Overview

Antananarivo, Madagascar's vibrant capital city, is often passed over in favor of the island's unique countryside and beaches. However, you're within reach of all of these in “Tana” (as the city locals more commonly refer to it) which offers a central location making it an ideal base for visiting the rest of the island’s attractions. With its lakes, canals and jagged hills, its necklace of emerald rice paddies, and its crumpled central lattice of still partly cobbled streets and red-tiled pastel-colored balconied houses, this city imprints its character immediately on every first-time visitor. Founded in the early 17th century, Antananarivo has a rich history and a burgeoning modern culture that includes world-class restaurants, art galleries and shopping opportunities.

Antananarivo's Historical District

The historical neighborhood that occupies the long, high ridge on the south side of Tana contains most of the city’s significant monumental buildings and is Madagascar’s pre-eminent monumental site. Although the Rova is most visitors’ priority, it’s best to visit the Musée Andafiavaratra first, before walking on to the royal palace area, which will then be easier to comprehend. The area is about a 1.3mi walk from Analakely or Isoraka, and you should allow at least half an hour to take account of the steep climb.

Things to See and Do

Tour the Rova Palace Complex. Perched atop one of the highest hills in the city, the Rova palace complex can be seen from all over Antananarivo. Known as Manjakamiadana, or a Fine Place to Rule, the complex was home to the rulers of the Kingdom of Imerina and the Kingdom of Madagascar from the 17th to the 19th century. Although it was gutted by fire in 1995, you can still explore the ruins of several different palaces, a gateway protected by a large carved eagle and the royal cemetery. The Rova is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Discover Madagascan History at the Musée Andafiavaratra. The Museum is housed on the ground floor of the pink-walled, turreted 19th-century palace once inhabited by Prime Minister Rainilaiarivony. Most of the collection comprises artifacts rescued from the 1995 Rova palace complex fire. A series of royal portraits, photos, and gifts give visitors an insight into the lives of the Merina monarchs, while other highlights include ethnic paintings of tribal leaders and 19th-century photographs of Tana street scenes. Keep an eye out for the fossilized skeleton of a Majungasaurus, discovered near Majunga.

Visit the Musée de l’Art et de Archéologie. Located in Tana's Isoraka neighborhood, the Musée de l’Art et de Archéologie is a remarkable attraction established in 1970. The museum houses the ethnographic and archaeological artifacts unearthed at the island's many excavation sites. The collection is over 7,000 objects that represent each of Madagascar's regions and tribes.

Meet Madagascar's Iconic Primates at Lemurs' Park. The 12-acre park is home to nine species of lemur including the vulnerable lesser bamboo lemur and the endangered crowned sifaka. The lemurs roam free throughout the grounds and can be seen on a guided walking safari tour. Some other highlights in the park include its beautiful panoramic vistas and an open-air vivarium that houses chameleons, turtles, iguanas, and more! The park is open daily from 9 am to 4 pm.

Pay a visit to the Nile crocodiles at the Croc Farm. This botanical park allows visitors to discover over 80 Malagasy animal and bird species including lemurs, fossa and the world's smallest chameleon, which reaches a maximum of 1.1 inches in length. The Nile crocodiles are the main attraction and if you visit during feeding time at 1 pm on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, you'll get to see the crocs in action.

Discover the history at Ambohimanga. Perched high atop the twelve sacred hills of Imerina 12 miles outside the city, Ambohimanga is the birthplace of Merina kingdom and stands out as being one of the most enchanting and historic sites in all of Madagascar. Ambohimanga means "Blue Hill" and is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk through the Merina kingdom, which is a sacred city, and honor all of the royal tombs and various places of worship like the Royal Pools Sacrifice Stones. Explore the Rova or the Ambomihanga's Palace that crowns the hill and discover the box where the King Andrianampoinimerina lived from 1788-1810. Get a scenic, breathtaking view of Tana while you're at it.

Stop in the bittersweet reminiscence of Andohalo Cathedral. Sitting majestically on a cliff, this cathedral dates back to 1875. It was here where Malagasy Christian martyrs were killed by Queen Ranavalona I. Make a stop at the largest church in Madagascar, which is both a historic and a landmark site, and gaze at the captivating architecture. The views of the city around the cathedral are amazing.

Shopping & Markets

Shopping in Antananarivo is a fun experience with stores, bustling markets, shopping centers and hawkers vying for a passing tourists' patronage. Tana's main market, Analakely Market, is a bustling, chaotic destination full of local vendors selling everything from traditional fabrics to household items and souvenirs. The numerous stalls are overflowing with fresh produce, including exotic fruits, seafood, and local delicacies such as grilled lizard. If you can speak French or Malagasy, you'll be able to haggle with the locals for some excellent deals. Just be aware of pickpockets at all times and don't take valuables with you.

Another excellent market for souvenirs is at La Digue Market. Located just outside the city center on the road to Ivato International Airport, the market offers hundreds of stalls selling artisan arts and crafts from all over Madagascar. Here you'll find wood carvings and embroidered fabrics, or spices and vanilla to take a taste of the island back home. Haggling is expected.

Browse for quality local crafts at Lisy Art Gallery. This gallery offers a more commercial creative experience. Located a short taxi ride from the center of town, you'll find an impressive collection of arts and crafts designed to appeal to the tourist market. From fine leather goods to raffia baskets and bottles of rhum arrangé, this is a place to shop for quality souvenirs. Prices are fixed and a little more expensive than at the local markets.

Tana Water Front Mall is another shopping attraction if you're looking for some retail therapy. This is not a place for authentic shopping, but you will find plenty of stores offering up everything from gourmet food to quirky clothing and beauty products. There is also a supermarket here, as well as a food court - one of the best in the city!

Shopping fans will be in love with Independence Avenue. It’s a great place to buy jewelry, home decorations, and the finest fabric. Zoma is a popular destination for souvenir hunters. In order to purchase high-quality batik of different colors and patterns, head to Atelier Jacaranda. After busy shopping, consider visiting Centre Culturel Albert Camus as it’s a great place to relax, see various performances or maybe attend art exhibitions that are often held there.

Antananarivo's Traditions & Festivals

Antananarivo is famous for its colorful celebrations that every tourist will find incredibly interesting to visit. Traditional Christian celebrations, such as Christmas and Easter, remain the most popular holidays in the city. On these days, there are always many people outside. Friends and family members visit each other and exchange symbolic gifts. On Christmas Eve, specially decorated stalls appear on the streets. They offer interesting souvenirs and pastries.

Music fans will find it interesting to attend the Donia Music Festival that is typically celebrated at the beginning of June. Many celebrations and traditions have a ritual meaning in Madagascar. For example, locals believe that during the ritual of Fisemana, the human body is completely healed and purified from diseases, negative emotions, and the evil eye. The ritual itself is quite complicated but very colorful. Only chosen people can fully comprehend the meaning of this sacred ritual.

In order to understand local people better, it is important to remember their Asian-African heritage. The island's unique society has a complex set of customs that is incredibly interesting to explore. The power of dead ancestors is believed to have great importance in Madagascar. Locals call it razana. It is believed that the spirits look after their descendants, and so it is important to respect the souls of the dead.

An invitation to national celebrations is a big honor for foreigners, so it is important to accept it with gratitude. Before the celebration starts, it is better to ask a guide or local people about manners during festive activities and the rituals, in which foreigners can participate.