Flights from Maputo, Mozambique (MPM)
Overview
A vibrant, colourful, African city where the roads are lined with makeshift stalls, old colonial buildings and modern office blocks. Maputo was founded in the late 18th century, and originally named after the Portuguese trader, Lourenço Marques, who first reached the area around 1544.
Getting around
Maputo's central railway station is one of those termini that is much more than just a place to get in and out of the city. With its stunning late 19th century Art Nouveau design (created by an associate of the great Gustav Eiffel), the station is on a par with Grand Central or St Pancras, but relatively few get to see it. Marvel at the wrought iron decorations and the delicate dome, but go inside as well, where there's a lively exhibition space for local artists.
See & do
There’s plenty of informal markets around the city, but the Maputo Central Market is one of the best places for souvenir shopping both edible and crafted. Best for cashews, carvings and capulanas (the traditional cloth used as a sarong style skirt, dress or baby carrier).
A walking tour of Maputo is not only a local-insight, but the best way to get a sense of the city, a feel for real-life Maputo and to make sure you know what you’re looking at.
National Art Museum – a collection of classic and contemporary Mozambican art. Paintings and sculpture by Mozambique’s most famous and revered artists.
Chissano Gallery – arguably no Mozambican artist is more widely known than the sculptor Alberto Chissano. His family home is now a gallery of some of his finest work in wood, stone and iron just outside the city in Matola.
Hidden gems
Inhaca Island – Mozambique’s islands and beaches further north are amongst some of the prettiest and most abundant dive and beach spots on the continent, but you can enjoy a little taste of it just off the coast of Maputo. Inhaca Island is a 2.5-hour ferry trip away, but well worth the (sometimes) rough crossing. Beach, snorkel and explore and then return to Maputo in the afternoon.
Beach day in Maputo. Maputo city (along Avenida Marginal) has plenty of beach for you to enjoy looking at or walking on, the best place for a proper beach-day is slightly outside the city. Just 15kms north of Maputo the Macaneta peninsula is a long stretch of sand, warm Indian Ocean and a great day out of the city.
Food & drink
Piri-Piri or Peri-Peri – this fiery chili condiment goes with everything. Usually served fresh and at a variety of heat levels, the hottest piri- piri is not for the faint hearted but is worth the burn.
Prawns – grilled or fried, small or giant, of all the seafood in Mozambique the most famous are the prawns. You haven’t had prawns until you’ve eaten them in Mozambique. Enjoyed with rice, fries or even fresh pão.
Pairing - 2M or Laurentina, two beers that perfectly complement the weather. Best served ice cold.
A vibrant, colourful, African city where the roads are lined with makeshift stalls, old colonial buildings and modern office blocks. Maputo was founded in the late 18th century, and originally named after the Portuguese trader, Lourenço Marques, who first reached the area around 1544.
Getting around
Maputo's central railway station is one of those termini that is much more than just a place to get in and out of the city. With its stunning late 19th century Art Nouveau design (created by an associate of the great Gustav Eiffel), the station is on a par with Grand Central or St Pancras, but relatively few get to see it. Marvel at the wrought iron decorations and the delicate dome, but go inside as well, where there's a lively exhibition space for local artists.
See & do
There’s plenty of informal markets around the city, but the Maputo Central Market is one of the best places for souvenir shopping both edible and crafted. Best for cashews, carvings and capulanas (the traditional cloth used as a sarong style skirt, dress or baby carrier).
A walking tour of Maputo is not only a local-insight, but the best way to get a sense of the city, a feel for real-life Maputo and to make sure you know what you’re looking at.
National Art Museum – a collection of classic and contemporary Mozambican art. Paintings and sculpture by Mozambique’s most famous and revered artists.
Chissano Gallery – arguably no Mozambican artist is more widely known than the sculptor Alberto Chissano. His family home is now a gallery of some of his finest work in wood, stone and iron just outside the city in Matola.
Hidden gems
Inhaca Island – Mozambique’s islands and beaches further north are amongst some of the prettiest and most abundant dive and beach spots on the continent, but you can enjoy a little taste of it just off the coast of Maputo. Inhaca Island is a 2.5-hour ferry trip away, but well worth the (sometimes) rough crossing. Beach, snorkel and explore and then return to Maputo in the afternoon.
Beach day in Maputo. Maputo city (along Avenida Marginal) has plenty of beach for you to enjoy looking at or walking on, the best place for a proper beach-day is slightly outside the city. Just 15kms north of Maputo the Macaneta peninsula is a long stretch of sand, warm Indian Ocean and a great day out of the city.
Food & drink
Piri-Piri or Peri-Peri – this fiery chili condiment goes with everything. Usually served fresh and at a variety of heat levels, the hottest piri- piri is not for the faint hearted but is worth the burn.
Prawns – grilled or fried, small or giant, of all the seafood in Mozambique the most famous are the prawns. You haven’t had prawns until you’ve eaten them in Mozambique. Enjoyed with rice, fries or even fresh pão.
Pairing - 2M or Laurentina, two beers that perfectly complement the weather. Best served ice cold.