With its waterside setting, Mediterranean-style architecture, and wide avenues lined with flame trees and jacaranda, Maputo is one of the most attractive capitals. Also, it is Mozambique’s most developed place, with a wide variety of restaurants and hotels, a lively cultural scene, shady sidewalk cafes, and well-stocked supermarkets. Some acquaintances of mine who own Sherwood Park Carpet Cleaning took a recent vacation to check out the city and according to them, these are the top must-see attractions in the city.
Chissano Gallery
Works of Alberto Chissano, a renowned sculptor, and his remains are exhibited in his residence at the gallery. From central Maputo, taxis charge from $7.5 return, plus waiting time.
National Art Museum
The National Art Museum half a block of Avenida Karl Marx has a superb collection of sculptures and paintings by the finest contemporary artists in Mozambique, including Alberto Chissano and Malangatana.
Centro Cultural Franco-Mocambicano
A superb cultural hub with a café, a craft shop, theatre, films, dance and music performances, art exhibitions, and more.
Train Station
This landmark train station in Maputo is one of the most imposing buildings in the city. This dome was designed by Alexandre Gustav Eiffel associate. Other highlights include wrought-iron verandas, pillars, and latticework adorning the dark-green exterior. The Kulungwana Espaco Artistico is inside with an exhibition of works by visiting and local artists, as well as paintings and sculptures for sale.
Praca dos Herois Mocambicanos
This large plaza near the airport is famous for its 95 meters long mural in honor of the revolution. The white-marble structure in its center holds the remains of the post-independence and revolutionary heroes of Mozambique, including Samora Machel and Eduardo Mondlane, as well as that of Jose Craveirinha, a national poet. Photography is not allowed at this place and the public can only visit on Mozambican Heroes’ Day.
City Hall
The large, neoclassical City Hall sits atop the Baixa area from a hill at Avenida Samora Machel’s peak. Completed in 1947, the building is still in use today, so you can’t visit it unless you have a business in one of its offices.
Fort
This fort was constructed in the mid-nineteenth century by the Portuguese close to an earlier fort site. Inside are a small museum and a garden with remains from the early Portuguese forays era to this area. The carved and sealed wooden coffin of Ngungunhane – the final ruler of the Gaza kingdom – is exhibited in one of the rooms.
President’s Residence
The presidential complex of Mozambique is an impressive and beautiful structure just overlooking Maputo Bay. Also, photographs are prohibited here. You can’t also walk on the front complex sidewalk.