Luanda at a glance
Luanda, Angola’s capital, has gone through something of a renaissance in recent years, with much investment being made into the infrastructure and economy of the city. As such, it has a booming industry and is quickly becoming one of Africa’s business powerhouses, major reconstruction and development projects starting up all over the city.
The city’s wealth is largely down to Angola being a major oil country. Whilst goods can be surprisingly expensive for those visiting Luanda, there are ways of keeping costs down and tourist activities are generally well-priced. Luanda and its surrounding areas provide a wealth of cultural and scenic attractions, as well as stunning beaches dotted with pop-up bars along a seafront promenade.
Whilst Luanda may not have a reputation as a tourism hotspot, its offering of stunning beaches and a bustling metropolis, combined with huge amounts of investment, mean it is likely to prove increasingly popular for both leisure and business travellers.
Serviced apartments in Luanda
As Luanda is the capital city of Angola, there is no shortage of accommodation options. However, these vary enormously in quality and it is highly advised to seek expert guidance to ensure you choose the right format for your trip, as well as ensure you avoid the more undesirable areas of the city.
Booking a serviced apartment through the Squa.re is the ideal option for anyone looking at making an extended stay in Luanda. Not only can we offer advice and information on things to see and do, but our range of properties offer style, convenience and luxury at competitive prices. Whether you are looking for a luxury apartment, corporate housing or a small studio, our properties are equipped with everything you need for a comfortable stay - including fully stocked kitchens, Wi-Fi and secure access. Booking through us also gives you peace of mind that you will be staying in the most sought after areas of the city.
Culture & shopping in Luanda
Luanda has plenty of history and visitors can learn about it at several historic sites, such as the The Fortress of Sao Pedro da Barra, dating back to the 16th century, or by paying a visit to the National Museum of Slavery.
Alternatively, those looking to enjoy the outdoors have numerous options. Vistors can head to nearby Mussulo for wide sandy beaches adorned with coconut palms and calm oceanic waters. If looking for something a little more adventurous, then Quiçama National Park is a 12,000 square kilometre nature reserve, around 70 kilometres from the city. tour operators provide safari trips throughout the year. There’s also the magnificent Miradouro da Lua - a lunar-esque landscape that also makes for an unforgettable day trip.
Belas Shopping is Angola’s first modern mall and hosts around 100 stores, along with a food court and cinema. There are also banking facilities and a supermarket within the centre, making it something of a one-stop shop. For those looking to buy some local handcrafts or produce, there’s also the the Benfica Market, located to the south of the city proper.
Getting around in Luanda
Public transport in Luanda is very limited and anyone visiting the city on an extended trip is advised to seek alternative means of transport. Whilst there is a train network, it’s coverage is somewhat sparse and services are somewhat unreliable.
Hiring a private car is the best way of getting around town. It can also be arranged to hire a car with a driver, which is also advisable, given that the city still has dangerous areas that an unaware tourist would probably wish to avoid.
Mini-bus taxis are also fairly common in the city and preferred by locals. Whilst they are fairly reliable and easy to find, comfort levels can vary due to the maintenance of vehicles.
Luanda’s airport is the best means of reaching other cities in Angola.
