Private Tour

Tour Old City/Discover Old Town

Overview

Available languages

Portuguese

English

Mobile ticket

Come see Santiago's Old Town, which is the birthplace of Cape Verdeanity. It is also the toponym of what was once the old city of Ribeira Grande, which was the capital of the Cape Verde archipelago for some centuries. It was the first city that the Portuguese had in Africa, in their adventure of discoveries. Hence it is a mandatory reference in the historical context of the islands of Cape Verde. Only the ruins that sadly lean over the archipelago's eternal blue sea remain, and they sleep under the weight of years of men's oblivion, and their visit had a driver with years of experience who will ensure that their journey is of quality, comfort and safety. .

Additional Info

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Specialized infant seats are available

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

Private transportation

All Fees and Taxes

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Porto da Praia

Hotel Santa Maria

Rua 5 de Julho 42 Plateau Praia Cape Verde

Francisco Mendes Airport

Praia Cape Verde

What To Expect

Fortaleza Real de San Felipe

The Fortress of S. Filipe, one of the great historical monuments of the city of Ribeira Grande is the testimony of the Portuguese presence in these islands. It was built after Drake's attack. in 1585. The city was garrisoned from this fort, whose construction would have started in 1593. Another historical monument that the visitor can observe in the city of Ribeira Grande is the pillory erected a few centuries ago in the square of the city. Here the slaves were beaten. It is the most vivid memory of the Slavonic era in Cape Verde. According to some historians, Ribeira Grande never had the development corresponding to the category of City. However, for convenience, King D. João III decided to propose the creation of the Diocese of Cape Verde. The aim was to facilitate the ordination of native priests as well as to better coordinate the task of evangelizing the African coast, from which many free men came to Christianize.

1 hour • Admission Not Included

Se Catedral

Its Se Cathedral, the first that the Portuguese erected on the black continent, is today in ruins. However, the little that remains is being preserved in order to prevent important references from disappearing from Cape Verde, and in particular from Santiago, the mother island of ancient Cape Verdean culture due to its geo-strategic position, midway between the African continent, Europe, the Americas and the East, early the Cape Verdean archipelago was called upon to play a pivotal role in the framework of trade in slave trade and the supply of ships in fresh and water. These factors contributed to make Ribeira Grande quickly become a commercial center of some projection and hence, in 1533, it was erected in Cidade.

30 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Options

Discover Old Town Tour

Old Town Tour
Duration: 2 hours
Pickup included

Reviews

3.88

8 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

« Guided » tour without a guide!!!
D1962MH ,
Dec 16, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00
There was no guide and no excursion at all. We have basically paid for taxi from Praia to Cidade Velha, without any guided tour. The driver barely spoke French/English, despite our questions he didn’t admit directly the absence of a guide. Finally, he told us that the actual guide has been occupied and the travel agency sent him alone to accompany us. Super strange, as the tour description mentioned English-speaking guide!!! 10 euros fee for entry to fortress San Felipe wasn’t included neither. Our driver wasn’t even instructed about principal monuments he was supposed to drive us to! I don’t recommend this experience, it would be cheaper to take a regular taxi and explore Cidade Velha by ourselves with no rush.
So Much To Learn - From Someone
Kit C,
Nov 6, 2024
- Review from Viator
3.00
We didn't know what to expect for our half-day tour. We saw the list of sites in Old Town and got excited. After finding us (no Welcome sign as promised), our driver squeezed 4 people into his small sedan. As we drove along one of the people asked if there was anything to share of the areas we were driving through. He talked a little bit, but we didn't get much from him. Once we got to the fort in Old Town he walked ahead of us and shared information of what we walked through. We had to repeatedly tell him we couldn't hear him. We got to the point of asking questions as we saw things that interested us. But, we felt there was much more to learn. It was a hot day, we were squeezed in his small car and the air conditioner stopped working. When asked why he had such a small car for 4 people he replied that his larger car's air conditioner was broken. Ugh! Back on the ship I heard one person comment that the police officer that escorted her to the gate proudly told her party of the people in his country and it's history. Oh, to have had him as our tour guide! Our guide was a nice guy, sadly he wasn't engaged in his tour.
Memorable Old Town Tour
sispen123,
Oct 1, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I made the most of my 6 hours layover in Praia to visit Santiago that Carlos arranged. Junior picked me up at the airport and enjoyed the scenic drive to the Cidade Velha where he showed me the historical spots. I then spent some time in Praia center town/market area and he drove me back to the airport for the next flight. I would highly recommend this operator. Thanks Junior for a truly enjoyable island tour and memorable Praia half-day. You are the very best!
Not as expected and not as advertised
Jane B,
May 18, 2023
- Review from Viator
2.00
We booked this tour in order to learn more about the island. The stated duration was approximately five hours. We were finished with the itinerary in 2.5 hours and were asked to pay more if we wanted to do something else. Our driver, Nelson, did not speak English very well so there was very little information given. The car was a small VW with no AC, so we drove with the windows down. All windows in the car were tinted so it would have been impossible to see out if the windows were not down. There was no bottled water available or offered. Overall it was not what was advertised.
Well-paced mix of old and new
Ardice H,
Nov 22, 2022
- Review from Viator
5.00
Nelson was an excellent guide, very warm, and we had a great visit. The visit was well-paced, interesting, and comfortable. This tour was a good mix of the modern, traditional, and historical. At the end of our trip, Nelson recommended a good place for lunch. He has a great sense of humor, too.
Nice half day tour
T Stefanits,
May 8, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I visited Cidade Velha in May with Lorenco. From the first minute on, he was more like a friend than a guide. He drove carefully and on the way back to my hotel, we made a little detour, where he showed me the "other" side of Praia.
Fantastic experience
philippn619,
Jan 22, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Highly recommended! I had a great time with Nelson who was a very knowledgeable, relaxed and kind host. He showed me all the important sights in the Old Town and took time to answer all my questions over a very nice lunch at a seaside restaurant.
Old Town Experience
221justynaf,
Dec 21, 2019
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Really enjoyed the trip, saw the most important places in Cidade Velha. I was picked up at my hostel, taken care of profesionally by the guide who showed me the cultural and historical spots.