Home › Destinations › Maputo Railway Station
Maputo Railway Station, Moçambique - Things to Do in Maputo Railway Station

Things to Do in Maputo Railway Station

Maputo Railway Station, Moçambique - Complete Travel Guide

Maputo Railway Station stands as one of Africa's most architecturally stunning transport hubs, serving as the gateway to Mozambique's vibrant capital city. Built in the early 20th century with distinctive Portuguese colonial architecture featuring a striking copper-green dome, the station connects Maputo to South Africa and serves as the terminus for regional rail services. The station sits in the heart of Maputo's downtown area, placing visitors within walking distance of the city's cultural attractions, bustling markets, and waterfront districts along Maputo Bay. Beyond its transportation function, Maputo Railway Station represents a living piece of colonial history and serves as an excellent starting point for exploring this coastal capital known for its fusion of African, Portuguese, and Arabic influences. The surrounding area buzzes with street vendors, local commuters, and the energy of a major African city, while the nearby Baixa district offers immediate access to museums, restaurants, and the famous Mercado Central.

Top Things to Do in Maputo Railway Station

Explore the Historic Iron House (Casa do Ferro)

Walk from Maputo Railway Station to this unique prefabricated iron building designed by Gustave Eiffel, which serves as a fascinating example of colonial-era architecture. The building now functions as a cultural center and offers insights into Maputo's colonial past and architectural heritage.

Booking Tip: Entry costs around 50 meticais and the building is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 AM to 5 PM, with guided tours available in Portuguese and English for an additional 100 meticais.

Visit Mercado Central

Experience Maputo's largest traditional market, located just a 10-minute walk from Maputo Railway Station, where vendors sell everything from fresh seafood and tropical fruits to traditional crafts and textiles. This bustling market provides an authentic glimpse into local life and offers excellent opportunities for photography and cultural immersion.

Booking Tip: Visit early morning (7-10 AM) for the freshest produce and best selection, bring small denominations of meticais for purchases, and expect to pay 20-50 meticais for most food items and 100-500 meticais for crafts.

Discover Fortaleza de Maputo

Explore this 18th-century Portuguese fortress that now houses the Museum of Military History, offering panoramic views of Maputo Bay and comprehensive exhibits on Mozambique's colonial and independence periods. The fortress provides excellent photo opportunities and historical context for understanding the region's complex past.

Booking Tip: Admission costs 100 meticais with an additional 50 meticais for photography permits, open daily 8 AM to 6 PM, and guided tours in English are available for 200 meticais with advance booking.

Experience Maputo Bay Waterfront

Stroll along the scenic waterfront promenade offering views of Maputo Bay, with opportunities to see local fishermen, enjoy fresh seafood at waterfront restaurants, and watch traditional dhow boats. The area comes alive in the evenings with street food vendors and local musicians performing.

Booking Tip: Best visited during sunset hours (5-7 PM) when temperatures are cooler and the lighting is ideal for photography, with dhow boat trips available for 500-800 meticais per person for 2-hour excursions.

Tour the National Art Museum

Discover Mozambique's contemporary art scene at this museum featuring works by local artists, traditional sculptures, and rotating exhibitions that showcase the country's cultural evolution. The museum provides air-conditioned respite from the heat while offering deep insights into Mozambican artistic expression.

Booking Tip: Entry fee is 150 meticais for adults with student discounts available for 75 meticais, open Tuesday through Sunday 9 AM to 5 PM, and audio guides in English cost an additional 100 meticais.

Getting There

Maputo Railway Station is accessible via international flights to Maputo International Airport, located 8 kilometers from the city center, with taxis and airport shuttles providing direct transport to the station area. The station itself serves as the terminus for the luxury Rovos Rail service from South Africa and regional trains from Eswatini, making it a natural arrival point for overland travelers. Local buses, chapas (minibus taxis), and private vehicles can easily reach Maputo Railway Station via the main urban roads, while those arriving by car will find the station centrally located near major hotels and business districts.

Getting Around

From Maputo Railway Station, visitors can easily navigate the city using chapas (shared minibus taxis) that cost around 10-20 meticais and connect all major neighborhoods and attractions. Taxis are readily available outside Maputo Railway Station, though negotiating fares in advance is essential, with typical city trips costing 100-300 meticais depending on distance. Walking is highly feasible for exploring the immediate downtown area around Maputo Railway Station, as many key attractions like the Iron House, Cathedral, and Central Market lie within a 15-minute walk of the station.

Where to Stay

Baixa (Downtown near Maputo Railway Station)
Polana area
Costa do Sol beachfront
Sommerschield residential district
Coop neighborhood
Maputo Bay waterfront

Food & Dining

The area surrounding Maputo Railway Station offers excellent access to Maputo's diverse culinary scene, from street food vendors selling fresh prawns and peri-peri chicken right outside the station to upscale restaurants serving Portuguese-influenced seafood dishes. Traditional Mozambican cuisine featuring coconut curry, matapa (cassava leaves with peanuts), and fresh seafood can be found in local restaurants within walking distance of Maputo Railway Station. The nearby Mercado Central, just minutes from Maputo Railway Station, provides an authentic local dining experience with food stalls offering grilled fish, traditional stews, and tropical fruits, while the Baixa district features both casual eateries and fine dining establishments serving international cuisine.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Maputo

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

BBQ House

4.8 /5
(3545 reviews) 2
grocery_or_supermarket store

Istanbul

4.5 /5
(2175 reviews) 2
meal_takeaway

SALT Restaurant Maputo

4.7 /5
(902 reviews) 2

Lumma

4.7 /5
(230 reviews)

Desfrute

4.5 /5
(189 reviews) 2

BICA Maputo

4.5 /5
(129 reviews)
cafe store

When to Visit

The optimal time to travel through Maputo Railway Station is during Mozambique's dry season from April to September, when temperatures are cooler and rainfall minimal, making both train travel and city exploration more comfortable. December through March brings hot, humid weather and heavy rains that can affect rail schedules and make walking around Maputo Railway Station's vicinity less pleasant. The shoulder months of April-May and August-September offer the best combination of good weather and fewer crowds, ideal for those using Maputo Railway Station as their entry point to explore the capital city.

Insider Tips

Store luggage at Maputo Railway Station's left luggage facility for 50 meticais per bag per day, allowing you to explore the city hands-free while waiting for train connections.
The station's currency exchange booth offers better rates than airport exchanges and is open during all train arrival and departure times, making it convenient for international travelers.
Purchase fresh tropical fruits and snacks from vendors directly outside Maputo Railway Station at significantly lower prices than tourist areas, with mangoes, cashews, and coconuts typically costing 10-30 meticais.

Explore Activities in Maputo Railway Station