Windhoek
Visited in April 2019
At a glance
- Country
- Namibia
- Region
- Khomas Region
- Population
- 486,169
- Best time to go
- May to October
- Main airport
- Hosea Kutako International (WDH)
- Coordinates
- 22.55°S, 17.09°E
Country visited City visited Still to go Click a pin or country to read more. Zoom with + and −, a double-click or a pinch.
Overview
Namibia's capital sits in a highland valley ringed by hills, a small, tidy and relaxed city where German colonial buildings stand alongside modern government blocks. Most visitors are here for a night or two at the start or end of a road trip.
It is worth that time. The museums tell the story of Namibia's long road to independence, the restaurants serve excellent game meat and local beer, and wild landscapes begin almost at the city limits.
Things to see
-
Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0 Christuskirche
A Lutheran church from the early 1900s, built from local sandstone and standing on a roundabout in the city centre.
-
Photo: AntanO, CC BY-SA 4.0 Independence Memorial Museum
A striking gold-coloured building telling the story of colonialism and the independence struggle, with a rooftop restaurant and view.
-
Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0 Tintenpalast
The parliament building, set in formal gardens that are popular for a lunchtime stroll.
-
Namibia Craft Centre
A former brewery housing stalls of baskets, jewellery, textiles and carvings from across the country.
-
Photo: Olga Ernst & Hp.Baumeler, CC BY-SA 4.0 Heroes' Acre
A national war memorial on a hillside south of the city, with a bronze statue and views over the bush.
Things to do
-
Photo: Martin Hipangwa, CC BY-SA 4.0 Katutura township tour
Visit the lively township with a local guide, including the Single Quarters market and its open-air grilled meat stalls.
Find tours -
Eat game meat
Try kudu, oryx or zebra at one of the city's well-known beer-garden restaurants.
-
Photo: FlyByNight, CC BY-SA 4.0 Daan Viljoen Game Reserve
Hiking trails among zebra, wildebeest and antelope in hills just west of the city.
Find tours -
Photo: NJR ZA, CC BY-SA 3.0 Local craft beer
Namibia's brewing tradition lives on in the city's breweries and taprooms.
Where to stay
City centre
Close to museums and restaurants, but quiet after dark.
Hotels in City centreKlein Windhoek
Leafy and upmarket, with boutique guesthouses and good restaurants.
Hotels in Klein WindhoekEros
Residential, near the small Eros Airport, with comfortable guesthouses.
Hotels in Eros
Getting around
There is little public transport useful to visitors; use registered taxis or hire a car. Avoid walking alone at night.
The international airport is about 45 km east of the city; shuttles and taxis take around 45 minutes.
When to go
May to October is the dry winter, with cool nights, sunny days and the best game viewing. November to April is hot with afternoon storms, turning the hills green.
Plan your trip to Windhoek
- 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
Some of these are affiliate links: if you book through them I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. More about this.
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.