Antananarivo (AN-tan-AN-ah-REEV-oo) (City of a Thousand), also known as Tana, is the capital and largest city of Madagascar. It has more universities, nightclubs, art venues, and medical services than any other city on the island. Major historic landmarks and attractions in the city include the reconstructed royal palaces and the Andafiavaratra Palace, the tomb of Rainiharo, Tsimbazaza Zoo, Mahamasina Stadium, Lake Anosy, four 19th-century martyr cathedrals, and the Museum of Art and Archaeology.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
A city of some 1.6 million people at 1280 m, Antananarivo became established by Merina King Andrianjaka around 1610, when he drove out the Vazimba people to create the Kingdom of Imerina. First called Analamanga, the city was renamed Antananarivo, meaning city of the thousand, later by King Andriamasinavalona, in honor of his soldiers. After a period of French rule starting in 1897 and a failed armed rebellion in 1947–1948, the city and country emerged as independent in 1960.
The city centre is focused on Avenue de L'Independence. Restaurants and shops line both sides of the road and it's the place to go if you want to visit a restaurant or decent cafe, including a good pizzeria and a take-away pizza restaurant. There are also internet cafes and photo-printing facilities. There are three main methods of navigating the capital: taxi, bus and on foot. Taxis are preferred by most tourists and can be found easily. There are no meters, agree the rate with the driver before entering the taxi. Expect to be quoted 5,000 Ar for a short ride in town and 20,000 Ar for a longer ride; a one-way trip to the airport will be 40,000–60,000 Ar. 60,000 at night.
The city is really attractive and a photographers dream. The architecture is a mix of French countryside and Indonesia. Rice paddies scattered all over the city add a brilliant green to the pastel terracotta of the buildings. 1 Rova (Queen's palace). Royal palace complex and former residence of the rulers of the Merina Kingdom. A cab ride (or very long walk) from the hotel district, but be warned that it has been severely fire damaged by suspected arson in the late 1990s, and only the stone shell remains, together with some outbuildings, statues and a chapel (the latter rebuilt with American money).
Jean Be Tours, Lot IVD 63 Ter AA, Ambohibahiny, Ankaraobato, ☏ +261 34 17 478 38, marivelo.trekk@yahoo.fr. Jean Be Tours is a concierge travel guide service. The owner Jean is an experienced tour guide for Madagascar who speaks English and French. On individually organized trips, one can meet local people, take photographs and collect souvenirs and memories. Mada-Liberté Off Road Motorcycle Tours in Madagascar (4WD Off Road Tours). (updated Feb 2023)
1 La Table de Mariette, 11 rue George-V-Faravohitra, ☏ +261 20 22 216 02. This is a good choice for high quality Malagasy food. More expensive than many other restaurants. 2 Ile Bourbon. 3 La Brasserie at the France Hotel, 34 Ave de l'Independence. Very good and inexpensive. Try the calamari. Also vegetarian (non vegan) dishes, a very cheesy veg lasagne for 13,000 Ar. 4 Grill De Rova, Near Palace de Rova. Small menu. Great Zebu! 5 KudeTa, 16 rue de la Reunion, ☏ +261 20 22 281 54. A slick setting for excellent French-influenced Malagasy food. 6 Jasmin, Palace Analakely 101 Antananarivo (behind BNI bank). Lovely veg meal with tofu. Perhaps a bit pricey. €7 for two courses and drink.
Lots of bottled water (no tap water!), the main brand is Pura Vida, relatively expensive, with a 1.5-L bottle costing about 3000 Ar THB (Three Horses Beer). Multi-awarded beer. Madagascar wine — variable but so much cheaper than the alternative (imported French wine). Bonbon Anglais — very sweet soft drink with bubble gum flavor, similar to South American Inka Cola. Excellent if you mix it with a little bit of THB. You may be presented with this when asking for limonade. Betsa-betsa — alcohol made from coconut water. Stronger than beer but not quite as potent as hard liquor. Litchel (or Vin Litchi in French) — lychee wine.
Beware of dogs! Tana is loaded with stray dogs, some of whom will occasionally harass passers-by for scraps or bark, growl and chase humans off their territory. These animals also leave their marks behind… many locals refer to Tana as "Antaybe" (place of much poop). Beggars can also be a nuisance, especially groups of children. A polite but firm "Non, merci" or "Tsy misy (tsee meesh)" (add "Tompoko (toom-pook)" when speaking to anyone older than you) should do the trick. If not, shout "Mandehana! (man-day-han)" (Go Away!).
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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In Jul, Antananarivo typically sees ~20°C daytime highs and 1 rainy days.
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