Praia Travel Guide

  This is downtown Praia
by NJMike
 
  • This is downtown Praia
      This is downtown Praia
    by NJMike
  • The stadium
      The stadium
    by stigel
  • The suburbs of Praia
      The suburbs of Praia
    by stigel
  • Beach vendors
      Beach vendors
    by stigel
  • A concert at Bomba'H
      A concert at Bomba'H
    by Zorra80
 

Explore Praia

Things to Do  

Beach parties!

Beach parties!, Praia

 stigel Says:  If there is anything worth celebrating most Cape Verdeans will organize huge parties - at the beach of course! Don't miss out if you are asked to come along, with lots of beer, local food and barbecued fish straight from the ocean you can't go wrong. Bring a fishing pole and... 

Praia Market

Praia Market, Praia

 stigel Says:  The Praia market is the best place in town for buying African clothes and cheap Cape Verdean CDs. If there is something you are having trouble finding in Praia chaces are you can find it here. They renovated the whole market just after this pic was taken and it looks much... 

Swimming and Snorkeling

Swimming and Snorkeling, Praia

 stigel Says:  The best beaches in Praia are a short walk from the centre, my favourites are the Praia de Prainha and Praia Quebra Canela. Both offer good snorkeling but watch out for sea urchins!!! They are everywhere! They do not seem to be too poisonous, at least not the ones I had for... 

Beach life

Beach life, Praia

 stigel Says:  Walking along the beach that runs from the Plateau to Prainha is an experience, its called Praia de Gamboa. The beach itself is not all that, but watching all the activities going on is fun! Fishing boats everywhere, people running, eating, swimming and having a beer. Too... 

The Plateau

The Plateau, Praia

 stigel Says:  This is the tiny centre of Praia and more or less the only part of town that resembles a capital city. Its location is quite spectacular and offers fine views over the rest of the city and the ocean. Up on the Plateau you will find some nice Portuguese architecture, a buzy... 

Hotels  

Praia Mar Hotel: 2011 udate Terrific HOt Spot!

Praia Mar Hotel: 2011 udate  Terrific HOt Spot!, Praia

 capecodrose Says:  We did have to argue about a cheaper rate, because on the day we called and made the reservation it was more reasonable than the day we arrived. we succeeded and was happy. the restaurant continental breakfast was fresh and many choices to select. Ambiance nice. Lots of... 

Pestana Tropico hotel: fair nice and fairly cheap

Pestana Tropico hotel: fair nice and fairly cheap, Praia

 ranos Says:  The service is Great there is no distubences. They only clean if you want them to making it easy to relax with your lover.its not to far from the beach either.3.5 star hotel really nice. pool and a beautiful view. 

Hotel Praiamar: The Only Hotel in Town

Hotel Praiamar: The Only Hotel in Town, Praia

 NJMike Says:  First of all, for the location it is pretty damn expensive! Since I was there on business I wasn't too concerned although in the back of my mind I hate the idea of getting ripped off. What I paid per night, around 120 Euros, is about the local salary for a month - for those... 

Hotel Tropico: Best place to stay in Praia

Hotel Tropico: Best place to stay in Praia, Praia

 stigel Says:  I have personally never stayed at the hotel, but I lived 50 meters from it for two years and know the pros and cons of the place! It's got a saltwater pool, a restaurant (which isn't all that great) and a snack bar. The rooms are definitely the cleanest I have seen in Praia,... 

See all 4 Hotels in Praia

Restaurants  

Benfica: Meat lovers

Benfica: Meat lovers, Praia

 Zorra80 Says:  Benfica is a very popular barbecue restaurant in Praia. You get tasty grilled meat with fries, local company (and loud tv probably). Not an advisable choice for vegetarians though, since there is only one standard meat dish on offer basically. But it's prepared deliciously -... 

Sovaco de Cobra: French crêpes in CV

Sovaco de Cobra: French crêpes in CV, Praia

 Zorra80 Says:  "Sovaco de Cobra" means "armpit of the cobra" in Portuguese. Apart from the funny name it offers delicious French crêpes with both salty and sweet fillings. The service is sometimes a little slow, but who cares when sitting outside on a chilly Cape Verdean night? Apart from... 

Garden Grill: One of the best restaurants in town

Garden Grill: One of the best restaurants in town, Praia

 stigel Says:  A cozy restaurant with nice staff, they serve local dishes that are a bit tastier than most places. Try the shrimp coctail and the coffee, most nights they have got local bands playing. If you are going on a weekend try to get there early - its a popular place. 

Nightlife  

Alkimist: Chilling at the beach

Alkimist: Chilling at the beach, Praia

 Zorra80 Says:  The Alkimist is a laid back beach restaurant and bar. Great spot to enjoy the sunset with a drink. If you already feel hungry you might try some of the rather good Italian food there too. Casual 

Bomba'H: Cabo Expats' favourite nightspot

Bomba'H: Cabo Expats' favourite nightspot, Praia

 Zorra80 Says:  Bomba'H is a hugely popular nightspot in Praia, especially during the summertime when Capeverdians living abroad visit their country of origin for a few weeks. The club organizes special theme nights in August to cater for the emigrants - there are Paris or Rotterdam theme... 

Zero Horas: Where I had the best time in Praia!

Zero Horas: Where I had the best time in Praia!, Praia

 stigel Says:  Discoteca Zero Horas is an open air nightclub that gets going after 12! The place to go dancing to a mix of Cape Verdean and western music. 

Transportation  

Praia International Airport - DELAYED AGAIN

Praia International Airport - DELAYED AGAIN, Praia

 stigel Says:  Bad news AGAIN for Santiago Island! The new airport which will allow for direct flights to Lisbon among others, eliminating the need to stop over on Sal has been delayed again! Work has been extremely slow and it was supposed to finally open in April 2005. They have said the... 

Shopping  

Calu e Angela: Supermarket

Calu e Angela: Supermarket, Praia

 Zorra80 Says:  This is the biggest supermarket in Praia. You can find a changing selection of Capeverdian and international food and drinks. The trouble is just that it's not predictable if something will still be available next week... They might offer Dutch Gouda now and never again... 

Warnings Or Dangers  

Stray dogs

Stray dogs, Praia

 stigel Says:  Cape Verde is supposed to be a rabies free country, still, aggressive stray dogs are found in most towns and can be a nuisance. If threatened just bend down and pick up a rock or pretend throwing one, some Cape Verdean kids very much enjoy hitting animals with stones and... 

Off The Beaten Path  

Exploring the rugged coastline!

Exploring the rugged coastline!, Praia

 stigel Says:  The island of Santiago has lots of unexplored and untouched coastline, even just outside Praia there are long streches of completely deserted coves and beaches. Sadly the sand has been taken from most of the beaches on this island to be used in construction - not a good idea... 

The Place

Plan a Praia vacation with reviews, tips and photos posted by real travelers and Praia locals

Experience Praia
  •   19 Tips and Reviews
  •  24 Photos
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Map of Praia
 

The People

7 Members Live Here
 
Our Members Say
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 Discoteca Zero Horas is an open air nightclub that gets going after 12! The place to go dancing to a mix of Cape Verdean and western music. 

7 members live in Praia

 

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Top 4 Praia Writers

1

Praia - The Capital of Cabo Verde

stigel profile photo

 I've got some interesting experiences in Praia. I'd love to share with you the 11 tips I've written, the 14 photos uploaded, and 0 travelogues I've created. 

2

Cape Verde Islands

NJMike profile photo

 I went here for work. Although interesting and very African, I kept thinking, "I'm glad that I didn't have to pay for this trip!" There are 9 islands to CVI but this one isn't one of the tourist... 

3

The Capital

1Kwan profile photo

 I can't say i like'd it much. It's a busy town, cars, honks. I know a little of Praia because i lived there eight months. Well, luckily in Cidade Velha, but i went to Praia every day. I was amazed... 

4

In Praia

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