Maputo Downtown Walking Tour
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
This is the best way to know Maputo and its flavor. In 3h we cover the most emblematic spots of the city and uncover the history behind them. The most complete tour available with lots of history, art, architecture and lovely guides
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Snacks
Alcoholic Beverages
What To Expect
Cathedral of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception
a) Big white cathedral (starting point): officially called Nossa Senhora da Conceição the cathedral (as it is mostly known) or demon’s cathedral was built in the 1930’s - 1940’s by Marcial simões Freitas e costa, who was a deputy director of the railways at the time and worked free of charge. The construction was a major feat for the catholic church of the time, which was still reeling under the effects of the revolution of the 1910 in Portugal and had a very weak presence in Mozambique. This was one of the places in the city were hundreds of people had the opportunity to see Pope Franscisco during his visit to Mozambique (3rd to 6th September, 2019). The second but not least important visit we have had of a Pope. Inside there is art work by Francisco Franco (statue of the sacred Heart of Christ, the baptismal figures, the bronze doors), Simões Freitas (the marble statues), and Antonio Lino (marble altars). The stained glass windows were produced in the Netherlands during the war. Today we can see different patterns on the stained glasses as result of an incident that happened in 2007 (explosion of a bunker) and caused a lot of destruction and deaths in Maputo. Nossa Senhora da Conceição is a nice example of the lots of Art Deco buildings we have in Maputo. Some people even say that if we join all the Art Deco buildings we have in Maputo, this could maybe be a little Miami
b) Town hall : was designed and built in the 1940’s by architects Carlos César dos Santos, Franz Keindl and Aranaldo Pacheco Pereira Leite. In front of it, in the Lisbon – style pavement used to be inscribed the words, “Aqui é Portugal”, this is Portugal, the words of president Américo Tomás when he visited Mozambique in 1964. Instead of the present day statue of Samora Machel, there used to be equestrian statue of Mousinho de Albulquerque (now in the fort). The building together with the cathedral used to be the pride of Portuguese Mozambique. Inside we have nice models of the old Lourenço Marques (present day Maputo) and a nice hall to see.
Options
Maputo Downtown Walking Tour
Reviews
133 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Excellent tour
ElizabethN29,
Nov 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I enjoyed my tour with Nelton very much this morning and would highly recommend him as a guide. He knows a lot about the history and culture of Mozambique and also speaks very good English. I hope to come back to Maputo one day and do another tour with Nelton!
Had a great morning...
Laura R,
Oct 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Had a great morning exploring downtown Maputo with Nelton, who was very informative and personable. I learned not only about what sites we visited but how they relate both to Mozambican history and current society. We were even able to add a couple stops at the train museum and a nearby gallery because I had interest.
A good experience
h vardgeorgj,
Oct 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A very good experience with my guide Nelton. The tour gave a good insight to the historical figures in Maputo from colonial age up until today, as well as some sights in the city. Trough Nelsons experience i got a understanding of how the people of Mozambique have progressed in time, with struggels of colonialism, as well how the independence give both oppertuneties and challenges. It was a good conversation as we walked the city. Recommended.
Excellent afternoon with Nelton exploring the city
Lisarix,
Oct 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We got in touch with this company because of the great reviews. Nelton did not disappoint!!! We started at 2pm at the cathedral and had 3 hours full of insight and knowledge. He seemed to know a lot of local people too which made us feel safe.
Fantastic walking tour of Maputo that does a great job immersing you into the city streets
Npk92,
Oct 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had just one day to see as much of Maputo as possible and I’m glad I booked this tour to help get that task done. The tour started a little after 9 am when I met my tour guide, Nelton, in front of the Catedral de Maputo near Praça de Independencia and ended at the Fortress de Maputo a little after 1 pm. The tour was great and I learned a lot about Maputo and the history of Mozambique from Nelton. We visited many important sights including the places mentioned above, the City Hall, the Samora Machel statue, the Franco-Mozambican Cultural Center, the Tundura Botanical Garden, the Central Market, the Maputo Central Station, and more. A big thank to you my guide Nelton for the excellent job he did guiding me through the streets of Maputo. He made sure I was safe and that I learned as much as I could about the city and the country in general throughout this tour. Definitely consider booking this tour while you’re visiting Maputo, you won’t be disappointed. - Nolan
Visiting a reality...
goncalomateus,
Sep 22, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00Visit to a historical reality with 50 years. Dedicated guide and able to correctly direct the moments of experience.
tours not to do
giovannab243,
Sep 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00Maputo is a bad town there is nothing to see except the Graf Market craft market They wanted to take me to the chicken market which of course I declined
Nelton is Top
giovanna m,
Aug 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Nelton was impeccable, very interesting; he knows the history of his country and motivates interaction with the locals. In short, he loves his job and you can feel it. Also always kind and helpful in answering any questions. In addition, the tour lasted 1 h longer and did not require any supplement. Muito obrigada , all the best ❤️
Great guide made for an off the charts tour.
pauln565,
Aug 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Nelson was my guide and was super. Knowledgable about all things Maputo and Mozambique. And his English was fantastic. Made this one of the best tour for money I have ever had.
Nelton was an excellent...
RussellFrench,
Aug 2, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Nelton was an excellent guide and was able to answer all my questions throughout the tour. The tour is well worth the money.
From US$35.00
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