More Fun Things to do in Luanda, Angola
After writing this blog I realized this list includes several places where you can learn more about Angolan history. There are certainly more museums in Luanda however these are some of the best and most comprehensive. If you find yourself in Luanda, I recommend visiting these places to get a good basic understanding of Angolan history.
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Let’s jump into it! If you’re considering moving to Angola and not sure what you can do for fun, this list has you covered! And be sure to check out this blog post where I listed several more fun activities to do in Luanda.
Fortaleza de São Miguel
If you have a spare hour or two I highly recommend checking out Fortaleza. It’s an old Portuguese fort built in 1634 that sits on a large hill and overlooks the city and Bay of Luanda. A perfect location to scout any enemies coming from the sea.
The fort is rich in history, which you will learn as you walk through the indoor museum areas. Outside, throughout the fort, you will find many statues of Angolan heroes. There’s also a large collection of military gear to enjoy such as planes, cannons, helicopters and tanks. If you have children, it’s a great place for them to run around and explore.
The Fortaleza offers some of the best views of Luanda so be sure to take your camera along!
Visiting the Fortaleza is a laid back experience which allows you to go at your own pace as tours are self-directed. Don’t worry, there are information placards throughout the exhibits in Portuguese and English.
If you’re ready to visit the Fortaleza I suggest going during the dry season because you will get hot very quickly in the rainy season since the majority of the museum is outdoors! If you’re wondering when the rainy season is, be sure to check out this article I wrote on Angolan weather.
Miradouro da Lua (Valley of the Moon)
This beautiful natural rock formation is along the Atlantic coast, about 20 miles south of Luanda. Over time, the Atlantic wind has carved out a unique landscape that resembles the moon!
It can be easy to miss from the street but there’s a sign and a circular drive on your right (if you’re traveling from Luanda there’s just 1 major road heading south) where you can turn off and park your car. Jump out of your car and head to the edge of the cliffs (be careful!) and enjoy the views!
I enjoyed stopping here for reflection and photos several times throughout my time living in Luanda. You’ll stand in awe of what nature has created plus, there are always monkeys at play to watch! In the distance, the views of the beach and Atlantic ocean are gorgeous.
The Valley of the Moon is so serene and peaceful which makes it a really nice reprieve from Luanda. It’s a great stop on your way out to a safari at Quicama National Park or a round of golf at Mangais Golf Course.
The Art Market Artezanato
This place is more commonly known as “Benfica Market” and that’s probably what you’ll hear when you’re in Luanda. The Benfica Market is one of the best places in Luanda to find handcrafted wooden pieces.
The market is an outdoor covered pavilion where you’ll find several rows of tables set up with vendors proudly displaying their wooden handicrafts. You can find almost anything you’re looking for such as carved animals, small coffee tables, walking sticks, african masks, nativity scenes, paintings and baskets.
I went there several times when I lived in Luanda. I remember going when we first arrived because so many expats recommended it for African home decor. When we arrived I felt a little overwhelmed because everyone wants you to stop and look at their goods. So don’t be surprised if the vendors try to pull you in several different directions!
It’s also important to note that the first price they give you on an item is not the final price - negotiating was part of the experience!
If you’re looking for a few unique souvenirs to take back home with you or to gift family and friends for the holidays, be sure to head over to Benfica Market for a couple hours and browse around. You won’t be disappointed!
* Don’t forget to download my free Luanda Activity Checklist with 40+ things to do in Luanda! *
Museu Nacional da Escravatura
Unfortunately throughout history, many Angolans were taken as slaves to other countries and many of them left on boats from this area which has now been dedicated as a museum. Many expats know it as “The Slave Museum” because it’s exactly that, a place where you can go and learn about the Angolan slaves that were taken from their country. They even have some artifacts that are chilling to look at.
If you spend any time in Angola, this is an excellent place to go and learn more about Angolan history. Since the museum is at the exact place Angolans were put on slave boats, you’re right along the Atlantic and the views of the ocean are beautiful as well.
It will certainly make you stop and reflect on the hundreds of thousands of Angolans that saw this exact site of their homeland get smaller and smaller as their boat sailed away.
Marginal Luanda
The Marginal is one of my favorite places in Luanda. If you’ve been following me on instagram, you know I’m an avid jogger and this was my favorite place in Luanda to jog.
The Marginal is a strip of land along the Bahia where people can enjoy walking, running, biking, skating, etc. I’ve watched kids learning to ride their bikes and teenagers filming YouTube videos there.
The track goes from the Luanda marina to the port and is about 3 miles in length. When I left Angola, they were working on connecting it to a track that runs into the Chicala neighborhood so it’s likely a longer route now.
The Marginal also has a few restaurants sprinkled along the walkway, including a favorite of mine - Art Burger. If you’re looking for an expansive area to get some outdoor exercise then look no further than The Marginal.
Memorial Agostinho Neto
The memorial and museum dedicated to the first Angolan President after colonization is quite commanding and can’t be missed if you’re in the Chicala area. It’s easily the tallest building outside of downtown. The entire property is about 5,000 square miles and is used for most large political events such as presidential swearing-ins.
One day, I was early to pick up my husband for work so my driver Fernando and I did a tour that lasted about 45 minutes. The tour was in English and very comprehensive on the life of Dr. Agostinho Neto. It’s a great place to spend a couple hours learning more about Angolan history.
As you can see, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy when you’re living in Luanda. Be sure to also check out part one of this blog post to see even more activities you can do in Luanda.
