Luanda Things to Do

The Portuguese fortress of Sao Miguel is one of Luanda's main attractions and Landmark. The fortress was built in 1576 by Paulo Dias de Novais the first governor of Angola. In 1627, the fort became the administrative office of the colonial government and the main outlet of Slave traffic to Brazil. It's convenient location on the overlook across the port was an easy access to the sea. Heavily fortified and walled in counter forts and rubble work edification, the fortress was also a military strong hold that kept invaders away, and symbolized power. It justified the presence of the Portuguese in Angola and protected the harbor and the Luanda village where slaves and captured merchandise were stored. The fortress is maintained by the government as a military and historic museum.

The courtyard of the fortress has an amazing display of military armament used in the 17th century. The fortress was designated a UNESCO Cultural Heritage site in November, 1996. From the fortress a breathtaking view of the marginal is available and while down at the marginal, the view of the fort is unmistakable. A stroll in the courtyard is actually nice, besides seeing the statues of the previous governors and explorer Vasco Da Gama. Definitely a great attraction to visit while in Luanda.

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Mussulo is a paradise just a few minutes from the, some times, cahotic capital city.
You have two main points where you may get a boat and cross the bay to Mussulo. At the Ancoradouro or at the Museu da Escravatura. The second one it's more far from the city, witch means that you will face more havy trafic to get there or to get from there.The second one it's more far from the city, witch means that you will face more havy trafic to get there or to get from there. In any of those points you get a boat ( normally they have a kind of dealers that will convince you to take this or that boat), for about 5 USD for person, each way. Just get your skipper phone number to confirm that he will pick you up at the same spot where he left you at the time that you want.
There you have plenty of restaurants, some hotels also. Simple but with enough struture to provide you a nice day, weekend or vacations period.
There's no shops there. So take what you need from the main land. Expect prices a little bit higher there if you decide not to take anything to eat or drink.
There's no waves on the bay side of Mussulo, the water is quite calm and hot. On the other side, the sea side, you'll find some waves and a little less hot water.
Pay attention where you put your feet. Some times you may get broken glass from beer bottles.

Take sunblock cream or you will be in trouble on the day after.

Luanda have some beaches on the other side of the bay.
It doesn't take long to go from the city centre until one of the beaches.
Water is clean and there is a lot of restaurants along the beach.
In some cases you will have to cross th restaurant to reach the sand.
Normally expats like to go to Lokal beach, not the name of the beach, but the name of the restaurant that is near by.

Luanda have some beaches on the other side of the bay.
It doesn't take long to go from the city centre until one of the beaches.
Water is clean and there is a lot of restaurants along the beach.
In some cases you will have to cross th restaurant to reach the sand.
Normally expats like to go to Lokal beach, not the name of the beach, but the name of the restaurant that is near by.

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Lined in front of town, a narrow stripe of sand, ten kilometers long, closes the bay, and provides several beaches.

The ocean side is a clean and usually safe open sea, the land side is a calm lake not recommended for health reasons. Some kids don't pay any attention to it, but I ignore the consequences...

A few kilometers far from Luanda, Mussulo Island was a paradise.

Now that the economy is recovering, and Luanda starts attracting again, some visitors, I'm curious about what they will do in that Island or with what remains of it. But it surely is a great opportunity, and something to visit in my necessary future visit.

Not suitable to swim, the bay of Luanda is wonderful, no matter the point from where you observe it, day or night.

Miramar, a high quarter, is, maybe, the best point to do it. And if you want to swim, the facing island is only a long and narrow strip with open waters.

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The Church of Sagrada Familia (The Sacred Family) was built in 1960 and is a Luanda landmark.

This Tip: Pictures from the inside.

Wikimapia: Angola > Luanda > Igreja Sagrada Familia.