from 1720-22, English pirates destroyed it in 1722; rebuilt again when the Austrians were banished in 1777-1781. 1796 destroyed by French pirates and rebuilt again. Open office hours and Sundays. The fort is now a Military Museum where many of the relics of Moçambique past were stored after Independence. Inside you can find the remains of our King N'gungunhane, one of the biggest fighters against colonial domination and also some of the colonial statues that were taken away after Independence. Sometimes they hold historic displays and concerts on the weekends. Entrance fee is expensive.
MARGINAL, starts at Baixa (downtown) and goes right to Costa do Sol village. This avenue is about 10kms and is one of the most beautiful walks in town. Starting point, you will find Feira Popular, our all night, every night party place with lots of different restaurants, moçambique traditional food, Portuguese, Chinese, Italian, Ethiopian, night-clubs, pubs, pool tables, games, etc. Look out for our local film producer-director-actor Orlando, for some money he will perform for you by using a candle inside a box and very realistic paper cutouts, kung fu, western, or even a soft porno film. Carry on and you will reach Clube Naval, a private club for fishermen, you need to pay to go in. They have got a swimming pool, restaurant, bar and pool tables and sometimes a good lift to Inhaca Island. Continuing your day trip down this palm edged beachfront road, you find the Artedif, a shop run by disabled people that work basically with leather. Right after is the Penha Palhota Restaurant, a nice place for you to take a break looking at the bay while having some of their delicious snacks; try the crab (carangueijo) or clams (ameijoa). Just after you get to the brand new Holiday Inn at the traffic circle, are a few restaurants and bars like the Miramar Restaurant that was a swimming pool to relax on hot days, Marisqueira Restaurant, with great starters that will full you for a very good price. Also, you'll see lots of straw furniture, ceramics and carvings for sale, you must bargain for a better price. The Campismo, Maputo campsite, is just there. A bit pricey but nice. Then there is Mini-Golf, a Restaurant-Pub-Disco with swimming pool, and an expensive place where all the Mozambicans upper class hang around on weekends, especial teenagers. Marítimo is the next marine club, with a diving school, it is a private club and you must pay to go in. On the other side of the road is the fish market, where you can buy your favourite kind of fish or prawns, which they'll prepare for you for a small amount of money. Make sure its fresh. Along that road you will find other fish markets, small restaurants and bars, until you get to the Costa de Sol Restaurant (one of the most famous seafood restaurants). Here you can satisfy your appetite. Walking down the beach there is a fishing village, where you can experience the unique sunset with all the fishing boats coming back. You can take a Chapa back to town.
Spur's, live concerts on weekends **
Sushi Bar next to Nandos, Mao Tse Tung Ave **
Mimmo´s, just a few minutes away from us, Vladimir Lenine Ave *
Missanga, on Mao Tse Tung Ave, 5 minutes walking. Pool tables, and disco on weekends. *
Pimentão, on Lenine Ave, a few minutes walking from here. Nice food, nice vibe. *
Splash, in V. Lenine Ave northwards, before the Praça OMM for fast food. *
Estoril, in Mao Tse Tung Ave for nice coffee and toast. Breakfast place *
Ciao, Italian ice cream in Mao Tse Tung. Breakfast place*
Wimby, a really nice coffee/bakery spot for breakfast. E. Mondlane Ave, corner Martires da Machava Ave.*
Micael, in Resistência Str, off Lenine Ave for good Brazilian food. *
California, mixed style, on Vlademir Lenine Ave, 10mins. walk. *
Flôr das Avenidas, Portuguese style, Vlademir Lenine Ave, 15 mins walk.*
Cabo Verde, traditional from the Islands, corner Tchamba Str./Mao Tse Tung. *
Nando's, pizza, bakery, pastries and coffee shop. Mao Tse Tung Ave.*
Mimo's, pizzeria, steak rest. Ice cream etc. Corner of S. Allende/24 Julho **
Cottage, Italian & Ethiopian. Eduardo M. Ave next to big Mosque before the Central Hospital.**
Kitos Chinese, corner 24 de Julho/Lenine Ave**
Frescos "Seafood Eatery", J. Nyerere/24 de Julho for the best seafood in upper town***
Mundo's, Sensações, E. Mondlane Ave/J. Nyerere Ave for steaks, seafood, pizzas and different kinds of beer. They also have cable T.V. for sports matches. Everybody goes there to see the Rugby, on Sat.14 h. ***
Pequim, in J. Nyerere Ave for nice calamari and salads, as well as pastas. ***
Piri Piri, 24 de Julho/J. Nyerere Ave, for the best chicken piripiri and seafood. **
Gipsy, Bagamoyo Str for good "pregos", steak rolls, cheap and nice food. Weekends, a place to go. *
Continental, 25 de Setembro Ave for good coffee and toast. *
Costa do Sol, at the end of Marginal Ave. Excellent seafood. **
Bistro Café, in J. Nyerere, for really good salads and snacks. The place for vegetarians.**
Restaurante 1908, E. Mondlane cnr S. Allende, for traditional food. **
Cristal, 24 de Julho, the best Portuguese cakes in town, and next-door really good Portuguese food. **
Ethiopian Restaurant, Ho Chi Min Ave, in front of Immigration Office.*
Know Long Restaurant, J. Nyerere Ave, very good Chinese food. *
Impala, Karl Marx Ave delicious Indian food. *
Takeaway Calú, off 24 de Julho, on Alfredo Keil Str. Braai- lots and cheap *
King Pie, on 24 de Julho Ave. *
Nautilus Café, Julius Nyerere/24 de Julho coffee/bakery opens at 06.00h. Good Portuguese cakes. *
Fofoca at SNJ, 24 de Julho Ave, 296, snacks & drinks, where the media hang out. Cultural events *
TAKE AWAY & FREE DELIVERY
Ask for the Menu. We can order for you. Orders must be placed before 22.00h.
Nando's, Mao Tse Tung Ave, phone: 499905/9. *
Pizza Corner Delivery, 24 de Julho Ave, phone 303701/431262. *
New York Pizza: 24 de Julho Ave, phone 313232/313333, cell: 082 411 330. *
GFC, 24 de Julho Ave, Phone: 313383/84, cell: 082 865 290. *
Debonnairs: 25 de Setembro Ave, phone: 312180/312188. *
GELATERIA - ICE CREAM PARLOURS
Beijo Gelado, 24 de Julho cnr V.Lenine **
Gelados Ciao, Mao Tse Tung.**
Ti'palino, 25 de Setembro, 1195/1201.**
Splash, V.Lenine at Coop.**
At the FEIRA POPULAR (FAIR GROUND) 25 de Setembro Ave, you will find a number of restaurants and pubs. We recommend:
Coqueiro, traditional food based on peanut and coconut sauce. *
Escorpião, considered one of the best seafood place in town. Portuguese style. **
Ethiopian, good. *
Chinese, "Lua" good. *
Mar, English pub with nice breakfasts and snacks.*
Takidir, chicken takes away, with or without piripiri. *
Quiosque Portugália, for Portuguese fare. *
Esplanada Oriental, for some delicious Indian dishes. *
O Pescador, Portuguese style seafood. *
Cegonha, Portuguese style. *
Eagles, at Clube Desportivo - Portuguese style. Open till late. Live music on Friday's**
Bagamoyo Str. also has some interesting pubs and restaurants.
If you are waiting for your train, try the restaurant at the station, it is a great place to wait and have a nice Prego sandwiches. *
If late at night on weekdays, avoid walking alone down town.
LIVE MUSIC AND CLUBS
Cine Àfrica, 24 de Julho every Thursdays - Live Concert - from 19.00h *
Bar Àfrica, 24 de Julho, Tuesday to Sunday - Live Music - from 21.00h *
Café Letra, art exhibitions, open weekends, 10 Novembro Ave.**
Franco-Moçambicano Cultural Centre, on Praça de Independência, weekends - Live Music - from 20.00h Exhibitions & Movies every day. Sometimes they charge for the concerts. *
Maritimo Club, Marginal - Live Jazz - Friday - Sat. - 18.00-23.00 **
Mbuva, Angola Ave - Live African & Jazz - Sunday -16.00 till late*
Mambo's, off road from 25 de Setembro Ave, only weekends. (salsa, latin type) *
All these places serve food.
Ask for information about what is on.
Most of the private party's in Maputo have Live Bands, and normally everybody is welcome. You just have to take something to drink. When there is one, we do inform everyone.
CLUBS AND DISCOS
Nightlife in Maputo starts after 22.00h and goes until to early morning
Palace, only Friday open till morning, 10 Novembro Ave. **
Janitos Bar, open every day, live music from Wednesday till Saturday, the perfect place to hang out on the beach in summertime, Marginal Ave.*
Cais, on Bagamoyo Ave (rave, funky) **
Zozo, at Feira Popular. (dance) **
Sanzala, just after Feira Popular. {african, salsa, pop and funky) **
Luso, on Bagamoyo Ave. (African, pop) **
These 3 places sometimes gets a bit to much with all the girls that work night time.
Kiss, inside the Desportivo Club, next to Eagles. ( reggae, pop, techno) **
Coconuts or Marginal Ave (disco, pop, salsa and rave) **
Kwuana, at Xipamanine area. (mostly african music) Need a taxi. **
Xitende, airport area, (mostly african music) Need a taxi. **
Jamba House, at Xipamanine area. (mostly african music) Need a Taxi. **