Places / Africa / Madagascar
Antananarivo
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At a glance
- Country
- Madagascar
- Region
- Analamanga
- Population
- 1.3 million
- Best time to go
- April to November
- Main airport
- Ivato International (TNR)
- Coordinates
- 18.88°S, 47.51°E
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Overview
Madagascar's capital, known simply as Tana, spreads across a cluster of hills and rice fields in the central highlands. Brick houses with steep roofs climb towards the old royal palace, and stairways link the upper and lower towns.
Most visitors pass through on the way to the national parks, but a day or two here helps make sense of the island's history. The traffic can be heavy, so plan your sightseeing around it.
Things to see
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Photo: Hery Zo Rakotondramanana, CC BY-SA 2.0 Rova of Antananarivo
The royal palace compound on the city's highest hill, restored after a fire, with views across the capital.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Lemurbaby, CC BY-SA 3.0 Ambohimanga
A sacred royal hill and village north of the city, UNESCO listed and surrounded by woods.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Maky (Alex Dunkel), CC BY-SA 3.0 Andafiavaratra Palace
The former prime minister's palace below the Rova, home to a museum of royal history.
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Photo: Sascha Grabow www.saschagrabow.com, CC BY-SA 3.0 Lake Anosy
A heart-shaped lake in the centre with a war memorial on its island, framed by jacaranda trees.
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Photo: Rudolphfurtado, CC BY 4.0 Analakely market
The city's busiest market, a crush of stalls selling fruit, spices, clothes and everything else.
Things to do
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Photo: Rudolphfurtado, CC BY 4.0 Lemurs' Park
A sanctuary west of the city where rescued lemurs roam free, a good taste of wildlife if you are short on time.
Find tours -
Photo: Z thomas, CC BY-SA 4.0 Eat romazava
Try the national dish, a meat and leafy green stew served with plenty of rice.
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Photo: Smiley.toerist, CC BY-SA 4.0 Trip to Andasibe
Rainforest a few hours east where you can hear the haunting call of the indri.
Where to stay
Haute-Ville
The old upper town, quieter and characterful, with views and colonial buildings.
Hotels in Haute-VilleIsoraka
Central, with good restaurants and guesthouses, close to Lake Anosy.
Hotels in IsorakaIvato
Near the airport, sensible for early flights and to avoid city traffic.
Hotels in Ivato
Getting around
Traffic is slow, so hire a car with a driver or use registered taxis, agreeing the fare first. Walking is fine in the centre by day, but take care after dark.
Ivato airport is around 15 kilometres north of the centre, usually 30 minutes to an hour by car depending on traffic.
When to go
The dry season from April to November brings sunny days and cool nights, especially from June to August. The rainy season from December to March can disrupt roads and brings the risk of cyclones.
Plan your trip to Antananarivo
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.