Maputo in 7 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, Land & wander

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, Iconic sights

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, Food & markets

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

Day 4, Local neighbourhoods

Base: Costa do Sol, The seafront strip north of town known for its seafood restaurants and beach feel.

Morning: Live marrabenta and jazz at venues like Núcleo de Arte and local bars.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore Costa do Sol, The seafront strip north of town known for its seafood restaurants and beach feel.

Evening: The colourful murals and street art of the Núcleo de Arte collective.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Pão and Portuguese-influenced pastries with strong coffee

Day 5, Day trip

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

Morning: Sunset drinks along the Costa do Sol promenade.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

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

Evening: Day trip by ferry to Inhaca Island's beaches and snorkelling.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

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

Day 6, Hidden gems

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

Morning: Slow start: coffee in Polana, then an unhurried walk before the heat or the crowds.

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

Evening: Dinner at Matapa, cassava leaves cooked with peanuts and coconut, then a quiet drink wherever the locals are in Polana.

Eat: Matapa, cassava leaves cooked with peanuts and coconut

Day 7, Slow finish

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

Morning: Slow start: coffee in Feira de Artesanato area, then an unhurried walk before the heat or the crowds.

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

Evening: Dinner at LM (Lourenço Marques) prawns and fresh-caught fish, then a quiet drink wherever the locals are in Feira de Artesanato area.

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 3 days | Maputo in 5 days | Full Maputo guide