Mozambique Capital City, About Maputo Tourism and Travel

(Mozambique, MZ, South-East Africa)

In many ways, Maputo is like any other cosmopolitan coastal city in Africa. Spacious tree-lined avenues are edged with blocks of offices and buildings that reveal traces of their colonial heritage.

Strange as it may sound, Maputo is a city that manages to be both lively and relaxed at the same time. Enthusiastic sightseers can look forward to immersing themselves in the hustle and bustle of Maputo's historic city streets. On the other hand, those looking for a more relaxed holiday will undoubtedly make straight for the beaches.

Tourism and General Information

In the late 18th century the Portuguese arrived in Mozambique, establishing the town of Lourenco Marques on the site of present-day Maputo. When Mozambique gained its independence in 1975, the city gained a new name. Sadly, during the tumultuous years that followed, it also lost much of its infrastructure. With the arrival of more peaceful times, new developments have started to spring up alongside reminders of Maputo's former colonial grandeur.

Today, Maputo has a population of around 1,250,000 people. Maputo's city centre has several main avenues that radiate from the city's hub, the Avenida 25 de Setembro, and lead down to the waterfront area. Home to most of the city's businesses, visitors will also find many of Maputo's leading tourist attractions in this district. Some of the city's oldest buildings can be found around the Rua de Bagamoyo.

Behind this central district are Maputo's residential areas. These neighbourhoods have a commanding view of the rest of the city. Over the years, they have been influenced by a multitude of cultures, including Bantu, Portuguese, Arab and Chinese.

Maputo's main attractions include its Central Railway Station, the Jardim Tunduru Botanical Gardens and the Mercado Central (Central Market). Visitors interested in finding out more about Mozambique should pencil in a visit to Maputo's National Art Museum and the Museum of the Revolution.