What To Do
Markets in Maputo – there’s plenty of informal markets around the city, but the Maputo Central Market is one of the best places for souvenir shopping both edible and crafted. Best for cashews, carvings and capulanas (the traditional cloth used as a sarong style skirt, dress or baby carrier). Av. 25 de Setembro
Fish Market - Maputo’s most famous market is the fish market (Market du Peixe) Mercado do Peixe. While the name is self-explanatory for what to expect inside it doesn’t quite do justice to the complete experience. Choose your fish and then take it to one of the restaurants outside who’ll hustle for your business and prepare a fish-dinner that you won’t forget. Avenida Marginal
Walk Maputo – a walking tour of Maputo is not only a local-insight, but the best way to get a sense of the city, a feel for real-life Maputo and to make sure you know what you’re looking at. Talk to Reception to book a tour.
Inhaca Island – Mozambique’s islands and beaches further north are amongst some of the prettiest and most abundant dive and beach spots on the continent, but you can enjoy a little taste of it just off the coast of Maputo. Inhaca Island is a 2.5 hour ferry trip away, but well worth the (sometimes) rough crossing. Beach, snorkel and explore and then return to Maputo in the afternoon.
Maputo Beaches - Maputo city (along Avenida Marginal) has plenty of beach for you to enjoy looking at or walking on, but the best place for a proper beach-day is slightly outside the city. Just 15kms north of Maputo the Macaneta peninsula is a long stretch of sand, warm Indian Ocean and a great day out of the city.
Picnic in Maputo - Tunduru Gardens in downtown Maputo are over a hundred years old. These botanical gardens aren’t very impressive, but are a good place for a break from the city-busy. Make sure you see the Samora Machel statue just outside the gardens. Alternatively, head to the Teachers Garden (Jardim dos Professores) after a visit to the Natural History Museum. Rua Henrique de Sousa.
