You're Going to Love Luanda
Once a place of conflict, Luanda has reinvented itself as a peaceful, stable modern city. There has been a surge in the country's fortunes, which have restored a city that was historically a center for trade, culture, and commerce. Today you'll fine a chic luxury beach party scene, fine dining, and shopping in a lush and welcoming tropical locale.
Top 5 Reasons to Visit Luanda
1. The Beach
Along with the upscale beach scene along the peninsula, there are many other great beaches to explore around the city, including Sangano Beach just to the south of the city.
2. The Marginal
A walk along this beautifully restored promenade is a must during your visit to Luanda, extending from the port towards the peninsula with gorgeous views of the waterfront.
3. Luxury Shopping
You'll see Porsches and other sports cars on the downtown streets, and an upscale shopping scene that includes international designers.
4. Traces of History
Luanda is a city still under reconstruction, but with all that is new, you can still experience its storied, centuries-old past in monuments like the old Portuguese Fortress of São Miguel that overlooks the city from the hill, among other museums.
5. Great Eats
From fine dining to fabulous street food, including mouthwatering fresh seafood dishes, there is a diverse restaurant scene for your taste buds to explore.
When to Visit Luanda
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The climate of Luanda is warm and humid. Most travelers opt to visit during the cooler, drier winter months between May and October, when temperatures average about 75 to 80.
How to Get to Luanda
Plane
Luanda International Airport or Quatro de Fevereiro Airport (LAD) is the country's main international air travel hub, located about six miles to the south of the city. A taxi to the city runs about Kz8,200.
Train
There are rail connections available to Dondo and Malanje.
Car
Roads throughout Angola are still under reconstruction, and their condition can't be guaranteed.
Bus
TCUL provides intercity bus service within the Luanda province to centers such as Benguela, N'dalatando, Malanje, and Huambo.
Airports near Luanda
Airlines serving Luanda
Where to stay in popular areas of Luanda
Most booked hotels in Luanda
How to Get Around Luanda
Public Transportation
TCUL operates bus lines throughout the city.
Taxi
Minibus taxis are a popular way for locals to get around the city. Typical fares are Kz100 per trip.
Car
Compact rentals start at about Kz12,000.
The Cost of Living in Luanda
Shopping Streets
Maianga is the city's shopping district for locals, where you'll find basics and bargains. For more upscale shopping, look to the port area, or the malls in Luanda Sul to the south.
Groceries and Other
Casa dos Frescos is one of the city's supermarket chains, where you'll find a decent selection of goods at reasonable prices. A quart of milk costs about Kz425, while a dozen eggs costs about Kz830.
Where to Eat in Luanda
Enjoy high-end Mediteranean cuisine with an emphasis on delectable seafood at Lookal Mar, where main dishes start at about Kz10,000. At La Vigia, you can savor classic Portuguese barbecue, including fish and seafood, starting at Kz4,150.