Things to Do in Luanda

Luanda costs more than London for expats—yet locals still buy fish from wooden boats at dawn. Angola's capital sprawls along the Atlantic coast where glass towers shadow Portuguese colonial buildings and street vendors work beside luxury malls. The city rebuilt itself after civil war ended in 2002, becoming one of Africa's priciest places while keeping its distinctly Angolan soul. You can't miss it. Portuguese architecture meets modern developments everywhere. The music scene that created kuduro and semba still pulses through the streets, and Luanda Bay offers genuine Atlantic views that stretch to the horizon.

Seafood dominates here thanks to the Atlantic location. Ilha do Cabo's beachfront restaurants serve excellent grilled fish and prawns, while downtown spots offer traditional muamba de galinha (chicken stew) and calulu (dried fish with vegetables). Portuguese-style cafes dish out grilled sardines and bifana sandwiches. Prices hit hard—budget $25-40 per person for mid-range dinners. The growing expat population brought Lebanese and Brazilian restaurants, mostly in Miramar and Talatona areas.

May to October delivers the best weather with mid-70s to low-80s temperatures and almost no rain. December through March brings the rainy season with higher humidity and heavy downpours, though temperatures stay warm year-round in this tropical climate. The Benguela Current keeps Luanda cooler than most tropical capitals. July and August feel genuinely pleasant. Lower humidity and Atlantic breezes make peak dry season ideal for visitors.