You're Going to Love Maputo
Life in sunny Maputo is largely lived outside, whether that means enjoying the afternoon at a sidewalk cafe, or simply taking a walk along a street lined with flame trees. You can savor the busy modern vibe of Avenida Marginal, or relax in the slower pace of the coastal Baixa area.
Top 5 Reasons to Visit Maputo
1. Beautiful Buildings
Stroll the pretty tree-lined streets of Maputo, with Mediterranean-influenced architectural gems like the train station.
2. Hot Nightlife
Maputo has a renowned live music scene, along with casual beer bars, sophisticated cocktail lounges, sweaty dance clubs, and more to satisfy every taste.
3. Hit the Beach
There are stellar beaches to enjoy in the immediate area, many of them accessible by boat, including Catembe, Ponta do Ouro, Praia da Macaneta, and Inhaca Island in Delagoa Bay.
4. Shop Local
From the Casa Elefante, with its selection of artisan craft work, to the Xipamanine Market every Saturday, you'll find virtually anything you need at markets, including foods, gorgeous batiks and other textile goods, and wood work.
5. Fantastic Food
Local cuisine means a delicious mix of Southern African, Portuguese, South Asian, and Middle Eastern influences, with both traditional and modern fusion cuisine to savor.
When to Visit Maputo
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Maputo is a true year-round destination, with a warm, relatively dry climate that varies little from season to season. Temperatures range from 65 to 80 degrees.
How to Get to Maputo
Plane
Maputo International Airport (MPM) is located just under 4 miles from the city center. A taxi to the city should cost about MT500.
Train
Train service to Maputo is limited, with the exception of a daily run to and from Ressano Garcia, which is located on the nearby border of South Africa.
Car
Maputo connects to Johannesburg in South Africa via the N4 highway. It is also feasible to drive to other locations in South Africa, including Durban, along with other centers in Mozambique.
Bus
Daily bus connections are available to Johannesburg, along with other major centers in Mozambique.
Airports near Maputo
Airlines serving Maputo
Where to stay in popular areas of Maputo
Most booked hotels in Maputo
How to Get Around Maputo
Public Transportation
The most reliable public transportation system comes via the Chapa, or minibuses, but be forewarned that you will likely need some Portuguese to be able to navigate the extensive system. Fares start at MT7.50.
Taxi
You'll recognize official metered taxis by their yellow roofs, but even with the meter, you can negotiate fares. A typical fare across downtown runs about MT150-200.
Car
The city core is fairly compact and can be easily explored on foot, but a car will let you venture beyond the city limits. A compact rental starts at about MT2,800 per day; you'll find Sixt and Euro Rent in town.
Car rental agencies in Maputo
The Cost of Living in Maputo
Shopping Streets
Street vendors and local shopping can be found virtually anywhere in the Baixa area. For malls, look to the newer areas around Avenida Marginal in the southern part of the city.
Groceries and Other
Spar and Vosso Supermercado are two of the larger chains operating in Maputo, while Mercado Central in the Baixa district sells fresh food. A gallon of milk costs about MT230, and a dozen eggs about MT95.
Where to Eat in Maputo
Seafood is naturally a local specialty, and you'll find delectable dishes prepared on a grill with beach views at the Restaurante Costa do Sol. Main dishes start at MT400. O Escorpião offers classic Portuguese and Mozambican dishes with mains starting at MT400.