Praia

Praia is serviced by Nelson Mandela International Airport, which is located around 3 kilometers northeast of the city.

TACV (the national airline) and a few European and African carriers provide flights to a variety of locations across Europe, Africa, South America, and the United States. Domestic flights are also available, both to Sal, Cape Verde’s major airport (45 minutes), and to smaller airports across the nation. Flights to Boa Vista take around 30 minutes.

The cost of a taxi from the airport to Plateau is $500. After 18:00, the price increases to $800. There is one bus line that services the airport, although it is recommended that you hire a cab instead, since this line only has one or two buses.

Additionally, you may access the city through the harbor. There are ferry boats that operate on an inconsistent timetable between Maio, Boavista, Sal, and Sao Nicolau, as well as more regular and scheduled service between Sao Vicente and Fogo.

Travelers arriving by boat arrive at Porto de Praia. As of 2014, frequent boats from Fogo (4 hours) and Brava were available (just 40 min from Fogo). The sea, on the other hand, is often turbulent and would almost certainly make you seasick – flying is much more relaxing. Porto de Praia is also the port of call for cruise passengers.

The city is served by two major bus companies: Moura Company and Sol Atlantico. Each route is assigned a unique number. Safende to Achada Santo Antonio, Vila Nova to Achada Santo Antonio, Calbeceira to Palmarejo, Pensamento to Terra Branca, Achada Grande to Achada Santo Antonio, Sao Felipe to Plateau, Ponta D’Agua to Plateau, and Achada Mato to Palmarejo are the major lines. The majority of these routes travel through Plateau (the city’s central business district), Varzea, and Terra Branca; the bus price is around $35.

When it comes to taxis, you should be cautious of unlicensed cabs that sometimes cruise the streets and may attempt to scam you off. The standard cab charge between the city’s two most remote places, for example, Pensamento to Palmarejo or Palmarejo to Achada Mato, should not exceed $1500 during the day and $1800 at night. Taxi drivers often demand a gratuity of between $50 and $100. Simply be cautious and only choose cabs equipped with a taximeter to avoid being overcharged.

Rental vehicle agencies are mostly located near airports, although with the increase in tourist, downtown sites have arisen as well. Rates are around $4500 per day, tax and insurance included. Typically, the first 100 kilometers are included in the purchase; beyond that, $0.10 per extra kilometer is charged.

The absence of an official map makes navigating the city rather difficult, all the more so given that significant sections still lack formal street names and house numbers. Fortunately, the majority of streets in the city center and more significant areas of the city have names and numbers, and the majority of people are kind and willing to assist you. Walking between districts is not suggested, all the more so since the majority of the city’s sidewalks are composed of rough cobblestone that makes walking difficult. Additionally, bear in mind that this village is very forested, making walking difficult. However, if you want a nice aerobic exercise, give it a try!

A bike is an excellent method to navigate around Praia and the island. The issue is that bicycle rentals are few, which means that if you’re planning a bike holiday, you may need to bring your own.

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The plateau is home to a significant number of attractions. It was defended from enemies approaching by water by the ancient city wall, equipped with antique cannons. The governmental district is located in the city’s southern section.

• Praia town hall (Antiga Câmara Municipal). The town hall, built in neoclassical style with a square central tower, is one of the greatest specimens of colonial architecture in the area. It is still in use today. Make sure to have a peek inside while the doors are open. Visitors may even get some background information on the building’s history.
• Praia Cathedral (Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Graça). The city’s cathedral was built in the classicist style in 1902.
• Supreme Court (Palácio da Justiça).The supreme court is housed in a beautiful structure on the Praça Alexandre Albuquerque. It’s conceivable that you’ll be able to get inside as well.
• Presidential Palace (Palácio Presidencial). The presidential palace was built in the late 19th century as the house of the Portuguese governor. It was recently refurbished with financial assistance from China. Other government buildings may be found in the area.
• Quartel Jaime Mota. The old barracks next to the presidential palace are in need of repair.
• Igreja do Nazareno. A Protestant church.
• Palácio da Assembleia (Assemblada Nacional). Cape Verde’s national assembly.
• Praça Alexandre Albuquerque. A plaza at the ancient town’s heart. Albuquerque was a governor who was a card player, and hence each of the square’s four corners is designated by a suit.

• Museu Etnográfico. An antique structure in the old town has a museum that tells the tale of Cape Verdean history via daily things.
• Fundação Amílcar Cabral. Amlcar Cabral Cultural Center is a cultural center devoted to the revolutionary leader Amlcar Cabral (1924-73). It’s known for its murals.
• Estado da Varzea. The city’s football stadium has a capacity of 10,000 people.

• Praia de Gamboa. The beach that gave the city its name is called Gamboa. It is not, however, ideal for swimming.
• Ilhéu de Santa Maria. A tiny island located right beyond the harbor’s entrance. Previously, leprosy patients were isolated on the island; now, Chinese merchants are intending to build a casino.
• Cruz do Papa. A big crucifix with a wonderful view of Quebra Canela beach from where it sits.
• Diogo Gomes monument. A monument honoring the explorer of the islands, Diogo Gomes. It is positioned on the plateau’s southern edge, with spectacular views of Praia do Gamboa and Ilhéu de Santa Maria.

• Sovaco de Cobra. Locals love this down-to-earth eatery.
• Café Cachito, Praça Albuquerque,  +238 2 619278-9 915740. The town’s oldest bar, situated in the main plaza.
• Cybercafé Sofia, +238 2 617546. It’s a nice spot to enjoy some local cuisine while watching the world go by. Expats and the chess community in the area love it.

• Restaurante Punto D’Incontro, Avenida Cidade de Lisboa,  +238 2 617090, e-mail:[email protected]. Cuisine from Italy and Cape Verde.
• Restaurante Panorama, Rua Serpa Pinto,   +238 2 614100, fax: 2 613076, e-mail:[email protected]. Located downtown in the Hotel Felicidade. Open all day. The business community enjoys its feast.
• Restaurante Flor de Liz, Rua 5 de Julho 43,  +238 2 612598. Cap Verdean cuisine with a vast menu and generous portions.
• Churrasqueira Dragoeira, Achada S.Antonio, +238 2 623335. This restaurant is known for its barbecue chicken and is also a wonderful place to meet locals.
• Restaurante Marisqueira Rosita, Hotel América (Largo da Europa, Porta Nº 09, Achada S. Antonio),  +238 2 38 2622888, fax: 2 621432, e-mail:[email protected]. 10-23. $500-2200.
• Churrasqueira Benfica, Achada S.Antonio,  +238 2 622195. Barbecue restaurant with a Brazilian flair.
• Restaurante Nova Luar, Terra Branca,  +238 2 614009.

• Beramar Grill, Chã D’Areia,  +238 2 612826. Specializes in seafood and is known for its tuna and bacalao served with white wine.
• Restaurante Gamboa, Cha D’Areia,  +238 2 611115, e-mail:info@[email protected]. African food with generous portions. They offer a good assortment of local wines as well. Service that is pleasant.
• O Poeta, Achada de Santo António,  +238 2 613800, fax: 2 611603, e-mail: [email protected]. O Poeta is a popular hangout for the upper crust and visitors, located next to the Portuguese embassy with a great view of the city. Barbecued squid with veggies and cheese is a house speciality.
• Restaurante Avis, Rua 5 de Julho,  +238 2 613079, e-mail:[email protected]. Good cuisine is said to be available right in the heart of the city, although service is sluggish, as is customary in Cape Verde. Live music is performed on occasion.

Praia has a number of marketplaces. It’s worth a visit even if you don’t plan to purchase anything if you want to see a true African market. One of the patterned, colorful linens manufactured in the countryside is a nice keepsake to carry home.

• Mercado Municipal (Mercado Central), Avenida Amílcar Cabral. From early in the morning, there will be food and handcrafted products for sale. It’s a vivid, colorful area that every visitor should see, yet it’s not a good location to come if you have claustrophobia since it can be fairly crowded here. Pickpockets should also be avoided.
• Mercado de Sucupira. Another market to see, with the same safety measures.

Praia, being the nation’s capital and largest city, has a higher crime rate than the rest of the country. The majority of crimes involve minor stealing, with the majority of victims being locals rather than visitors, however there have been a few occurrences involving foreigners. So, although Praia is still a fairly secure city in general, take cautious not to flash any costly jewelry or technology like as iPhones. In recent years, Cape Verde has experienced an upsurge in minor crimes perpetrated mostly by groups of young males; thus, avoid gatherings of young men, particularly at night.

Praia is very poorly illuminated at night, so be cautious in areas where there are no street lights when you are alone, and always go in couples or bigger groups for safety. If anything does happen, there are police stations located around the city, as well as a general hospital in the city center.