City Center

Hotels: Many hotels in Angola have air conditioning, a private bath or shower, a telephone, radio and TV. However, there is a general shortage of accommodations, and it is advisable to book well in advance (at least a month prior to departure). Visitors should also note that accommodations in Luanda are very expensive, but the city does have many hotel options.

Luanda is a massive province, through the city itself has two main areas: downtown and Luanda Sul, which is something like a satellite city. There's a lot of wealth inequality in the city and that widens the divide, with the more well-to-do citizens living in Luanda Sul, as well as neighborhoods like Miramar and Talatona, and the rest of the population, including those living in poverty, living in the downtown area. Security can be a major concern in certain parts of the city and Luanda Sul, Miramar and Talatona tend to be the safest areas.

A neighborhood within the city center, Baixa de Luanda, is an area that extends from the old port to the fortress in the lower city and is where you'll find the oldest parts of Luanda, featuring narrow, winding streets and colonial architecture.

The neighborhood of Cidade Alta is located in the upper city and it's where you'll find the gorgeous Parliament buildings. This is the center of political power in the country. Characterized by having many buildings in the colonial style, Cidade Alta is also home to the main institutions of the State such as the Presidential Palace and the Assembly. In this area, you'll find a strong presence of police authorities, as it includes buildings linked to the presidency.

Ilha do Cabo

Ilha do Cabo, also known as Ilha de Luanda, is a small peninsula that extends into the bay about 4.3 miles long, separating the city of Luanda from the Atlantic Ocean. It is connected to the city at the foot of the Fortress of Sao Miguel. This area is lined with fine sand beaches and a wide variety of entertainment, from bars to restaurants by the sea to nightclubs and hotels, as well as lively street markets.

This area of town is part of the Da IIha neighborhood and the urban district of Ingombota.