Praia

Beramar Grill

Specialising in fish, famous for tuna and bacalao on white wine.

Café Sofia

A great place to eat local food and watch the world go by. Popular among expats and the local chess playing community.

Churrasqueira Dragoeira

Famous for its BBQ chicken, this is also a good place to meet locals.

Cruz do Papa

A large cross; from where it stands, there's also a nice view over Quebra Canela beach.

Diogo Gomes monument

A monument dedicated to Diogo Gomes, the explorer of the islands. It is located at the south of the plateau, and there are great views from there to Praia do Gamboa and Ilhéu de Santa Maria.

Fundação Amílcar Cabral

Cultural centre dedicated to the revolutionary leader Amílcar Cabral (1924-73). Notable for its murals.

Ilhéu de Santa Maria

A small island just outside the harbour. Formerly people with leprosy were quarantined on the island; Chinese businessmen are planning to set up a casino here.

Mercado Municipal

Mercado Central

Food and artisanal objects for sale from the early morning. It's a vibrant, colourful place worth visiting for every visitor, except that it's not a good place if you suffer from claustrophobia as it can get pretty crammed. Also, watch out for pickpockets.

Museu Etnográfico

Located in a historic building in the old town, this museum presents the history of the Cape Verdean people through objects of everyday life.

O Poeta

Next to the Portuguese embassy with a good view of the city, O Poeta is popular among the upper class and tourists. House speciality is barbecued squid with vegetables and cheese.

Praia Cathedral

Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Graça

The city's cathedral was constructed in 1902 in classicist style.

Praia de Gamboa

Gamboa beach, which gave the city its name. However, it's not suitable for swimming.

Praia town hall

Antiga Câmara Municipal

Built in neoclassicist style with a square central tower, the town hall is one of the finest examples of colonial architecture around. It's still in use. When the doors are open, make sure to have a look inside. There's even some information on the building's history available for visitors.

Praça Alexandre Albuquerque

A square in the central old town. Albuquerque was a governor who was passionate about card playing; therefore, each of the four corners of the square is marked by a suit.

Presidential Palace

Palácio Presidencial

Built in the late 19th century as the residence of the Portuguese governor, nowadays it is the presidential palace. It has lately been renovated with financial help from China. Other governmental buildings are located nearby.

Quartel Jaime Mota

Old barracks next to the presidential palace, have seen better days.

Quintal da Música

Located on the plateau, here you can hear national and traditional music, plus eat.

Restaurante Avis

Reportedly good food in the city centre, but the service is slow as usual in Cape Verde. Occasionally live music.

Restaurante Gamboa

African cuisine and large servings. They also have a nice selection of local wines. Friendly service.

Restaurante Panorama

In the city centre at the Hotel Felicidade. Open all day. Their buffet is popular with businesspeople.

Supreme Court

Palácio da Justiça

The supreme court is a pretty building at the Praça Alexandre Albuquerque. It may be possible to visit it on the inside too.

Bar “Belavista”

Located in the Hotel Praia Mar complex.

Churrasqueira Benfica

Brazilian-style barbecue restaurant.

Cockpit

Achada Grande.

Estado da Varzea

The city's football stadium seating 10,000 persons.

Igreja do Nazareno

A Protestant church.

Mercado de Sucupira

Another market to visit; the same precautions apply.

Palácio da Assembleia

Assemblada Nacional

The national assembly of Cape Verde.

Restaurante Flor de Liz

Cap Verdean cuisine, wide menu and large servings.

Restaurante Marisqueira Rosita

Hotel América

Open now · closes 11 pm·500-2200$