Praia: The capital city that reflects Cape Verdeanness
Cidade da Praia, or commonly known as Praia Maria, is the country’s capital. Every month, this very touristy town receives many tourists who take advantage of this great little city to spend their vacations, relax and soak up some sun. However, here are a few things to know about the city of Praia.
Dona Maria Pia Lighthouse
This historic lighthouse stands on the edge of a sea beach and next to it is the Catholic University. Although it is used for maritime purposes, this place can be visited and enjoyed. On days when it’s not too windy, you can climb up to the dome.
Ildo Lobo Palace of Culture, National Library and Museum
At the Ildo Lobo Palace of Culture you can attend many cultural activities such as photographic exhibitions, debates, lectures, concerts, souvenir stores and generally all these activities are open to the public.
If you’re more into literature, arts and history, you can visit the national library in Várzea, near the statue of the country’s national hero, Amílcar Cabral. In the library you can read a bit of everything, including books by Cape Verdean authors. You can also take part in book launches and some book fairs, including price reductions.
You can also visit the country’s historical museum on the plateau. There you will find some traditional pieces from Cape Verde, allowing you to get to know the culture and tradition of ancient times.
Lively and fun evenings
If you also want to enjoy musical evenings, concerts and entertainment such as film screenings and stand-up comedy, these options are hardly lacking to fill your evenings.
Praia Shopping, Linha d’Agu, Txesca and Sevens Star are a few suggestions that will certainly suit you. You can also eat at restaurants such as Poeta, Quintal da Música and Terrazza Itália.
Municipal Market
Although it’s commonplace, many tourists like to visit the market, take some photos and enjoy the dynamics of the Cape Verdean vendors. Others prefer to have lunch on site and enjoy local food at a good price. Due to the large number of Senegalese migrants in Cape Verde, it is almost impossible not to find Senegalese national food in places where food is sold at a significant price. Cape Verdeans themselves love the dishes from these countries, which are naturally different from the food from their own country.
Sucupira
Sucupira is a place where most of the clothes and shoes are sold. Every day, many Cape Verdeans go to work in this place, which sells practically everything. Clothes and shoes are usually expensive, as most people buy them abroad.
On the other side, there is also the “ya”, where only clothes from the United States of America are sold, just like at Ponta Belém. It is usually family members living in this country who send the clothes, which, because they come in large quantities, are used for sale. It’s worth mentioning that the products are very good and are usually sold at a good price.
On Sundays, everyone who sells these types of products and more gathers along the main road of the Fazenda and makes a long line to sell a wide variety of clothes almost all day long. On this day, demand is always higher, as the local population takes advantage of the sale of many garments that are usually only sold on Sundays.
Capital’s neighborhoods
As well as getting to know the city itself, there are many neighborhoods that form part of the city of Praia, which can be visited and explored in more depth. If you really want to get to know the Cape Verdean reality, even in the city, it’s a good idea to visit some of the neighborhoods, at least the safer ones like Palmareijo, Achadinha, São Filipe and Achada Santo António and Achada Traz. Getting to know these places is also a very good experience, at least you’ll leave with a “mental picture” of what Cape Verde is really like.
The city of Praia celebrated its 166th anniversary on April 29, 2024. Since its foundation, Praia has been a cultural, political and economic center of the country, attracting tourists and investors from all over the world, and has undergone several transformations over the years. Its historic center, Platô, preserves old buildings dating back to the 19th century, which contrast with modern buildings that have sprung up in recent decades. The city also has a vibrant cultural scene and festivals that celebrate the country’s rich cultural heritage.
It is also Cape Verde’s most important economic center, housing the headquarters of national and international companies, as well as government and diplomatic institutions.
