Things to Do in Maputo

About Maputo

Maputo sits where the Indian Ocean meets rust-red roofs and colonial Portuguese architecture mixed with Mozambican street life. The smell of piri-piri prawns drifts along the Marginal promenade while Art Deco buildings watch over markets selling capulana fabrics. Marrabenta music plays from the bars. Time moves slowly here. Conversations stretch long at sidewalk cafés, fishermen work their nets at dawn in Catembe Bay, and jacaranda trees turn the streets purple every October. Gustave Eiffel designed the railway station—the iron lacework still stands. Modern towers now rise alongside old baobabs, and the contrast works. This city shows you Mozambique's past and present at once.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Use ride-hailing apps like Uber or Bolt for safe, reliable transport around the city. Avoid walking alone after dark and stick to main roads. The iconic blue-and-white chapas (minibuses) are authentic but crowded—negotiate fares beforehand.

Money: Bring USD cash as backup since ATMs frequently run empty. The local metical fluctuates rapidly, so exchange small amounts frequently. Credit cards work in upscale restaurants and hotels, but cash is king in markets and local establishments.

Cultural Respect: Greet with 'Bom dia' and a handshake. Dress modestly when visiting residential areas or religious sites. Always ask permission before photographing people. Showing respect for elders and speaking softly in public spaces is highly valued.

Food Safety: Stick to busy restaurants with high turnover for seafood—Maputo's prawns are legendary but choose wisely. Drink bottled water and avoid ice. Street food from established vendors is generally safe; look for places popular with locals.

When to Visit

Maputo enjoys a subtropical climate with distinct seasons that cater to different travel preferences. The dry season (May-October) offers the most comfortable conditions, with temperatures ranging from 18-26°C (64-79°F), minimal rainfall (under 25mm monthly), and cooling trade winds. This peak season sees accommodation prices increase by 30-40%, especially June through August when European visitors escape winter. The shoulder months of May and September-October provide excellent weather with 15-20% lower prices and fewer crowds. Summer (November-April) brings higher temperatures of 22-31°C (72-88°F) and significant rainfall, with January-February receiving 100-150mm monthly. However, this 'green season' offers 40-50% lower accommodation rates and dramatically fewer tourists. Key events include the Azgo Festival (September), celebrating local music and arts, and Maputo's anniversary celebrations (February 10th). Photography ensoiasts should visit October-November when jacaranda trees bloom citywide. Business travelers find March-May and September-November ideal for networking events. Budget travelers benefit most from January-March, while luxury seekers prefer June-August despite premium pricing. The city's coastal location moderates extreme temperatures year-round, making any season viable for cultural exploration and urban experiences.