Cabo Verde Santiago island Praia sightseeing

Praia Sightseeing : Complete Guide to Cape Verde's Capital City (2025)

Introduction: Discovering Praia, Cape Verde's Vibrant Capital

Praia, whose name literally translates to "beach," serves as the political, economic, and cultural heart of Cape Verde. Located on the southern coast of Santiago Island, this bustling capital of approximately 160,000 residents blends Portuguese colonial heritage with vibrant African culture, creating a uniquely Cape Verdean urban experience far removed from the resort-style tourism of Sal or Boa Vista.

Unlike many capital cities that exist solely for administration, Praia pulses with authentic local life—from the chaotic energy of Sucupira Market to the stately colonial architecture of the Plateau district, from sunset gatherings at Quebra Canela Beach to live morna music drifting from neighborhood bars. This is Cape Verde at its most genuine: colorful, complicated, and captivating.

Whether you're a first-time visitor, a researcher exploring West African urban development, or a traveler seeking authentic cultural immersion, Praia offers sightseeing opportunities that span colonial history, African market culture, coastal beauty, and access to Santiago's most significant UNESCO heritage sites.

The Plateau (Platô): Praia's Historic Colonial Heart

Overview and Location

The Plateau district represents Praia's historical and administrative core, perched on elevated terrain overlooking the harbor and modern city sprawl below. This compact neighborhood, easily explored on foot in 2-4 hours, showcases the city's Portuguese colonial past through neoclassical architecture, shaded plazas, and civic monuments dating from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

As Cape Verde's oldest settlement on Santiago, the Plateau evolved from a small administrative outpost into the nation's seat of power following independence in 1975. Today, it functions simultaneously as government center, cultural hub, and the most atmospheric area for visitors to explore Praia's layered history.

Key Landmarks and Monuments in the Plateau

Presidential Palace (Palácio Presidencial de Cabo Verde)

History: Completed in 1894, this stunning neoclassical building originally served as the residence of the Portuguese colonial governor. Following Cape Verde's independence in 1975, it became the official presidential palace.

Architecture: The structure exemplifies late 19th-century Portuguese colonial architecture with its symmetrical facade, columned entrance, and elegant proportions.

Visitor information: While the interior is not open for public tours, visitors can admire the impressive exterior and photograph the building from Praça Alexandre Albuquerque. The palace remains an active government building and symbol of Cape Verdean sovereignty.

Praça Alexandre Albuquerque (Alexandre Albuquerque Square)

Description: This prominent 19th-century square forms the ceremonial heart of the Plateau, lined with civic buildings, colonial houses, and shaded by tropical trees. The square serves as a perfect oasis for relaxation and people-watching.

Monuments: Features monuments to Portuguese colonial administrators Alexandre Albuquerque and Serpa Pinto, representing the complex colonial heritage that shaped modern Cape Verde.

Atmosphere: The square hosts informal gatherings, occasional events, and provides a peaceful respite from Praia's busier commercial areas.

Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Graça (Church of Our Lady of Grace)

Construction: Built between 1894 and 1902, this neoclassical Catholic church represents one of Praia's most important religious structures.

Architectural style: The modest yet dignified church features clean lines and classical proportions characteristic of Portuguese ecclesiastical architecture of the period.

Location: Situated prominently within the Plateau, the church remains an active place of worship and architectural landmark.

Alternative reference: Some sources refer to the Cathedral of Nossa Senhora da Assunção (Sé Cathedral) as an elegant classicist structure on the main square—this may be the same building or a closely related cathedral in the Plateau district.

Monumento de Diogo Gomes

Subject: This 3-meter-tall cast iron statue honors Diogo Gomes, the Portuguese navigator who was among the discoverers of the Cape Verde archipelago in the 15th century.

Location: Positioned in a privileged location within the Plateau, near the Presidential Palace, offering panoramic views toward Ilhéu de Santa Maria (an islet visible offshore) and Gamboa Beach below.

Significance: The monument represents Cape Verde's maritime discovery heritage and the beginning of the islands' connection to global trade routes.

Additional Plateau Landmarks

Palácio da Cultura Ildo Lobo (Ildo Lobo Cultural Palace)

• Location: Avenida Amílcar Cabral
• Function: Vibrant cultural center featuring art galleries showcasing works by local Cape Verdean artists
• Purpose: Hub for contemporary cultural programming and exhibitions

Quartel Jaime Mota (Jaime Mota Barracks)

• Description: Colonial-era military barracks of historical significance
• Notable feature: Imposing old cannons positioned at the entrance
• Photography: Typically photos can only be taken from outside the facility

City Hall and Courthouse

• Government buildings contributing to the Plateau's administrative character
• Examples of Portuguese colonial civic architecture

Rua 5 de Julho

• The Plateau's best-known street, notable for central location and shops
• Good for casual strolling and observing daily life

Exploring the Plateau: Practical Information

Best time to visit: Early morning (7-10am) or late afternoon (4-7pm) to avoid midday heat

Duration: 2-4 hours for comprehensive exploration, including museum visits

Getting there:

• Walking: From lower Praia neighborhoods, walk uphill to the Plateau
• Taxi: Negotiate fare beforehand (typically 150-300 CVE from nearby areas)
• The Plateau is the city's most walkable district—comfortable shoes recommended

Safety: Generally safe during daylight hours; exercise normal urban caution with valuables

Museums and Cultural Centers in Praia

Museu Etnográfico da Praia (Ethnographic Museum of Praia)

Location: Housed in a colonial building within the historic Plateau center

Collection focus: The museum immerses visitors in Cape Verdean culture through carefully curated displays:

• Traditional everyday objects from island life
• Historical costumes representing different periods and regions
• Musical instruments central to Cape Verdean musical traditions (morna, funaná, batuque)
• Artifacts preserving cultural memory and local traditions

Significance: Essential stop for understanding the cultural foundations of Cape Verde beyond tourist imagery

Visit duration: 1-2 hours

Visitor profile: Ideal for travelers, researchers, and anyone seeking deeper cultural context

Núcleo Museológico da Praia (Praia Museum Center)

Focus: Dedicated to the broader history and culture of Praia and Cape Verde

Content: Contextualizes the capital's development within the archipelago's historical narrative

Casa Museu de Amílcar Cabral (Amílcar Cabral House Museum)

Subject: Amílcar Cabral, the father of Cape Verdean democracy and leader of the independence movement

Description: The preserved home contains the belongings and personal effects of this revolutionary figure, offering intimate insights into his life and the struggle for independence from Portuguese colonial rule.

Also known as: Sala-Museu Amílcar Cabral, focused on West African revolutions and independence history

Significance: Essential for understanding Cape Verde's path to sovereignty and Cabral's role in African liberation movements

Location: Within the Plateau district; associated with Fundação Amílcar Cabral

Archaeological Museum

Specialty: Shipwrecks and maritime archaeological discoveries

Collection: Showcases recovered cargoes and artifacts from ships that met their fate in Cape Verdean waters, reflecting the islands' strategic position on Atlantic trade routes

Markets: Immersing in Local Life

Mercado de Sucupira (Sucupira Market)

Location: West of the Plateau district

Description: Praia's most famous and largest market, offering what sources describe as "a touch of Africa and a medley of wonders"—an authentic African market experience at the heart of Cape Verde's capital.

What to find:

• Fresh produce: Tropical fruits, vegetables, locally grown staples
• Seafood: Daily catches from local fishermen
• Handicrafts: Traditional Cape Verdean crafts, textiles, baskets
• Clothing: Traditional fabrics, modern garments, shoes
• Everyday goods: Kitchen supplies, household items, electronics
• Local specialties: Spices, grogue (Cape Verdean rum), artisanal products

Atmosphere: Chaotic, colorful, loud, and utterly authentic—a sensory immersion into Cape Verdean daily life. The market pulses with vendors calling out prices, the smell of fresh fish mixing with ripe mangoes, and the constant flow of locals shopping for daily needs.

Cultural experience: Mixing with market-goers provides genuine insights into local lifestyle, far from any tourist veneer. This is where Praia's residents shop, socialize, and conduct daily business.

Best time to visit: Mid-morning (9am-12pm) when the market is most active and vibrant

Important safety note: As with any crowded market environment, Sucupira is noted as a hotspot for petty theft and pickpocketing. Exercise caution with belongings:

• Keep valuables secured and out of sight
• Carry only necessary cash
• Be aware of surroundings, especially in dense crowds
• Consider leaving passports and expensive electronics at accommodation

Transportation hub: The Mercado de Sucupira area (or nearby Estádio da Várzea) serves as the primary departure point for alugueres (shared minivans) traveling to other parts of Santiago Island.

Praia Municipal Market

Focus: Agricultural products and fresh produce

Atmosphere: Gathering place featuring Creole music, local cuisine vendors, handicrafts, and tropical fruits

Character: Slightly more organized than Sucupira but still authentically local

Street Art and Urban Culture

Terra Branca Art Street

Location: Terra Branca neighborhood

Description: This area showcases vibrant urban murals created by local artists, paying tribute to Cape Verdean musicians, historical figures, and cultural icons.

Significance: Represents Praia's contemporary artistic expression and community pride

Photography: Excellent opportunity for colorful, culturally significant photos

General Street Art Scene

Walking through various Praia neighborhoods, particularly downtown areas, reveals impressive large-scale murals featuring bright colors and Cape Verdean themes—evidence of a thriving urban art movement.

Beaches and Coastal Attractions in Praia

While Praia's name means "beach," the capital offers several urban coastal areas that blend relaxation with the city's vibrant rhythm—a different experience from Santiago's more remote beaches.

Quebra Canela Beach (Kebra Canela)

Location: Southwest of the city center

Description: Praia's most popular urban beach, known for its golden sand, crystal-clear waters, and gentle swell that creates calm shoreline conditions.

Activities:

• Swimming (calm, shallow waters ideal for families)
• Snorkeling (moderate underwater visibility)
• Sunbathing and beach relaxation
• Watching spectacular Atlantic sunsets

Amenities: Surrounded by bars and restaurants offering refreshments, snacks, and seafood

Atmosphere: Lively on weekends when locals gather for beach socializing; quieter on weekdays

Best for: Families, casual swimmers, sunset photography, experiencing beach culture alongside Praia residents

Prainha Beach

Translation: "Small beach"

Character: A smaller, cozier beach located close to the city's important areas

Popularity: Favored by locals for its intimate atmosphere and convenient location

Activities: Swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, seaside walks

Vibe: More low-key than Quebra Canela; good for quieter beach time

Gamboa Beach (Praia de Gamboa)

Location: Visible from the Plateau near the Diogo Gomes monument

Distinctive features: Colorful traditional fishing boats pulled up on the sand

Special event: Hosts the celebrated Festival da Gamboa around May 19th, one of Cape Verde's most important cultural music festivals

Character: Working beach with active fishing community; cultural authenticity

Praia de São Francisco

Location: Near Nelson Mandela International Airport

Description: Long stretch of sand lined with palm trees

Activities: Popular for water sports including bodyboarding and surfing

Note: The "Bodyboard beach at Praia" mentioned in sources likely refers to this location

Mulher Branca

Type: Coastal shores mentioned among Praia's stunning coastal areas

Less information available: Likely a smaller or less developed beach area

Farol de D. Maria Pia (Dona Maria Pia Lighthouse)

Location: Ponta Temerosa headland

Construction: Built in 1881, this octagonal 19th-century lighthouse represents one of Praia's historic maritime structures

Views: Provides sweeping panoramic views of the harbor, city, and Atlantic Ocean

Photography: Particularly popular spot for sunset photography

Access: Accessible for visits; offers elevated coastal vistas

Live Music, Nightlife, and Dining in Praia

Praia serves as Cape Verde's cultural capital, where traditional music thrives alongside modern entertainment. The city offers vibrant nightlife, particularly on weekends, when live music fills neighborhood bars and restaurants.

Traditional Cape Verdean Music

Morna: The soulful, melancholic music style that defined Cape Verde internationally (popularized by Cesária Évora)

Funaná: Fast-paced, accordion-driven music born on Santiago Island—irresistibly danceable

Batuque: Percussive, call-and-response musical tradition with African roots

Top Music and Nightlife Venues

Quintal da Música (The Backyard of Music)

Reputation: One of the most famous restaurants and live music venues in all of Cape Verde

Founder: Established by local musician Mário Lúcio, a prominent figure in Cape Verdean music

Experience: Live music performances featuring traditional and contemporary Cape Verdean artists

Atmosphere: Intimate setting where music, food, and culture converge

Cuisine: Traditional Cape Verdean dishes alongside live performances

When to visit: Weekends for guaranteed live music; check schedule for specific performances

Kebra Cabana

Specialty: Authentic musical immersion in Cape Verdean sounds

Signature drink: Traditional grogue (Cape Verdean rum/spirit)

Vibe: Raw, authentic local atmosphere

Recommended Restaurants

Linha D'água

• Popular dining option in Praia
• [Cuisine type would require additional research]

O Poeta

• Well-regarded restaurant among locals and visitors

Kaza Katxupa

• Name references Cape Verde's national dish
• Likely specializes in traditional Cape Verdean cuisine

Punto d'Incontro

• Meeting point atmosphere
• [Additional details would require research]

Panorama Restaurant

• Location: Rooftop setting
• Feature: Nice views overlooking the city
• Best for: Sunset dining, special occasions

Traditional Cape Verdean Cuisine

Cachupa: The national dish—a hearty, slow-cooked stew of maize (corn), beans, cassava, sweet potato, and meat or fish. Often served as "cachupa refogada" (refried) for breakfast.

Fresh seafood: Given Praia's coastal location, restaurants offer daily catches including tuna, grouper, and lobster

Grogue: Traditional Cape Verdean rum distilled from sugarcane—the national spirit

Nightlife Character

Restaurants and bars throughout Praia host live music performances, especially on weekends. The nightlife scene is lively but maintains a distinctly Cape Verdean character—less about massive clubs and more about intimate venues where music, conversation, and community intertwine.

Day Trips from Praia: Essential Santiago Island Sights

Praia's strategic location makes it the ideal base for exploring Santiago's most significant historical, natural, and cultural attractions—all accessible within 1-2 hours.

Cidade Velha: UNESCO World Heritage Site

Distance from Praia: 10-15 km west (approximately 20 minutes by car)

Historical significance: Founded in 1462 as Ribeira Grande de Santiago, Cidade Velha was the first European colonial settlement established in the tropics and served as Cape Verde's original capital until 1770. The town became a crucial hub in the transatlantic slave trade and Atlantic maritime routes.

UNESCO status: Designated World Heritage Site, recognized as the cradle of Creole culture where African and European influences first merged in sub-Saharan Africa

Access: Easily reached by taxi (approximately 800-1,000 CVE) or aluguer shared minivan (approximately 200 CVE) from Praia

Key Sights in Cidade Velha

Fortaleza Real de São Filipe (São Filipe Royal Fortress)

• Construction: Built in the 16th century (1590s) to defend against pirate attacks
• Location: Dramatically positioned on a hilltop overlooking the town and Atlantic
• Views: Magnificent panoramic vistas of Cidade Velha, the valley, and ocean
• Condition: Well-preserved; open to visitors
• Best time: Late afternoon for golden hour photography and sunset views

Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Rosário (Church of Our Lady of the Rosary)

• Completion: 1495
• Significance: One of the oldest colonial churches in sub-Saharan Africa
• Current state: Church ruins that remain evocative of the town's religious heritage

Pelourinho (Pillory)

• Description: White marble pillar standing in the main square
• Historical function: Symbol of municipal power where enslaved people were publicly punished
• Significance: Sobering reminder of Cidade Velha's central role in the Atlantic slave trade

Rua Banana (Banana Street)

• Claim: Cited as the oldest Portuguese-built street in the tropics
• Character: Narrow cobblestone street flanked by rustic colonial houses
• Photogenic: Quintessential colonial streetscape

Sé Catedral Ruins (Cathedral Ruins)

• History: Remains of the cathedral destroyed during pirate invasions
• Location: Along the route toward São Filipe Fortress

São Francisco Convent

• Colonial-era religious structure adding to the UNESCO site's historical layers

Visit duration: Half-day (3-4 hours) for comprehensive exploration; full-day if combined with hiking from Calabaceira Valley

Tarrafal: Northern Beach Paradise

Distance from Praia: Approximately 70 km north (1.5-2 hours drive via Assomada)

Character: Lively fishing village offering a more relaxed atmosphere than the capital, famous for Santiago's most beautiful beach

Access:

• Aluguer (shared minivan): 600-700 CVE from Praia (departing from Sucupira/Várzea area)
• Private taxi: Approximately 6,000 CVE
• May require transfer in Assomada or wait for direct service

Tarrafal Beach

Description: Extensive white sand beach forming a protected bay with calm, crystal-clear waters

Setting: Lined with coconut palms, creating the classic tropical beach atmosphere

Activities:

• Swimming (safe, shallow waters)
• Snorkeling (good underwater visibility, coral reefs)
• Relaxation under palm shade
• Fresh seafood at beachfront restaurants

Atmosphere: Contrasts with busy Praia; popular with both tourists and Cape Verdean families seeking weekend escape

Best for: Beach lovers, families, those seeking quintessential island relaxation

Museu da Resistência (Tarrafal Concentration Camp)

Official name: Campo de Concentração do Tarrafal

Notorious nickname: "Portuguese Auschwitz" or "Campo da Morte Lenta" (Camp of Slow Death)

History: Functioned as a Portuguese political prison during the Salazar dictatorship, incarcerating opponents of the colonial regime from Cape Verde, Angola, Guinea-Bissau, and Portugal itself

Current function: Memorial and museum bearing witness to this dark chapter of Portuguese colonialism

Location: Just outside Tarrafal town center (few minutes' walk)

Significance: Essential historical site for understanding Cape Verde's struggle for independence

Visitor experience: Sobering but important; preserved buildings and exhibits document imprisonment conditions

Additional Tarrafal Area Attractions

Natural Pools (Piscina Natural Ponta de Atum)

• Natural tidal pools at the base of Monte Graciosa
• Refreshing swimming spots

Farol da Ponta Preta (Ponta Preta Lighthouse)

• Coastal lighthouse accessible by hiking
• Offers elevated views of northern Santiago coastline

Visit strategy: Many visitors stay overnight in Tarrafal to enjoy evening beach time and avoid the long return drive to Praia

Serra Malagueta Natural Park

Distance from Praia: Approximately 40-50 km north (via Assomada)

Elevation: Mountainous area reaching up to 1,064m

Landscape: Contrasting lush ecosystems with fertile valleys, cloud forests, waterfalls, and dramatic mountain vistas—a striking departure from coastal Santiago

Activities:

• Hiking trails of various difficulty levels
• Birdwatching (endemic species including Cape Verde warbler)
• Nature photography
• Visits to traditional mountain villages

Popular trails:

• Vale Principal (Principal Valley)—descent through agricultural valleys
• Gongon Trail to Hortelão village
• Various routes through endemic vegetation

Best season: July-September for lush post-rain greenery and flowing waterfalls; November-June for dry, clear conditions

Access: Best reached by private taxi, rental car, or organized tour from Praia

Duration: Full-day excursion; many tours combine Serra Malagueta hiking with Tarrafal Beach visit

Pico da Antónia

Elevation: 1,392m (some sources: 1,394m)—Santiago's highest peak

Location: Central Santiago, accessed typically via Rui Vaz village

Activity: Challenging summit hike offering unparalleled 360-degree views of Santiago and neighboring islands (Fogo, Maio)

Duration: Approximately 7 hours return trip

Requirement: Guide strongly recommended due to unclear paths and technical summit approach

Best for: Experienced hikers seeking Santiago's ultimate mountain challenge

Practical Information for Visiting Praia

Getting to Praia

By air: Nelson Mandela International Airport (RAI) is located approximately 3 km northeast of the city center

Airport to city:

• Taxi: Fixed rate approximately 1,000 CVE (€10) to central Praia; 1,500-2,000 CVE at night
• City bus: Routes connect airport to Plateau district (budget option)
• Pre-arranged hotel transfer: Many accommodations offer pickup service

Getting Around Praia

Walking: The Plateau district is easily explored on foot; comfortable shoes recommended for cobblestone streets and hills

Taxis:

• Available throughout the city
• No meters—negotiate and agree on fare before departure
• Short city trips: 150-300 CVE
• Plateau to Sucupira Market: 200-300 CVE

Taxi apps:

• Nha Taxi: Local Cape Verdean ride-hailing app
• Zoomly: Alternative local taxi service
• No Uber or international ride-share services

City buses:

• Extensive 15-line network covering Praia
• Operated by companies like SolAtlântico and Moura Company
• Low fares for urban travel
• Generally clean and reliable

Alugueres (for day trips):

• Shared minivans to destinations across Santiago
• Depart from Mercado de Sucupira or Estádio da Várzea area
• Praia to Cidade Velha: ~200 CVE
• Praia to Tarrafal: ~600-700 CVE

When to Visit Praia

Dry season (November-June): Most popular; comfortable temperatures (25-30°C), minimal rain, ideal for sightseeing and beach activities

Rainy season (July-October): Sporadic rainfall, lush green landscapes in surrounding areas; August-October see heaviest precipitation

Coolest months: January-February (average 23°C)

Hottest month: October (average 28°C)

Cultural events: Festival da Gamboa (around May 19th)—plan ahead if interested in this major music festival

Language

Official language: Portuguese

Local language: Kriolu (Cape Verdean Creole); on Santiago, the dialect is called Badiu

English: Limited outside tourist-oriented businesses; basic Portuguese phrases helpful

Useful phrases:

• Bom dia (Good morning)
• Obrigado/Obrigada (Thank you - masculine/feminine)
• Quanto custa? (How much does it cost?)
• Onde fica...? (Where is...?)

Currency and Money

Currency: Cape Verdean Escudo (CVE)

Euro acceptance: Sometimes accepted but at unfavorable rates; better to use local currency

ATMs: Available throughout Praia, including at the airport

Credit cards: Limited acceptance; carry cash for markets, taxis, and smaller establishments

Safety in Praia

General safety: Praia is relatively safe for visitors using standard urban precautions

Areas of caution:

• Mercado de Sucupira: Watch for pickpockets in crowded market areas
• Avoid displaying expensive electronics, jewelry, or large amounts of cash
• Be aware of surroundings, especially in crowded areas

Night safety: Use taxis for evening transportation; avoid walking alone in unfamiliar neighborhoods after dark

Common sense measures:

• Keep valuables secured and out of sight
• Don't leave bags unattended
• Use hotel safes for passports and extra cash
• Photocopies of documents recommended

Audio Tours and Guided Options

Audio-guided tours: Available for self-guided exploration of Praia's historic center

Organized tours: Various tour operators offer:

• Praia city tours (Plateau, markets, beaches)
• Cidade Velha UNESCO site tours
• Combined Praia and Cidade Velha full-day tours
• Photography tours of street art and colonial architecture

Booking: Through hotels, online platforms, or local tour operators in Praia

Conclusion: Praia's Authentic Cape Verdean Experience

Praia doesn't pretend to be what it's not. Unlike polished resort destinations, Cape Verde's capital offers something increasingly rare: an authentic urban African experience where daily life, colonial history, and island culture intersect without tourist veneer.

The Plateau's stately architecture speaks to Portuguese colonial ambition, while Sucupira Market's controlled chaos pulses with West African market culture. Quebra Canela Beach demonstrates how Praia residents balance urban life with Atlantic relaxation. The nearby treasures of Cidade Velha and Tarrafal prove that the capital is more than just an administrative center—it's the gateway to understanding Santiago's complex historical and natural heritage.

For visitors willing to embrace Praia's contradictions—the beautiful and the chaotic, the sophisticated and the raw, the historical and the contemporary—the capital reveals rewards that no sanitized resort could offer. Whether you're photographing street art in Terra Branca, negotiating for tropical fruit in Sucupira, watching sunset from the Dona Maria Pia lighthouse, or listening to live funaná at Quintal da Música, you're experiencing Cape Verde at its most genuine.

Praia isn't just a capital city to check off a list—it's the beating heart of a nation where Africa and Europe created something entirely new: the Creole culture that defines Cape Verde.

Quick Reference: Praia Sightseeing At a Glance

Must-See Locations:

• Plateau district (2-4 hours walking)
• Mercado de Sucupira (mid-morning visit)
• Quebra Canela Beach (sunset)
• Cidade Velha day trip (UNESCO site)

Key Museums:

• Ethnographic Museum (Cape Verdean culture)
• Amílcar Cabral House Museum (independence history)

Best for Live Music:

• Quintal da Música (reservations recommended)
• Kebra Cabana (authentic local vibe)

Safety Tip: Watch belongings at Sucupira Market

Day Trip Distances:

• Cidade Velha: 10-15 km (20 minutes)
• Tarrafal: 70 km (1.5-2 hours)
• Serra Malagueta: 40-50 km (via Assomada)

Transportation Hub: Mercado de Sucupira/Estádio da Várzea (alugueres to island destinations)

Best Photo Spots:

• São Filipe Fortress (Cidade Velha)
• Dona Maria Pia Lighthouse
• Terra Branca street art
• Diogo Gomes monument viewpoint

Welcome to Praia—where Cape Verde's past and present collide in colorful, chaotic harmony.