Praia — literally "Beach" in Portuguese — is Cape Verde's capital and busiest city. While it's maybe not comparable to a western metropolis, with a population of only about 159,050 (2017), one in four Cape Verdeans call the city home and the city is an important thoroughfare for international visitors to the archipelagic country.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
Praia and its suburbs is by far the largest urban area in Cape Verde. The center of the city lies on a plateau (port. Platô) overlooking the bay to the southeast and the airport lies a few kilometers to the northeast. The port is important for the export of agricultural products and seafood, which besides tourism is the most important industry in the country. Praia is located in the southern end of Santiago Island and has year round good weather.
The city has countless bus stops, and taxis are everywhere waiting for customers. There are two main bus companies that serve the city, Moura Company and Sol Atlantico. Each route has their own numbers. The main lines are from Safende to Achada Santo Antonio, Vila Nova to Achada Santo Antonio, Calbeceira to Palmarejo, Pensamento to Terra Branca, Achada Grande to Achada Santo Antonio, Sao Felipe to Plateau, Ponta D'Agua to Plateau,Achada Mato to Palmarejo. Most of these lines pass by Plateau (city center), Varzea and Terra Branca, the bus fare is $41 (as of February 2022). When it comes to taxis you should be careful with illegal taxis that sometimes roam around and might rip you off.
A large part of the sights are located at the plateau. The old city wall complete with the old cannons protected it from attackers arriving by sea. The governmental district is in the southern part of town. 1 Praia town hall (Antiga Câmara Municipal). Built in neoclassicist style with a square central tower, the town hall is one of the finest examples of colonial architecture around. It's still in use. When the doors are open, make sure to have a look inside. There's even some information on the building's history available for visitors. 2 Praia Cathedral (Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Graça). The city's cathedral was constructed in 1902 in classicist style.
Cape Verdeans like to party, and there are many events throughout the year. The largest of them is the carnival, taking place in the beginning of the year as elsewhere in the Catholic world. With its procession and dances it is not too dissimilar to the Brazilian version, but here the processions aren't strictly arranged by samba schools but rather a spontaneous and informal event where everyone can partake. Other religious festivals (for example honoring a saint) are also reminiscent of the carnival, starting with a mass and continuing as a street festival. Reportedly having some of the best waves in the world, Praia is a good destination for surfing and water skiing.
1 Sovaco de Cobra. Down-to-earth restaurant popular among locals. (updated May 2015) 2 Café Sofia, ☏ +238 2 617546. A great place to eat local food and watch the world go by. Popular among expats and the local chess playing community. 3 Restaurante Punto D'Incontro, Avenida Cidade de Lisboa, ☏ +238 2 617090, oceandrive@cvtelecom.cv. Italian and Cape Verdean cuisine. 4 Restaurante Panorama, Rua Serpa Pinto, ☏ +238 2 614100, fax: +238 2 613076, panorama@cvtelecom.cv. In the city centre at the Hotel Felicidade. Open all day. Their buffet is popular with businesspeople. 5 Restaurante Flor de Liz, Rua 5 de Julho 43, ☏ +238 2 612598. Cap Verdean cuisine, wide menu and large servings.
You won't find an abundance of nightspots in Praia. 1 Bar “Belavista”. Located in the Hotel Praia Mar complex. (updated May 2015) 2 Quintal da Música, Av. Amílcar Cabral 70-A, ☏ +238 261 16 79. Located on the plateau, here you can hear national and traditional music, plus eat. 3 Cockpit, Achada Grande.. (updated May 2015)
Being the capital and biggest city of the country, Praia has a higher crime rate than most parts of the country. Most crimes involve petty thievery and these are mostly focused on residents and not on tourists, although there have been a few cases which have involved tourists. So though Praia in general is still a very safe city, be careful not to flaunt any expensive jewelry or gadgets like iPhones and such.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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In Jul, Praia typically sees ~29°C daytime highs and 5 rainy days.
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