Luanda
Visited in March 2019
At a glance
- Country
- Angola
- Region
- Luanda Province
- Population
- 2.5 million
- Best time to go
- May to October
- Main airport
- Dr. António Agostinho Neto International (NBJ)
- Coordinates
- 8.81°S, 13.22°E
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Overview
Luanda curves around a wide bay on the Atlantic, with a palm-lined seafront, Portuguese colonial buildings and a skyline of new towers built on oil money. Founded in 1576, it is one of the oldest European-founded cities in sub-Saharan Africa.
It is a big, sprawling city that rewards some patience. The best of it is along the water: the Marginal promenade, the sandy spit of the Ilha and boat trips out to Mussulo.
Things to see
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Photo: Erik Cleves Kristensen, CC BY 2.0 Fortress of São Miguel
A 16th-century Portuguese fort on a hill above the bay, home to the armed forces museum and fine views.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Fabio Vanin, CC BY-SA 3.0 The Marginal
The rebuilt seafront boulevard, lined with palms and a wide promenade, perfect for an evening walk.
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Photo: Photograph: NASA, Public domain Ilha de Luanda
A long, narrow sand spit with beaches on the ocean side and beach bars and seafood restaurants all along it.
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Photo: David Stanley from Nanaimo, Canada, CC BY 2.0 Agostinho Neto Mausoleum
The rocket-shaped monument to Angola's first president dominates the skyline south of the centre.
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Photo: Zorglub, CC BY-SA 3.0 Iron Palace
A prefabricated metal building from the late 19th century, often linked to the Eiffel workshop, restored in the Baixa.
Things to do
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Photo: Juvenalia Brito, CC BY-SA 3.0 Boat to Mussulo
A short boat ride to a sandy peninsula of calm lagoons and weekend beach houses.
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Photo: jlrsousa, CC BY-SA 2.0 Miradouro da Lua
Eroded red and white cliffs south of the city that look like a lunar landscape, best at sunset.
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Benfica craft market
The city's main market for masks, carvings, fabrics and paintings, on the southern outskirts.
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Photo: B25es, CC BY-SA 4.0 Safari in Kissama
A national park a few hours south, restocked with elephants, giraffes and antelope.
Where to stay
Baixa and Marginal
The historic centre on the bay, best for walking and seafront views.
Hotels in Baixa and MarginalIlha de Luanda
Beach hotels and restaurants, the most relaxed part of the city.
Hotels in Ilha de LuandaTalatona
A modern district to the south with business hotels and shopping malls.
Hotels in Talatona
Getting around
Traffic is heavy and public transport is limited, so most visitors use taxis or ride-hailing apps. Allow plenty of time.
The new airport is about 40 km south-east of the centre, roughly an hour by car depending on traffic.
When to go
The cooler, dry cacimbo season from May to October is the most comfortable. The rest of the year is hot and humid with occasional heavy rain.
Plan your trip to Luanda
- HotelsBooking.com
- Tours and ticketsGetYourGuide
- FlightsKiwi.com
- Attraction ticketsTiqets
- Airport parking, lounges and transfersHoliday Extras
- Car hireAuto Europe
- Mobile data (eSIM)AiraloCode DAN9406 for money off
- GuidebooksAmazon
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Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.