Making the most of Luanda
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Luanda is Angola's capital and largest city, on the country's Atlantic coast. Baixa de Luanda lies beside the port, with narrow streets and old colonial buildings.
Watch the video.
The oldest colonial town, in Ingombotas and Maianga, is divided into Baixa de Luanda, the lower city from port to fortress; Cidade Alta, the upper city with the presidential palace; and Ilha do Cabo, the peninsula around the bay with beaches, expensive nightclubs, bars and restaurants. Above and behind the historic centre are the central bairros of Maianga and residential Alvalade, embassy-filled Miramar, and Kinaxixe and Maculusso, known for Portuguese apartment blocks.
See the military museum in a fort and the National Museum of Anthropology. Luanda's liveliest draw is Roque Santeiro, a vast outdoor market with some 60,000 vendors, though it is unfortunately also known for armed thieves.
Getting around
A standard taxi journey can easily reach $50 because the city's sole taxi company starts the meter when the car leaves its depot. There are no cruising cabs.
The colonial part of the city is safe from violent crime, but pickpocketing and muggings are common as in many African cities. Staying low key—avoiding fancy clothes or cars and using a money belt—greatly reduces the risk.
A ship's excursion is likely the best and safest choice here.
Food and shopping
Luanda has ranked as the world's most expensive city for several years. Watch this video to find out why.
At Benfica market, find everything from perfume and ivory to animal skins and tourist guidebooks. Prices are low.
Opening Hours and
Public holidays.