5 must-see attractions in Angola's capital

Despite being much safer and calmer than a few years ago, Luanda still does not receive many tourists outside the so-called business tourism. But the truth is that Angola's capital is the country's gateway and has numerous attractions that deserve the attention of the leisure travelers. From the Fortress São Miguel to the iconic waterfront of Luanda Bay, the Iron Palace (Palácio de Ferro), different small museums, and beaches. These five main attractions of Angola's capital would be the envy of many more famous destinations and are within easy reach for the leisure traveler. The delicious cuisine is also worth mentioning!
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Fortress of São Miguel
A photograph of the Fortress of São Miguel's entrance, with its star-shaped portal, flanked by cannons on both sides and the Angolan flag hoisted on the right. In the background, part of the facade is easily identifiable from the fortress itself.

The Fortress of São Miguel, in Luanda, currently houses the Military Museum and is located on the old São Paulo hill, presently referred to as Morro da Fortaleza, neighboring the bridge on the Ilha de Luanda, in Angola. It was the first defensive structure built in Luanda in the 16th century.

From a tourist's perspective, it is undoubtedly one of the main attractions of Angola's capital. Firstly, because of the building. Subsequently, the military museum is where you can observe various weapons used in the Colonial War, artillery pieces, and military vehicles from the subsequent civil war between the forces of the Angolan and South African political parties. And, no less significant, the magnificent tile panels inside the fortress. And finally, a perfect site to enjoy the beautiful view over Luanda Bay.

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Luanda's Waterfront
Overlooking Luanda Bay, Avenida 4 de Fevereiro, widely known as Marginal, is the most prestigious avenue in the city, where ministries, public services, hotels, and headquarters of large companies concentrate. If you ask someone what to see in Angola's capital, the first answer will likely be the Marginal. As busy as it is photogenic, it is one of the best areas to stay in Luanda and one of the capital's highlights. Unmissable, both for business and leisure travelers.
An image depicting a view of the Luanda's marina, with a large metallic installation on the boardwalk with the inscription "Eu <3 Luanda". Behind this installation, the sea creates a backdrop for three aligned trees.
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Iron Palace (Palácio de Ferro)
This photograph shows a particular facade of the Iron Palace, where the yellow walls and the rendered details on the balcony, handrails, balusters, and arches on which the building rests are particularly evident.

One of the buildings I was most curious to visit was the Iron Palace. It is an eye-catching building with iron filigree decorating the façade. The authorship is attributable to the French architect Gustave Eiffel.

There is no way to prove the validity of this assumption, but regardless of its legitimate authorship, it is one of the most fascinating places to visit in Luanda. Mostly because of the architecture and the added bonus of regularly hosting art exhibitions. It was not the case on the day I visited, so the interior of the Iron Palace was quite bare, but its cultural program is somewhat regular. Just keep an eye on the schedule.

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National Museum of Slavery

The Capela da Casa Grande, which dates back to the 17th century, houses the National Museum of Slavery. This chapel is said to be on the site "of the baptism of slaves before boarding the slave ships that transported them to America." Currently, the museum gathers and exhibits pieces used in the slave trafficking process.

Also, it is worth noting that the entire property accommodating the museum belonged to "one of the largest slave traders on the African coast in the first half of the 18th century," by the name of Álvaro de Carvalho Matoso.

In short, moderate your expectations, and you might enjoy the National Museum of Slavery. Consider that it is a small place and a modest museum project. The museum is in Morro da Cruz, outside the capital.

A photograph inside an exhibition room in the National Museum of Slavery, portraying objects exhibited on the blue-painted walls, either hanging or inside niches, along with text inscriptions and drawings in black paint.
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Cabo Ledo
Photograph of a sandy beach featuring a walkway made of dark wooden planks. On the left side, a row of trees stretches across the sand, and on the right side, a row of cabins. Further to the right, a tip of sea is visible, and in the background the peak of a hill.

A little further away, Cabo Ledo is one of the main weekend destinations for the capital's inhabitants. And it's easy to understand why. The distance is convenient, the beaches are magnificent, the cuisine is delicious – based on fish and seafood – and the hotels are some of the best in the entire country.

It is worth mentioning that Cabo Ledo was previously a little fishing village that, in recent years, has grown considerably due to tourism. Still, it remains very appealing. Walking through the village set on the sand, you will surely notice that the structures for drying fish are a paradise for photographers, and there will be no shortage of opportunities to chat with the fishermen. A place for enjoying.

By Filipe Morato Gomes / Alma de Viajante

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