Top Things to Do in Antananarivo

About the City

Antananarivo, Madagascar - A City of Contrasts and Colors Antananarivo, the vibrant heart of Madagascar, dances on hills and keeps the rhythm with its bustling markets and rainbow-painted houses. Here, the lemurs leap not just in the wild but into your heart, as the city's outskirts whisper of the lush rainforests home to these mischievous creatures. From the cobblestone streets of the Haute-Ville with its Royal Palace steeped in history, to the thrum of daily life in the Analakely market, there's an electric mixture of past meets present, a symphony of sights and sounds. Sample zebu steaks or savor the sweet tropical fruits that are as colorful as the city's street art. However, this city is not without its shadow side. Traffic can play a sluggish symphony of honks and idle engines, and its winding streets can sometimes feel like a labyrinth set by a trickster spirit. Infrastructure strains under the weight of urban enthusiasm, and the divide between rich and poor is painted starkly across the urban tableau. Yet, amidst challenges, Tana (as the locals call it), with its endless skies and hilltop views that sweep over rice paddies, retains a charm that captures the soul – a city of stories, dreams, and a thousand smiles exchanged in the rush of life.

Things to Do in Antananarivo

Indulge in Kitoza

Food & Drink

Hang on to your taste buds, 'cause Kitoza is about to take you on a wild ride! This Malagasy specialty is a type of cured or smoked meat, kind of like beef jerky's long-lost cousin, but a whole lot ta...

Rock Climbing at Ambohidrabiby

Outdoors

Fancy clinging onto cliffs and showing those boulders who's boss? Anchor yourself to Ambohidrabiby, a craggy playground for the vertically adventurous. Whether you're a newbie or a crimping champ, thi...

Decode the Dahalo Dialect

The Unexpected

Fancy yourself a bit of a polyglot? Take a linguistic leap into the world of Dahalo – a click language spoken in Madagascar. Get a lesson or two, practice your clicks, and chat up the locals. Don't wo...

Track Down the City's Street Art

The Unexpected

Wanna play a real life 'Where's Waldo?' with art? Take a walk on the wild side and hunt down the vibrant street art that gives Tana's walls a voice. Keep your eyes peeled for murals that tell tales of...

Play Petanque with the Locals

The Unexpected

Roll right into Madagascar's social scenes with a game of Petanque! It's like bowling, but on gravel, with more strategy and bragging rights. Challenge the neighborhood champs and aim for that 'carrea...

Spin Yarn with Traditional Weavers

The Unexpected

Get tangled up in the ancient art of weaving! Sit down with local weavers and learn the ins and outs of making the lamba, Madagascar's traditional garment. You'll not only weave fabric, but you'll als...

Picnic with a View at Tana Water Front

Outdoors

Grab your gingham blanket and a basket full of snacks and head to Tana Water Front for a chill day. Unroll your picnic kingdom with the city's skyline as your backdrop. Perfect spot to munch, lounge, ...

Navigate the Heritage Trails

Outdoors

Ready to play real-life Indiana Jones? Trek through Antananarivo’s ancient streets and unravel the secrets of the past. Discover hidden nooks, historical sites, and maybe even stumble upon a mystical ...

Canoeing down the Katsaoka River

Outdoors

Paddle-pals, grab your oars and get ready to navigate the gentle currents of the Katsaoka River. Dip and dodge between water lilies, wave at the grinning crocs (just kidding, keep your hands in the bo...

Paragliding over Tana

Outdoors

Ready to soar like a bird and catch the thermals? If you've got a head for heights and seeking thrills, paragliding is your ticket to the skies. Glide over Antananarivo and peep at the patchwork of ri...

Dive into Voanjobory sy Henakisoa

Food & Drink

Get your forks ready for a flavor bomb known as Voanjobory sy Henakisoa! This dish is all about the bambara peas (Voanjobory) that meet their best bud, pork (Henakisoa), in a saucy, savory dance you w...

Bargain and Browse at La Digue Market

Sights

Ready for a treasure hunt? Zigzag through La Digue Market, a hotspot where local life bustles and bargains await at every corner. Test your haggling skills and score some trinkets, textiles or tasty t...

Marvel at the Andafiavaratra Palace

Sights

Get your fancy on and strut over to the Andafiavaratra Palace, former home of Prime Minister Rainilaiarivony. This big, pink beauty stands tall with its royal vibes and whispers tales of Madagascar's ...

Gaze at the Stars from the Observatory of Antananarivo

Sights

Stargazers and cosmos-curious folks, it's time to twinkle with the stars! The Observatory of Antananarivo is the place to unravel the universe's bling. Glide alongside galaxies, whisper to constellati...

Ascend the Steps of Andohalo Cathedral

Sights

Got a thing for heights and holy sites? Climbing the steps to Andohalo Cathedral might just feel like your reaching towards heaven – literally. Catch your breath and bask in the spiritual vibes while ...

Uncover the Mysteries of Piratenmuseum

Sights

Ahoy, Matey! Ready to set sail on a swashbuckling adventure through the annals of piracy? Piratenmuseum is your go-to spot to unleash your inner Jack Sparrow. Navigate through the exhibits that are a ...

Chow Down on Koba

Food & Drink

You haven't truly experienced Madagascar until you've had a bite of Koba! This traditional treat is a sweet, sticky cake made of peanuts, banana, and rice flour all snugly wrapped in a banana leaf. It...

Nosh on Akoho sy Voanio

Food & Drink

Meet Akoho sy Voanio, a dish that’s like a beatbox of flavors in your mouth! It's chicken but not just any chicken – this is simmered to juicy perfection with coconut milk, giving it flavor that'll ma...

Relish the Ravitoto

Food & Drink

Ravitoto is the superhero of Malagasy cuisine – it's cassava leaves pounded and cooked to perfection with coconut milk and pieces of pork, creating a smooth, creamy and utterly savory sensation. Grab ...

Master Malagasy Merengue

The Unexpected

Hope you packed your dancing shoes! It's time to sashay through Antananarivo with the sweet rhythms of Madagascar's own version of merengue. Join a local dance class and let those hips find the island...