Highlights of Praia

by bus & on foot

Your experience begins with a short transfer to the historical city centre, an area known as ‘Plateau’ as it is situated on a plateau 37m (121ft) above sea level. Here, you will visit one of Cape Verde’s beautiful old colonial houses called ‘sobrados’. This sobrado has been converted into Praia’s Ethnographic Museum devoted to the country’s rich past as a cultural crossroads. Displays range from the history of fishing and traditional ‘panos’ (woven cotton fabrics) to cooking utensils used in the days before electricity.

From here, you will follow your guide on a walk to Praca Alexandre Albuquerque where you will see the Municipal Palace, which was built in the 1920s with Portuguese colonial architecture. You continue past the Presidential Palace, the cathedral, the vegetable market and the statue of Diogo Gomes, who discovered the islands of Cape Verde in 1460. You will also see Quartel Jaime Mota, the oldest building in Praia built between 1823 and 1826 as a military barracks.

Rejoining your bus, your journey continues to Monument Cruz de Papa situated above Quebra Canela Beach, where a photo stop will be made to enjoy the coastal views. Next, you will drive along Avenida Cidade de Lisboa, the most modern street of Praia, where you will pass the Palace of the Government, the Estadio da Varzea (Football Stadium), the National Library and the statue of Amilcar Cabral.

Before returning to the port, enjoy a brief visit to Sucupira Market with its colourful produce and lively, friendly vibe.