Overview

Maputo is the charming capital of Mozambique, formerly known under the Portuguese navigator name Lourenco Marques. The attractive colonial city is famous for the Mediterranean-style architecture, the Jacaranda and Flame Tree avenues and the overall Latino-African ambiance. Over recent years, Maputo also became renowned for its artist and musical scene. The capital city boasts a colorful cultural scene and excellent nightlife, with a variety of restaurants, nightclubs, live music and exhibitions.

One of the highlights of Maputo is the people. Mozambicans are so warm and welcoming. They even have a saying, “Here in Mozambique, we like to help you out!” and it’s so true.

Things to See and Do

During the day, Maputo hosts interesting museums, lots of Mozambican culture, and a plethora of restaurants with beautiful settings along the waterside front called “marginal”. We highly recommend starting your visit with a walking Tour of the city. This is a great way to get introduced to the history of the Mozambican capital and the country itself.

Visit the Central Train Station. From its beautiful green color to the unique architecture, the railway station is considered one of the most beautiful train stations in the world by several international publications. Built between 1908 and 1916, to replace the city’s first train station, the Maputo Railway Station is a fine example of Beaux-Arts architectural style. For the train enthusiast, stop in the small railway museum in the back of the station. There is also a market surrounding the station as well as the trains coming and going from the inside.

Stop in the Maputo Fish Market. Located right along the beach and easy to reach by chapa if you ask around for the correct one. You can stroll around and look at the fresh fish for sale. You may get squirted with water by little shellfish! Lots of vendors will be vying for your attention so get ready! While you’re here, have a peek at the lovely, white sand city beach. Stroll along the oceanfront avenue, enjoy the views over the Indian Ocean, or taste some fresh coconut water from one of the many stalls alongside the avenue.

Explore the big Fortress in the center of Maputo. Built by the Portuguese colonists as a defensive structure and dates back to 1787, the Maputo Fortress is now a military history museum and one of the most visited tourist attractions in Maputo. Here you’ll find the remains of Ngungunhane, the last emperor of Gaza, a former state in the south of present-day Mozambique before the Portuguese colonial occupation. Ironically, a statue in memory to his captor, Mouzinho de Albuquerque, who would become one of the Portuguese governors of Mozambique, can also be seen here (the statue was originally in front of the Maputo city hall but was brought here after the country’s independence).

Visit the Natural History Museum. There are many reasons to visit this museum, the first being its eye-cathcing building in Neo-Manueline style, dating back to 1911 - it looks like it’s straight out of Portugal. Inside there is an enormous collection of embalmed African animals. Dozens of lions, several elephants, Pangolins, to name a few. They even have an exhibit showing the development of elephant fetuses (using real elephant fetuses). Lastly, there is the museum gardens, you can admire two murals by the well-known Mozambican artist Malangatana.

To experience the local arts culture, check out Núcleo De Arte. There’s a gallery and plenty of studios/workshops where you can enjoy local artists at work. There’s also a cafe and bar area that makes this place come alive at night.

FEIMA Market

At FEIMA market one can find art, crafts, fabric, flowers, food and shoes - among many other things. Maputo’s artists and artisans show and sell their unique work, from batik paintings to wooden handicrafts, from straw bags to traditional capulanas (a colorful fabric traditionally used by the Mozambican women for the most diverse purposes: as a skirt, dress, towel, baby carrier, etc.).

As is the case in all art and craft markets, most stalls and shops sell similar items at FEIMA, so take your time to look around and bargain with the vendors to get prices down before making a purchase.

By shopping here you can be sure that you’re buying authentic Mozambican craftwork and, at the same time, contributing to the local economy.

As for the food at the FEIMA market, there are several options available in a mini food court. There is also a restaurant on site serving delicious local food, and a plant and flower market.

FEIMA is open every day from 8 am to 5 pm local time. Be sure to reserve a couple of hours to stroll along all the craft stalls and do some souvenir shopping.

Nightlife

It is no secret that Maputo is famous for its excellent party scene, and all of the Mozambicans you meet would agree! The capital city is a place of music, culture, dancing, and great seafood. The Mozambicans found ways to party everywhere. On the beach, in the streets, in the afternoon at a restaurant…nowhere is off limits. Live music and dancing are easy to find.

Starting with something quite upmarket The Africa Bar is a popular Maputo nightclub only five minutes’ walk from the city center. This is where you’ll find the more affluent Mozambicans in fancy clothes. There is live jazz is performed every Thursday.

Coconut Live, in the heart of Maputo, is the city’s biggest nightclub. There are three large video screens and an enormous dance floor in the middle of the club. One level up is a VIP lounge on the mezzanine, overlooking the dance floor. Drinks are affordable and the place is very crowded on weekends. Definitely a favorite amongst the younger crowd in Maputo. If you’re looking for a night of serious dancing, this is the place!

Gypsy’s Bar on Rua do Bagamoyo is a popular Maputo nightclub but go in a group – it’s downtown.

Julius Nyerere is another more upmarket Maputo club and dancing goes on until dawn which is normal in Maputo.

If you want a bit of action and to dive fully into Mozambican musical culture, you can choose between Xima Bar (where you can learn to dance marrabenta with the Maputolocals) or the Gil Vicente Theatre, where jazz performances and live music is often performed.

Cuisine

The dining scene in Mozambique has evolved considerably over the last few years. Much like its colonial history, Maputo's cuisine is a mix of Portuguese, African, and Arab cultural influences. Mozambique's endless coastline makes it well known for its seafood, especially prawns, lobster, calamari, and clams. Other popular local dishes are grilled chicken, matapa (cassava leaves cooked in peanut sauce), curries, and samosas. Be sure to try the piri piri sauce, a spicy sauce made of red chili peppers. The city offers options for fine dining as well as delicious local experiences. From exclusive hotels and restaurants to the more local, authentic eating places, there is plenty to choose from.