The capital of Mozambique, formerly the famed Lourenco Marques, Maputo is an enchanting city of wide acacia and jacaranda lined avenues and tall buildings overlooking the bay and the Indian Ocean.
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Maputo travel info It has a relaxed pace and friendly atmosphere with many pavement cafes dotted through out the city. One of the city's more fascinating features is a remarkable wealth of architecture making it one of the most unique and beautiful cities in Africa.
The oldest historic site is the fort, where you can patrol the ramparts, look at the old cannons or just sit and rest in the grassy courtyard. A must-see is the train station, designed and built in the early 1900s by the same Eiffel who gave us the famous tower. Other highlights include the Botanic Gardens, the National Art Museum and the lively Municipal Market.
Artwork is traditional, but many Makonde artists have developed contemporary styles. A lot of the painters and sculptors have work on exhibition in the National Art Museum, and is well worth a visit. Among the most obvious forms of Mozambican art are the murals painted on walls. The largest and most famous is opposite the Heroes' Circle, near the airport, which is 95m long and reflects many stories and images of the Revolution.
Maputo is organised on a grid system making it easy to find your way around. The best way to see the city is on foot but tours by car or minibus can be organised and car hire is available. Most of the hotels can furnish you with a map and information.
Maputo has a thriving nightlife with many pubs, bars and discos. Friday and Saturday nights are very lively, but there's rarely any action until about 11 pm, then it goes until dawn. There is a craft market on Praca 25 do Junho on Saturday mornings.
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