Maputo in 3 days

A sun-soaked Indian Ocean capital of Portuguese architecture, seafood, jazz and an emerging arts scene. Best time to visit: April to October. Average daily budget: $45 to $90 USD.

Day 1, Get oriented

Base: Baixa (Downtown), The historic core around the train station, cathedral and the colonial-era avenues.

Morning: CFM Railway Station. Admire the grand domed station, said to be designed in the era of Gustave Eiffel's studio.

Afternoon: Explore Baixa (Downtown), The historic core around the train station, cathedral and the colonial-era avenues.

Evening: Fish market feast. Buy fresh prawns and crab at the Mercado do Peixe and have a nearby stall grill them for you.

Eat: Piri-piri prawns, the city's signature grilled seafood

Day 2, Go deeper

Base: Polana, The upmarket leafy district with the grand Polana hotel, restaurants and ocean views.

Morning: Iron House & Botanical Garden. See the prefabricated iron house attributed to Eiffel beside the leafy gardens.

Afternoon: Explore Polana, The upmarket leafy district with the grand Polana hotel, restaurants and ocean views.

Evening: Saturday craft market. Browse the FEIMA art and craft fair for Makonde carvings, paintings and textiles.

Eat: Matapa, cassava leaves cooked with peanuts and coconut

Day 3, Hidden side

Base: Feira de Artesanato area, Around the Saturday craft market, a hub for art, crafts and creative life.

Morning: Stroll the colonial avenues and markets. Maputo's wide, jacaranda-lined avenues, Portuguese-era architecture, the iron Casa de Ferro and the bustling Mercado Central make for a great wander.

Afternoon: Explore Feira de Artesanato area, Around the Saturday craft market, a hub for art, crafts and creative life.

Evening: Fresh seafood and Feima market. Mozambique is famous for prawns and peri-peri. Feast on fresh seafood, then browse the craft stalls at Feima for local art and carvings.

Eat: LM (Lourenço Marques) prawns and fresh-caught fish

Hidden gems

Live marrabenta and jazz at venues like Núcleo de Arte and local bars.
The colourful murals and street art of the Núcleo de Arte collective.
Sunset drinks along the Costa do Sol promenade.
Day trip by ferry to Inhaca Island's beaches and snorkelling.

Getting around

Central Maputo is walkable by day, though it's spread out, so taxis and ride apps (where available) help for longer hops and at night. Shared 'chapa' minibuses are cheap but chaotic. For Costa do Sol and day trips, hire a taxi or driver. Ferries and boats run to Inhaca Island from the waterfront.

Safety

Maputo requires standard big-city awareness: avoid displaying valuables, use taxis or ride apps after dark, and stick to busier areas at night. Carry a copy of your passport, as police may ask for ID. Malaria is present, so take precautions. Drink bottled water and check current travel advice before visiting the wider region.

Maputo in 5 days | Maputo in 7 days | Full Maputo guide