The capital of Angola, Luanda sits on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean and is divided into two parts; Baixa de Luanda and Cidade Alta.It is a fast growing city, with major reconstruction and development projects popping up all over the city, which has attracted numerous Portuguese immigrants over the past few years. Luanda’s thriving business industry has made it quite an expensive city to visit, though this should not discourage you. Its new infrastructure means that it is a very comfortable city for tourists to visit, and, mixed with its warm climate, it is quite an appealing destination. There are also plenty of things to do both in the city and just outside of it.

What to do in Luanda for 24h-48h?

Places to Visit

Visit the Saint Michael Fortress

One of the things that is most beautiful about the fortress are the ornate wall tiles that tell the story of Angola’s history. It also displays plenty of other ancient relics.In 1996 the Saint Michael Fortress became a UNESCO World Heritage site. Since then, it has become one of the most popular places to visit in the city.

Walk along the Harbour

Avenida 4 de Fevereiro, which is also known as Marginal, runs parallel to the Luanda Bay and is a great place for a nice stroll. Not only does it boast great views of the sea and the boats coming in and out of the port, but it is also lined with some beautiful buildings, like the Banco de Angola.

Go to church

The Roman Catholic Cathedral of the Holy Saviour (Sé Catedral de Luanda) is a lovely church that was built in 1628. It is the seat of the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Luanda.

Wander around a Palace

The Palácio de Ferro (Iron Palace) is a magnificent palace that was built in the city by world-renowned architect Gustave Eiffel. It is not as iconic as the builder’s other structures, but it is a stunning piece of architecture.

Mingle with Wildlife

Quiçama National Park is the country’s only functioning national park. It sits around 70 kilometres from the city and makes for a popular safari day trip.The 12,000 square kilometre park opened as a game reserve in 1938, but became a national park in 1957. Today, it is at the forefront of Angola’s wildlife.

Where to Shop?

Head to the mall

Belas Shopping is the country’s first modern mall and is not only a great place to shop, but also a great way to escape a hot day. It is a large mall that is home to eight cinemas, an entertainment area, a food court and over 100 stores. There are also banks and a supermarket within the mall. The majority of stores in Belas Shopping are local shops, making it a great place to look for and learn about local brands.

Where to Eat?

Nikki’s House

Nikki’s House restaurant is located in the Maianga neighborhood in Luanda and features an international fusion menu. Be sure to book ahead as this venue requires reservations. The restaurant is nestled in a quaint house which has been transformed into a fine-dining experience.

Chill Out

Chill Out Restaurant, though better known for its club vibe, has some of the best culinary offerings in Luanda. Chill Out is situated along the scenic coastline, providing a calming and natural setting to the restaurant’s already laid-back ambiance.

Lookal Mar

At the more expensive end of the Luanda restaurant scene, Lookal Mar is renowned for its beautiful seafood dishes. The restaurant has its seafood supply flown in nearly twice weekly from Portugal.

Flight Attendants Discounts in Angola?

World Of Crew gets you a few awesome deals only for cabin crews in Angola. Have a look into these and let us know if you manage to visit them during your layover!

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Any Cool Experience to share in Luanda?

How was your layover in  Luanda? Did you discover any new places? If so, please do share these useful tips with your fellow cabin crew, by commenting below!

Have a great layover !