Maputo is the bustling capital of Mozambique and is also the largest city in the island nation. Most people come to Mozambique looking for a great beach holiday, but spending a day or two in Maputo gives you a different but very interesting perspective on Mozambique.

Located in the far south of the country, the capital city definitely has its own charms such as its coastal scenery, wide tree-lined avenues, Mediterranean and Portuguese-style buildings, and a variety of hotels and restaurants. While most of Mozambique is all about a laid-back, relaxing beach life, Maputo boasts a lively cultural scene, capped off by electrifying nightlife.

Some of the best places to visit in the city are the bustling markets. Here, you will watch the locals spend the day. Sarong-wearing women, locally called capulanas, sell a wide variety of items. One of the largest markets in the city is the Mercado Municipal which is located in the Baixa district. Here, you can buy fresh produce, seafood, and household items. And even if you don’t intend to buy anything, it’s still a great place to people watch and learn a bit of the culture.

Maputo has always been an important port city mainly due to its location, which is only 90 kilometers from the South African border. When it comes to accommodation, the city has a variety ranging from multi-star hotels to reasonably priced hostels. If you’re an early riser, head to Avenida Marginal, where fishermen stage their catch of the day and lure passing customers with the freshest seafood available in town. And speaking of seafood; don’t forget to try their signature dish: sizzling peri-peri prawns, best paired with a Laurentina beer. In fact, feel free to enjoy various seafood dishes, considered some of the best on the east coast of Africa.

A very lively tourist center in Maputo is Avenida Julius Nyerere, which is lined with restaurants, shops, video stores and boutiques. The street is also a place frequented by the wealthy population of the Polana neighborhood. The train station is also one of the most prominent buildings in the city worth exploring. This impressive building is located on Praca dos Trabalhadores and is most lively on Friday and Saturday nights when live musical performances take place.

The museum buff will appreciate the collection of paintings at the National Museum of Art. Some exhibits feature Mozambican art, while others are works by the famous artist Malangatana. And if you’re still craving more museums, head over to the other highlights like the Museum of the Revolution and the Museum of Natural History. (Museum of Natural History). The Eiffel Tower may be Gustave Eiffel’s most famous work, but his architectural prowess is also on display at the Casa do Ferro. This former Governor’s house, located on Avenida Samora Marcel, is often called “Casa de Hierro” or “Casa de Acero” due to its all-metal design.

If you’re looking for great beaches, the sandy stretches of Ponta d’Ouro and Catembe are within reach. Ponta d’Ouro, in particular, is also a popular spot for diving. Spring and autumn are the ideal time to visit Maputo because they have the most ideal weather. The city maintains an airport that receives daily flights from Johannesburg.