Home › Destinations › Benguela
Benguela, Angola - Things to Do in Benguela

Things to Do in Benguela

Benguela, Angola - Complete Travel Guide

Benguela is a captivating coastal city in Angola that serves as both a major port and a gateway to the country's rich cultural heritage. Located on the Atlantic Ocean, this historic city was founded in 1617 and has evolved into Angola's second-largest urban center, offering visitors a unique blend of Portuguese colonial architecture, vibrant African culture, and stunning oceanfront views. The city's strategic position along the Benguela Railway makes it an important commercial hub while maintaining its charm as a coastal destination. Visitors to Benguela will discover a city where modern development harmoniously coexists with historical landmarks, bustling markets, and pristine beaches. The city's cultural diversity is reflected in its music, art, and cuisine, while the surrounding region offers opportunities to explore Angola's natural beauty, from coastal landscapes to inland adventures. Benguela provides an authentic Angolan experience away from the more touristy areas, making it perfect for travelers seeking to understand the real heart of this fascinating country.

Top Things to Do in Benguela

Explore Colonial Architecture and Historic Center

Wander through Benguela's historic downtown area to admire well-preserved Portuguese colonial buildings, including churches, administrative buildings, and traditional houses with characteristic tile work. The architectural heritage tells the story of centuries of cultural exchange and provides excellent photography opportunities. Many buildings showcase unique Angolan adaptations of Portuguese design elements.

Booking Tip: Self-guided exploration is free, but consider hiring a local guide for $15-25 per day to learn about the historical significance. Best visited in early morning or late afternoon to avoid harsh sunlight and heat.

Relax at Baia Azul Beach

Spend time at one of Benguela's most popular beaches, known for its golden sand and relatively calm waters. The beach offers excellent swimming conditions and is popular with both locals and visitors for weekend relaxation. Several beachside restaurants and bars provide refreshments and local seafood specialties.

Booking Tip: Beach access is free, but bring your own umbrella and chairs. Beachside restaurant meals cost $8-15. Visit on weekdays for fewer crowds, and always swim near lifeguarded areas.

Visit Local Markets and Shopping Areas

Experience authentic Angolan culture by exploring Benguela's vibrant markets, where locals sell everything from fresh produce and seafood to handcrafted items and traditional textiles. The markets offer insight into daily life and provide opportunities to purchase unique souvenirs. Bargaining is expected and part of the cultural experience.

Booking Tip: Market visits are free, but bring small bills for purchases. Guided market tours cost $10-20 and help with language barriers. Early morning visits offer the freshest products and cooler temperatures.

Sample Local Cuisine and Seafood

Discover Benguela's exceptional seafood scene, featuring fresh catches from the Atlantic Ocean prepared in traditional Angolan styles. Local restaurants serve specialties like grilled fish, prawns, and traditional stews combined with local staples like funge and rice. The cuisine reflects both African and Portuguese influences.

Booking Tip: Restaurant meals range from $5-20 depending on location and style. Look for busy local spots for authentic experiences. Lunch is typically served 12-3pm, dinner after 7pm.

Take Day Trips to Surrounding Natural Areas

Use Benguela as a base to explore the surrounding coastal and inland landscapes, including nearby fishing villages, scenic viewpoints, and natural formations. The region offers opportunities for photography, bird watching, and experiencing rural Angolan life. Some areas feature unique geological formations and pristine coastline.

Booking Tip: Organize through local tour operators for $30-60 per person depending on distance and group size. Bring water, sun protection, and comfortable walking shoes. Best during dry season months.

Getting There

Benguela is accessible by road from Luanda via the well-maintained EN100 highway, a journey of approximately 500 kilometers that takes 6-8 hours by car or bus. Regular bus services operate between major Angolan cities, with several companies offering comfortable coaches. The city is also connected by the historic Benguela Railway, though passenger services are limited. For international travelers, the most practical approach is to fly into Luanda's Quatro de Fevereiro Airport and then travel overland to Benguela.

Getting Around

Within Benguela, transportation options include taxis, motorcycle taxis (known locally as 'kupapatas'), and minibus taxis called 'candongueiros' that follow set routes throughout the city. Walking is feasible in the city center and along the waterfront areas. Car rental is available but requires familiarity with local driving conditions. Most attractions within the city are relatively close together, making short taxi rides or walking the most convenient options for tourists.

Where to Stay

City Center
Waterfront District
Baia Azul Beach Area
Commercial District
Residential Neighborhoods
Near Railway Station

Food & Dining

Benguela's dining scene centers around fresh seafood, with numerous restaurants along the waterfront serving grilled fish, prawns, and traditional Angolan dishes. Local establishments offer authentic experiences with dishes like calulu, muamba de galinha, and fresh catches prepared in Portuguese-influenced styles. Street food vendors provide affordable options including grilled meat, fried fish, and local snacks. International cuisine is limited, but several restaurants cater to diverse tastes. Most dining establishments are casual, and reservations are rarely necessary except at upscale venues.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Angola

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

Jed’s BBQ & Brew of Angola

4.8 /5
(3094 reviews) 2

7 Hills Indian Restaurant

4.8 /5
(2727 reviews) 2

Village Kitchen

4.6 /5
(1661 reviews) 1
cafe

Royal Indian Cuisine Lagos

4.8 /5
(970 reviews) 2

Sofia's Kitchen

4.6 /5
(728 reviews) 1
cafe meal_takeaway store

Ojoei Sushi & Izakaya

4.8 /5
(569 reviews) 2

When to Visit

The best time to visit Benguela is during the dry season from May to October, when temperatures are moderate, rainfall is minimal, and humidity levels are more comfortable. This period offers the most pleasant weather for sightseeing and beach activities. The wet season from November to April brings higher temperatures, increased humidity, and occasional heavy rains, though it's still possible to visit with proper preparation. Ocean temperatures remain relatively consistent year-round, making beach activities enjoyable in any season.

Insider Tips

Learn a few basic Portuguese phrases as English is not widely spoken, and locals appreciate the effort to communicate in the local language.
Carry cash in Angolan kwanza as credit card acceptance is limited, and ATMs may not always work with foreign cards.
Respect local customs and dress modestly when visiting religious sites or traditional areas, and always ask permission before photographing people.

Explore Activities in Benguela