Praia

Praia — literally "Beach" in Portuguese — is Cape Verde's capital and busiest city. While it's maybe not comparable to a western metropolis, with a population of only about 159,050 (2017), one in four Cape Verdeans call the city home and the city is an important thoroughfare for international visitors to the archipelagic country.

See: 15
Eat: 12
Drink: 3
Buy: 2

15 places match

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Cruz do Papa

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

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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.

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Fundação Amílcar Cabral

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

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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.

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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.

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Praia Cathedral

Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Graça

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

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Praia de Gamboa

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Quartel Jaime Mota

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

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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.

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15 of 15 places have map locations.