Making the most of Praia Sao Tiago
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
The port is close (1 km) to the (Plateau) old town. Praia's centre stands on a plateau overlooking the bay to the south-east, and shuttle transport is provided.
Tenders are frequently used.
Praia is the Cape Verde Islands' capital and largest city, with more than 113,000 inhabitants. It became the capital in 1770 after nearby Ribeira Grande, now Cidade Velha, declined, and received city status in 1858. As well as serving as the national administrative centre today, Praia is an important port exporting coffee, sugar cane and tropical fruits.
Most worthwhile colonial buildings and museums stand on or close to Praca Alexandre Albuquerque, an impressive square in the old city district called Plato (Plateau). Highlights include the 19th Century Palácio Presidencial (Presidential Palace), Igreja Nossa Senhora da Graca (Church) and Palacio da Cultura, which also contains an Internet Cafe and Bookshop. Close by, the City's slightly neglected fortified walls, complete with cannons, provide views across the bay and Ilheu de Santa Maria.
Getting around
Be wary of illegal taxis, which sometimes roam the city and may overcharge passengers. During daytime, a normal taxi journey between Praia's two most distant points should cost no more than 1500 escudos.
Praia can be difficult to navigate because it lacks an official map. Large sections of the city do not yet have street names or house numbers, although most roads in the city centre and other important districts are named and numbered.
Nearby places
Cidade Velha, literally ‘Old City’, lies 15km from Praia and has UNESCO World Heritage status as the first European settlement in the tropics. A return taxi costs about CVE4000, including an hour or two for visiting its sights.
Food and shopping
Cape Verde is ideal for fish lovers. Grilled lobster is superb, as are the fresh tuna, octopus and numerous other delicacies.
Visit the busy Fruit and Vegetable Market on Avenida 5 de Julio to see the Island's agricultural produce and taste one of its bananas!
Opening hours are normally Monday to Friday 0800-1300 and 1500-1800, and Saturday 09:00-13:00; businesses close on Sundays.
Money
The currency is the Cape Verde Escudo (1 Euro= 113 Escudos), although hotels and banks may charge slightly more.
An increasing number of upmarket hotels take credit cards, but some still do not. MasterCard and Visa are currently the most widely accepted.
Staying connected
The language is Portuguese.
Opening Hours and
Sundays and public holidays bring a complete closure, while many shops finish early on Friday as well. A Mediterranean-style timetable is usual: 08:00/08:30 - 12:00/12:30, then 14:00/14:30 - 18:00/18:30 on Monday-Friday, and 08:30 - 12:00 on Saturday. Banks frequently shut in the afternoon. Restaurants serve from approximately 19:00 - 23:00, with nightclubs generally opening at midnight. Observed holidays are New Year on 1 January, National Heroes Day on 20 January, Labour Day on 1 May, Independence Day on 5 July, Nossa Senhora da Graça [Our Lady of Grace] on 15 August, Nationality Day on 12 September, All Saints Day on 1 November and Christmas Day on 25 December. Mardi Gras and Good Friday are also…