Feel the History in Mozambique’s Capital City! 6 Recommended Sightseeing Spots in Maputo

Mozambique is located on the southeastern coastline of the African continent. At the southern tip of Mozambique lies Maputo. With a population of approximately one million people, Maputo is the capital of Mozambique. Facing the Indian Ocean, this port town was once known as Lourenço Marques.

Mozambique was a Portuguese colony in the 16th century. Historical architecture and Portuguese cultural influences from that time can still be seen in Maputo today. Additionally, due to its coastal location, beautiful islands are scattered nearby.

Here are 6 recommended sightseeing spots in Maputo, Mozambique! Be sure to use this as a reference for your Maputo adventure.

1. Maputo Central Train Station

A must-visit in Maputo, Mozambique’s capital, is the Maputo Central Train Station. It’s no exaggeration to say that every traveler to Maputo stops by here.

The reason? The station was designed by Gustave Eiffel, the same architect who designed the Eiffel Tower in Paris and the Statue of Liberty in New York. This makes it arguably the most popular tourist attraction in Maputo.

The structure resembles more a castle than a train station. The marble interiors, pillars, and details are breathtaking and often leave visitors in awe. Each element is reminiscent of a fine art museum.

Due to its beauty, Maputo Central Station is ranked among the world’s most beautiful train stations to visit before you die. Even if you don’t plan to board a train, it's worth visiting just to admire the architecture. It’s a must-see spot in Maputo.

2. Maputo Natural History Museum

Next on the list is the Maputo Natural History Museum. Completed in 1911, its striking colonial-style building is one of the city's well-known landmarks.

The museum mainly showcases taxidermied specimens of native African and Mozambican wildlife, along with ancient pottery. Many displays recreate scenes of ancient Africa, making visitors feel as if they’ve stepped back in time.

The museum’s highlights include the elephant fetus development display, a coelacanth, shark specimens, and a delicately crafted diorama of neon green water. It’s a must-see for any visitor intrigued by natural history.

With exhibits rarely seen elsewhere, this museum is an engaging stop. Located downtown, it’s easy to add to your sightseeing plans in Maputo.

3. Inhaca Island

A destination often praised as one of the world’s most beautiful islands is Inhaca Island. Located 35 kilometers off the coast of Maputo, it spans roughly 20 square miles and is typically accessed by ferry from the city.

Many tourists come for snorkeling and diving in the surrounding seas. The crystal-clear waters of Maputo Bay allow for visual sightings of countless fish species.

Relax and unwind on the Indian Ocean’s beautiful coral reefs and white sand beaches. Be sure to include a ferry trip to Inhaca Island in your Maputo travel itinerary—it offers a unique and unforgettable experience.

4. Cathedral of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception

Standing tall in Maputo’s downtown area is this magnificent building—the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. Constructed in the mid-18th century, it’s admired for its stunning architecture and is a popular tourist spot.

Mozambique became independent in 1975, but its long colonial history under Portugal left behind many European-style buildings. This cathedral is one such example, dominating the downtown skyline.

The exterior is beautiful, but don’t miss the stained-glass windows inside. For lovers of architecture and history, it’s a thrilling visit. Even as a short stop during your downtown walk, it's worth your time.

5. Maputo Mercado Central

Markets are must-visits when traveling abroad. Each country and region offers a unique flair, making even a casual stroll through a market a new and enriching experience.

Maputo’s Central Market is no exception. You’ll find tropical fruits and vegetables unique to Mozambique—many you’ve likely never seen before!

Nuts like cashews are affordable here, making them great souvenirs. Also, look for "Piri Piri" hot sauce, a local favorite.

Vendors may sometimes overcharge tourists, so embrace the market experience by trying your hand at bargaining! Learning a few simple local phrases or numbers can be helpful when negotiating prices.

6. FEIMA – Feira de Artesanato, Flores e Gastronomia

For souvenirs after enjoying Maputo sightseeing, this is the perfect spot. FEIMA is packed with colorful items like African-inspired crafts, traditional artworks, pottery, and handmade goods—all displayed in a vibrant open-air setting.

Just window-shopping through the colorful displays is exciting. It’s also a great place to spend extra time if your schedule is flexible.

There’s a restaurant on the premises too, making it easy to combine a meal with some post-lunch souvenir shopping. It’s a great plan for rounding out your sightseeing in a relaxed way.

◎Summary

So, what did you think? In this article, we introduced six recommended sightseeing spots in Maputo, the capital of Mozambique, formerly known as Lourenço Marques.

Mozambique, with its long colonial past under Portugal and the subsequent civil war, is a country where history and culture blend into preserved beauty.

If you're considering traveling to Africa, why not add Maputo to your itinerary? We hope this guide helps you plan your trip to this fascinating city.