Mozambique · Local picks
100+ Places to Visit in Mozambique
These are the places we would point a friend to in Mozambique, from Maputo's fish market and art collectives to Tofo's dive reefs, the Bazaruto islands and the stone town of Ilha de Moçambique. Picks marked unconfirmed may have changed or closed, so check before you go.
Places to Visit in Maputo
Restaurants
- Mercado do Peixe (Marginal)
Pick your prawns and fish at the stalls and have them grilled next door, the classic Maputo meal. - Costa do Sol (Avenida da Marginal)
A long-running seafront institution famous for its prawns and weekend family crowds. - Restaurante Zambi (Baixa)
Smart waterfront dining near the fortress with seafood and Portuguese style dishes. - Café Sol (Sommerschield)
A favourite of expats and locals for pizza, salads and a garden terrace. - Piri Piri (Avenida 24 de Julho)
Old school spot for spicy grilled chicken that has fed Maputo for decades. - Mundo's (Avenida Julius Nyerere)
Busy sports bar and restaurant, an easy first meal for nervous arrivals. - Mercado Municipal (Baixa)
A historic covered market for fruit, spices, cashews and quick street snacks.
Cafés
- Pastelaria Cristal (Avenida 24 de Julho)
A classic pastelaria for galão coffee and pastéis de nata in the morning. - Mimmo's (Avenida 24 de Julho)
Popular café and pizzeria where Maputo meets for coffee and gelato. - Café do Núcleo de Arte (Polana)
A garden café inside an artists' collective, full of sculptures and conversation. - Pastelaria Nautilus (Avenida Julius Nyerere)
Easy coffee, sandwiches and cakes on one of the city's main avenues.
Bars and Nightlife
- Gil Vicente Café Bar (Avenida Samora Machel)
Long-standing live music venue for jazz, marrabenta and Afro beats. - Polana Serena terrace (Polana)
Sundowners on the grand old hotel's terrace overlooking the bay. - Associação Cultural da Casa Velha (Polana)
A cultural house hosting concerts, theatre and late night music.
Things to Do
- Fortaleza de Maputo (Baixa)
The old fortress with a small museum on the city's colonial and resistance history. - Estação Central dos CFM (Baixa)
The domed railway station, often called one of the most beautiful in the world. - Casa de Ferro (Baixa)
The prefabricated iron house linked to Eiffel's era, a quirky photo stop. - Inhaca Island (Maputo Bay)
A boat trip across the bay for snorkelling, mangroves and seafood lunches. - Portuguese Island (Maputo Bay)
A small sandy island off Inhaca with clear water and no crowds. - Ponte Maputo Catembe (Baixa)
The long suspension bridge to Catembe, best crossed for the views at golden hour. - Marracuene historic site (Marracuene)
The site of the 1895 battle of Gwaza Muthini, remembered each February.
Arts and Culture
- Museu Nacional de Arte (Avenida Ho Chi Min)
The country's main art museum, with works by Malangatana and Chissano. - Núcleo de Arte (Polana)
An artists' collective where you can meet painters and buy work directly. - Museu de História Natural (Polana)
A charming old natural history museum famous for its elephant foetus collection. - Fundação Fernando Leite Couto (Polana)
A cultural foundation for readings, concerts and exhibitions in a lovely house. - Catedral de Nossa Senhora da Conceição (Praça da Independência)
The bright white art deco cathedral at the heart of the city. - Centro Cultural Franco Moçambicano (Baixa)
Exhibitions, films and concerts in a restored colonial building.
Shopping and Markets
- FEIMA (Parque dos Continuadores)
The city's craft market for carvings, capulanas, baskets and paintings. - Mercado do Xipamanine (Xipamanine)
A huge, chaotic local market with traditional medicine stalls; go with a guide.
Stays
- Polana Serena Hotel (Polana)
The grand old hotel on the clifftop, the classic Maputo stay. - Fatima's Backpackers (Polana)
A long-running, friendly hostel and a good spot to meet other travellers. - Cardoso Hotel (Polana)
Classic hotel with a terrace overlooking the bay and the port.
Nature and Outdoors
- Maputo National Park (Matutuíne)
Elephants, lakes and wild beaches south of the capital, with a marine reserve offshore. - Jardim Tunduru (Baixa)
A shady botanical garden in the city centre for a quiet walk. - Macaneta Beach (Marracuene)
A wide beach north of the city, easy for a day out from Maputo.
Places to Visit in Tofo
Things to Do
- Peri-Peri Divers (Tofo Beach)
Long established dive centre for reef dives and manta ray sites. - Tofo Scuba (Tofo Beach)
Popular dive school running ocean safaris to look for whale sharks. - Liquid Dive Adventures (Tofo Beach)
Dive and snorkel trips with a strong focus on responsible encounters. - Inhambane dhow ferry (Inhambane town)
Cross the bay to Maxixe on a local boat with fishing dhows all around.
Nature and Outdoors
- Manta Reef (Offshore Tofo)
One of the best known dive sites in the world for reef manta rays. - Tofinho (Tofinho)
The rocky point south of Tofo, a surf spot with a cliff top memorial. - Barra Beach (Barra)
A quieter peninsula of calm water and mangroves north of Tofo. - Guinjata Bay (Guinjata)
A remote bay with lodges, reefs and long empty beaches.
Shopping and Markets
- Tofo Market (Tofo)
The village market for grilled fish, fresh bread and capulanas. - Mercado Central de Inhambane (Inhambane town)
A colourful town market for cashews, fruit, spices and fabric.
Restaurants
- Casa de Comer (Tofo)
A stylish small restaurant blending Mozambican ingredients with French touches. - Tofo market stalls (Tofo)
Simple plates of rice, beans and grilled fish at the market stalls.
Bars and Nightlife
- Dino's Beach Bar (Tofo Beach)
Beachfront bar for sundowners and weekend parties on the sand. - Fatima's Nest (Tofo Beach)
Backpacker favourite with a busy bar right on the beach.
Stays
- Fatima's Nest lodge (Tofo Beach)
Dorms and simple huts on the beach, the social heart of Tofo. - Casa Barry (Tofo Beach)
Beach chalets at the edge of the bay with a dive centre on site.
Arts and Culture
- Inhambane Cathedral (Inhambane town)
The old Cathedral of Our Lady of Conception in the heart of the historic town. - Museu de Inhambane (Inhambane town)
A small museum on the province's history, instruments and crafts.
Places to Visit in Vilankulo
Things to Do
- Two Mile Reef (Bazaruto Archipelago)
The archipelago's best known snorkelling reef, full of tropical fish. - Sailaway dhow safaris (Vilankulo)
Long-running operator for day and overnight dhow trips to the islands.
Nature and Outdoors
- Bazaruto Island dunes (Bazaruto Island)
Climb the giant dunes for views over turquoise sandbanks. - Bazaruto Archipelago National Park (Bazaruto Archipelago)
The protected park of five islands, reefs and dugong seagrass. - Magaruque Island (Bazaruto Archipelago)
A small island with a reef right off the beach for easy snorkelling. - Santa Carolina Island (Bazaruto Archipelago)
Paradise Island, with an abandoned hotel and beautiful coral. - Inhassoro (Inhassoro)
A quiet fishing town north of Vilankulo with uncrowded beaches.
Shopping and Markets
- Mercado de Vilankulo (Vilankulo)
The town market for fresh seafood, fruit and capulana fabric.
Restaurants
- Café Moçambicano (Vilankulo)
Bakery café for fresh bread, pastries and quick lunches. - Casa Rex restaurant (Vilankulo)
Dinner on a garden terrace with views across to the islands.
Bars and Nightlife
- Baobab Beach bar (Vilankulo)
Beachfront backpacker bar with music and a friendly crowd.
Stays
- Baobab Beach Backpackers (Vilankulo)
Thatched huts and dorms on the beach, popular with independent travellers. - Casa Rex (Vilankulo)
Boutique hotel with a pool and island views. - Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort (Bazaruto Island)
A luxury island resort for honeymoons and special trips. - &Beyond Benguerra Island (Benguerra Island)
Barefoot luxury villas on Benguerra with diving and sailing. - Azura Benguerra (Benguerra Island)
Eco luxury villas facing the archipelago's shallow lagoon.
Places to Visit in Ilha de Moçambique
Arts and Culture
- Fortaleza de São Sebastião (Stone Town)
The huge sixteenth century fortress guarding the island's north tip. - Capela de Nossa Senhora do Baluarte (Stone Town)
A tiny chapel often called the oldest European building in the southern hemisphere. - Palácio de São Paulo (Stone Town)
The old governor's palace, now a museum of colonial furniture and sacred art. - Museu de Arte Sacra (Stone Town)
Religious art and objects in the former Misericórdia church. - Mesquita Central (Stone Town)
The green and white mosque that reflects the island's Swahili and Muslim heritage.
Things to Do
- Makuti Town walk (Makuti Town)
Wander the reed roofed neighbourhood with a local guide to understand island life.
Nature and Outdoors
- Goa Island (Off Ilha de Moçambique)
A dhow trip to a small island with a lighthouse and snorkelling. - Chocas Mar (Mainland coast)
Quiet mainland beach across the bay, reached by boat or road. - Cabaceira Grande (Mainland coast)
Ruins and an old church in a village reached by dhow.
Stays
- Terraço das Quitandas (Stone Town)
Boutique rooms in a restored colonial house with a rooftop terrace. - Villa Sands (Stone Town)
Stylish waterfront hotel in a converted customs warehouse.
Shopping and Markets
- Ilha market (Makuti Town)
Small market for snacks, fabric and everyday island life.
Places to Visit in Gorongosa
Nature and Outdoors
- Lake Urema (Gorongosa National Park)
The heart of the park, where wildlife gathers on the floodplain. - Mount Gorongosa (Gorongosa District)
Rainforest, waterfalls and shade grown coffee on the mountain.
Stays
- Chitengo Camp (Gorongosa National Park)
The park's main camp with rooms, a restaurant and guided game drives. - Muzimu Lodge (Gorongosa National Park)
Small tented lodge on the Mussicadzi River for a more intimate safari.
Things to Do
- Gorongosa game drive (Gorongosa National Park)
Guided drives to look for lions, elephants and huge antelope herds.
Arts and Culture
- E.O. Wilson Biodiversity Laboratory (Chitengo)
The science centre behind the park's recovery story.
Shopping and Markets
- Gorongosa Coffee (Gorongosa)
Coffee grown by mountain farmers to restore forest, a meaningful gift.
Places to Visit in Ponta do Ouro
Things to Do
- Dolphin Encounters (Ponta do Ouro)
Responsible swims with wild dolphins in the marine reserve. - Ponta do Ouro Partial Marine Reserve (Ponta do Ouro)
Reefs, dolphins, turtles and seasonal humpback whales.
Nature and Outdoors
- Ponta do Ouro beach (Ponta do Ouro)
A long golden beach and point break popular with surfers. - Ponta Malongane (Malongane)
Quieter beach just north with lodges in coastal forest.
Shopping and Markets
- Ponta do Ouro Market (Ponta do Ouro)
Village market for fresh bread, fish and crafts.
Stays
- White Pearl Resort (Ponta Mamoli)
Luxury beach suites on a remote stretch near Ponta do Ouro.
Places to Visit in Beira
Arts and Culture
- Grande Hotel Beira (Ponta Gêa)
The abandoned grand hotel now home to hundreds of families, a striking piece of history.
Things to Do
- Beira Cathedral (Baixa)
A cathedral built partly with stone from an old Portuguese fort.
Places to Visit in Nampula
Arts and Culture
- Museu Nacional de Etnografia (Nampula)
Masks, carvings and everyday objects from northern Mozambique's peoples.
More to Explore
We are still checking these with fresh sources, so confirm opening times before you go.
- Txhapo Txhapo (Polana, Maputo)
Relaxed garden restaurant with Mozambican and Mediterranean plates and live music some nights. - Restaurante Marisqueira Sagres (Polana, Maputo)
Old fashioned marisqueira for garlic prawns and a Portuguese atmosphere. - Restaurante Ponto Final (Catembe, Maputo)
Waterfront restaurant across the bay with skyline views at sunset. - Feira Popular (Avenida 25 de Setembro, Maputo)
A fairground of small bars and grills, loud and lively at weekends. - Dhow Café (Marginal, Maputo)
Stylish bar and restaurant with sea views, popular at sunset. - Mercado do Pau (Baixa, Maputo)
Wood carvings and artisan goods on the streets near the Baixa. - Festival Azgo (Maputo, Maputo)
A big music festival bringing Mozambican and African artists to the capital. - Marrabenta Festival (Maputo, Maputo)
Celebrates Mozambique's signature dance music with concerts in and around the city. - Café Happi (Tofo, Tofo)
Healthy bowls, smoothies and vegetarian dishes in a relaxed garden. - Flamingo Bay Water Lodge (Barra, Tofo)
Stilted rooms over the lagoon near Barra, a memorable couples stay. - Marine Megafauna Foundation talks (Tofo, Tofo)
Research talks on whale sharks and mantas when the team runs public evenings. - Branko's (Tofo, Tofo)
Small café for coffee and breakfast between dives. - Odyssea Dive (Vilankulo, Vilankulo)
Dive centre for reef dives and courses in the archipelago. - Kite Centre Vilankulo (Vilankulo, Vilankulo)
Kitesurfing lessons and rentals when the winds blow across the bay. - Kilimanjaro Café (Vilankulo, Vilankulo)
Relaxed café and restaurant near the market with good coffee. - Rickshaws Café (Stone Town, Ilha de Moçambique)
Waterfront café by the bridge for seafood and sunset views. - Karibu (Stone Town, Ilha de Moçambique)
Small restaurant serving fresh grilled fish and coconut curries. - O Paladar (Stone Town, Ilha de Moçambique)
Home style island cooking in a family run spot near the market. - Ruby Backpackers (Stone Town, Ilha de Moçambique)
Friendly hostel in an old house, a social base for budget travellers. - Cheringoma Plateau (Gorongosa National Park, Gorongosa)
Limestone gorges and forests on the park's eastern side. - Gozo Azul Dive Charters (Ponta do Ouro, Ponta do Ouro)
Dive centre for reefs and seasonal shark dives off the point. - Love Café (Ponta do Ouro, Ponta do Ouro)
Laid back café for breakfasts and smoothies near the beach. - Fishmonger (Ponta do Ouro, Ponta do Ouro)
Fresh seafood platters in the village centre. - Café Del Mar (Ponta do Ouro, Ponta do Ouro)
Busy beachfront bar and restaurant at the heart of the village. - Ponta Beach Camp (Ponta do Ouro, Ponta do Ouro)
Simple campsite and chalets close to the beach. - Ponta Easter weekend (Ponta do Ouro, Ponta do Ouro)
The village fills with families and beach parties over Easter. - Restaurante Taverna (Polana, Maputo)
Easy Portuguese style tavern food in a central neighbourhood.