Hotels in Maputo

Maputo Hotels

One of Africa’s most underrated capital cities, Maputo is a metropolis in ascendance. Jutting out on the southern coastline of Mozambique, it wows with gleaming skyscrapers and wide avenues, lush with acacia and purple jacaranda trees. While much of the city has a fast-paced, futuristic feel, with slick business zones and hip, underground music scenes, the rhythms of old Africa still beat at its heart. Tradition is most apparent at its rowdy Municipal Market, or down at the fishing ports.

Things to see

An art deco vision in blinding white, Maputo Cathedral looks more like a gigantic space shuttle than a place of worship. It’s a dominating presence in downtown, seeming to represent both Maputo’s aspirations for the future, as well as its somewhat complex and fraught connections with a colonial past. Just across the square from the cathedral, the City Hall demonstrates a more Mediterranean-colonial style of architecture, with grand pillars and porticoes. Yet its colonial splendour seems dwarfed by the bronze statue of Michel Samora, Mozambique’s great hero of independence. Follow the Avenida Patrice Lumumba towards the coast, and you’ll reach the stately building which houses the Museum of National History. Inside, a recreation of African grasslands awaits, where taxidermy lions look set to pounce on zebra in a scene which looks frozen in time. Nearby, the Jardim dos Namorados is the place for a romantic sunset walk by the ocean.

Hotels in Maputo

Maputo the kind of 5-star, luxury hotels to put itself firmly on the world stage. Budget hotels in Maputo may be hard to come by, but you do get a lot for your money. Nearly all the major hotels are large and modern, with plenty of facilities, including restaurants and bars which serve up international cuisine. Business visitors are well catered for, with fully-equipped business centres and conference rooms, as well as fast, free WiFi. Fitness centres and swimming pools are also widely available. The top luxury hotels in Maputo feature spas and lavishly-furnished suites. You’ll also enjoy 24-hour room service.

Where to stay

Central Maputo, with iconic landmarks like the cathedral and city hall, is the perfect place to stay for culture lovers and those visiting on business. You can’t help but get caught up in the energy of this fast-moving and determined city, and there’s a great choice of hotels, ranging from mid-range to luxury. For a taste of the Maputo high life, stay in one of the glittering resorts along the coast. The eastern coast, along Avenida Julius Nyerere, is the top area for nightlife and beach parties, attracting top DJs and supporting a whole host of chic eateries and bars.

How to get to Maputo

Maputo’s international airport is located just 6 kilometres north of the city centre. It’s served by direct flights from other major airports within Africa, including global hubs like Nairobi and Johannesburg. There are also regular flights from Lisbon. You’ll need a visa to enter, which can be obtained at the immigration desk, though it will speed your exit considerably if you already have one sorted. Taxis are available from outside the terminal. Once in Maputo, you can get around by taxi, or by much cheaper minibus, known as chapas. The grid system of the city makes it relatively easy to navigate.