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: Chapas (minibuses) charge 8-15 MZN ($0.13-0.24) for city routes but can be overcrowded. Taxis have no meters - city center to Costa do Sol costs 150-300 MZN ($2.35-4.69). Uber and Bolt operate with rides typically 50-200 MZN ($0.78-3.13). Car rental starts at 2,500 MZN ($39.06) daily plus fuel costs. Bicycle rental costs 300-500 MZN ($4.69-7.81) daily in some areas. Ferry to Catembe costs 6-12 MZN ($0.09-0.19) each way and offers great bay views. Motorcycle taxis charge 20-80 MZN ($0.31-1.25) but roads can be challenging. Express buses to South Africa cost 800-1,500 MZN ($12.50-23.44).

Money: Mozambican metical (MZN) is the currency. ATMs at Standard Bank and BCI dispense cash but may have daily limits. USD accepted at upscale hotels and restaurants. Budget $35-60 daily. Credit cards work at major venues but carry cash for most places. Banking hours Monday-Friday 8am-3pm. Tipping 10% expected at restaurants. Exchange rates fluctuate - roughly 64 MZN per USD. Mobile money via M-Pesa and e-Mola increasingly popular. Keep small denominations as change is often scarce. Street vendors and markets require cash only.

Cultural Respect: Portuguese is official with English spoken at hotels and tourist areas. Greet with 'Olá' and handshakes are standard. Mozambicans are friendly and patient with language barriers. Dress modestly especially outside beach areas - long pants preferred. Photography of people often welcomed but ask permission first. Music and dance are central to culture - marrabenta is the national music. Traditional capulana cloths are worn by many women. Islamic influence is strong in the north. Catholic traditions prevalent. Remove shoes when entering homes. Bargaining is expected at markets but be respectful.

Food Safety: Piri-piri chicken costs 250-450 MZN ($3.91-7.03) at local restaurants. Fresh prawns along the coast cost 400-800 MZN ($6.25-12.50) depending on size. Matapa (cassava leaves with peanuts) costs 150-300 MZN ($2.34-4.69). Local beer like 2M costs 40-80 MZN ($0.63-1.25) in bars. Portuguese pastries cost 20-50 MZN ($0.31-0.78) each. Street food like samosas cost 15-30 MZN ($0.23-0.47). Restaurant meals average 400-800 MZN ($6.25-12.50) per person. Cashew nuts are local specialty at 100-250 MZN ($1.56-3.91) per bag. Bottled water costs 15-30 MZN ($0.23-0.47). Most restaurants close between 3-6pm for siesta.

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.