Top Things to Do in Luanda

About the City

Luanda, Angola – A City of Vibrant Contradictions Luanda, the bustling capital of Angola, is a city draped in sun-kissed charm and windswept surprises. Imagine streets alive with a jubilant fusion of African beats, savory scents of traditional street food, mixed with the salty kiss of the Atlantic. Skyscrapers rise like beacons of modernity, while informal markets buzz below, offering colorful windows into everyday Angolan life. Here, traffic is a rhythmic dance that sees cars waltz with endless patience, and beaches offer a sandy siesta to those brave enough to dodge the boisterous waves. Luanda's soulful music scene is a pulsing heartbeat that beckons with Kizomba's alluring steps, and evenings are painted with the vibrant hues of cultural festivities. Yet, this diamond in the rough has its edges. The cost of living plays a sour note, with prices that pirouette skyward, making it a challenging concerto for many wallets. Infrastructure, while improving, still hits a tempo of occasional hiccups, with power and water performing an unpredictable duet. But Luanda's spirit remains unbroken, with the warmth of its people offering a harmonious melody in a city of fascinating discord.

Things to Do in Luanda

Sip on Kizomba Koffee

Food & Drink

Ease into your morning with a buzzing cup of Kizomba Koffee! Imagine sipping on aromatic Angolan beans that wake you up faster than a carnival drumbeat. Kizomba is not just a dance; it's your new favo...

Paddleboarding on the Atlantic Drift

Outdoors

Get ready to balance, paddle, and glide across the glassy surface of the Atlantic! Whether you're a seasoned pro or a newbie, paddleboarding along Luanda's coastline is a chill way to soak in the sun ...

Capoeira Craze

The Unexpected

Get a kick out of learning capoeira, the mesmerizing martial art that's a cocktail of dance, acrobatics, and music! Find a local capoeira school and let your body flow to the rhythm. It's the perfect ...

Cultural Cooking Classes

The Unexpected

Whip up a culinary storm and learn to cook like a true Angolan chef! Join a cultural cooking class and get hands-on experience making local delicacies. You'll chop, stir, and laugh your way to becomin...

Nautical Kayaking Adventures

The Unexpected

Paddle away and explore Luanda's coastline with a kayak adventure. Feel the splash of the waves, the sun on your back, and discover hidden coves and beaches. It's a wet and wild way to get a new persp...

Garden-Picnic in the City

The Unexpected

Step into nature's embrace with a picnic in one of Luanda's tranquil gardens. Grab some local snacks and bask in the serene ambiance of a well-kept garden. It's the perfect urban escape for some peace...

Luanda Historical Hunt

Outdoors

Channel your inner Indiana Jones and embark on a historical hunt through Luanda's ancient streets. Find colonial-era remnants, snap photos of legendary landmarks, and decode clues that span centuries....

Coastal Cycling Adventure

Outdoors

Pedal power to the people! Gear up for a coastal cruise on two wheels, with the salty sea breeze spurring you on. Whether you're on a serious cycle or a breezy bike ride, Luanda's contours provide the...

Beach Volleyball on Luanda Sands

Outdoors

Spike or be spiked! Get your game on with barefoot beach volleyball. Ditch the gym and join in for some sandy serves, athletic digs, and maybe a friendly match or two. Don't worry about being a pro; j...

Mystical Mangrove Exploration

Outdoors

Flora and fauna and mud, oh my! Roll up your sleeves and dive into the lush life of Luanda's mangrove forests. Explore the snaking waterways and discover a green wonderland teeming with life. Who need...

Relish the Angolan Avocado Salad

Food & Drink

Indulge in the creamy dream of an Angolan Avocado Salad, your greens never had it this good! With chunks of ripe avocado, crisp veggies, and a tangy dressing, it's like a freshness fiesta in your mout...

Admire Contemporary Art at the National Museum of Slavery

Sights

Get a heavy dose of history with a side of art at the National Museum of Slavery. The place is loaded with poignant reminders of the past, but it's also filled with thought-provoking contemporary art....

Get Cultured at the Fortaleza de São Pedro da Barra

Sights

Step into the past with a visit to the Fortaleza de São Pedro da Barra. This old fort, with walls that have stood the test of time, is like a guardian of history nestled by the sea. Wander around, tou...

Chill at the Ilha do Cabo Beach Bars

Sights

Unwind with the cool kids at Ilha do Cabo's beach bars. It's where the waves meet the raves, and the sand gets friendly with your toes. Sip on a cold drink, nibble on some petiscos (that's snacks for ...

Marvel at the Architecture of the Banco Nacional de Angola

Sights

Get your architectural fix at the grand Banco Nacional de Angola building. Its hard-to-miss grandeur screams 'money, baby!' but in a classy, come-take-a-peek sort of way. It's the king of Luanda's sky...

Take a Ride on the Luanda Railroad

Sights

All aboard the Luanda Railroad express! Chug along the tracks and witness the changing landscapes, from city hustle to the calm countryside. It's a throwback to old-school travel, where the journey is...

Savor the Cazuela Seafood

Food & Drink

Don't miss the boat on cazuela, a seafood symphony in a bowl that'll make you wanna swim with the mermaids. It's a saucy, tomatoey, oceanic extravaganza, where fresh fish, prawns, clams, and calamari ...

Taste the Piri-Piri Chicken

Food & Drink

Turn up the heat with Angolan piri-piri chicken, a spicy delight that'll set your mouth on fire—in the best possible way. It’s grilled to crispy-skinned beauty and slathered with a fiery sauce that’ll...

Nibble on Ginguba

Food & Drink

Crack into the crunchy fun of ginguba, Angolan peanuts roasted to perfection. Imagine a snack that’s like your favorite old-timey tune, simple yet hits all the right notes—a must-munch while strolling...

Karaoke Knights

The Unexpected

Unleash your inner rockstar and belt out some tunes at the top of your lungs with Luanda's karaoke scene! Don't worry about hitting every note. It's all about that shower-singer confidence and owning ...