Travel Guide Praia

Initially a simple small town perched on a plateau, Praia became the capital in 1772, dethroning Cidade Velha, which had been repeatedly attacked and pillaged by pirates. It has become the vital economic lung, home to more than a quarter of the Cape Verdean population, and its expansion is the result of unplanned urban development in the image of other large African cities: building sites, vacant lots, makeshift housing, anarchic traffic... Essentially administrative, it is the heart of the economic and international activities of the archipelago. Many embassies (France, Portugal, United States, Senegal, Russia, China, etc.) and organizations (UNDP, WHO, UNICEF, etc.) are represented there. The Plateau district is the lively center of the city which also reveals all the pages of its history. Mainly active during the week, it gathers offices and banks, cafes, as well as a wide range of stores, including the famous lojas: very popular local color grocery stores where you can find anything and everything. Few of the colonial mansions have stood the test of time, but the whole place exudes vitality thanks to its effervescence. The Palacio da Cultura reflects the modernity of this neighborhood. Before going up to the Plateau, don't hesitate to stroll through the alleys of the Sucupira market, a picturesque African market where merchants are busy. You will undoubtedly find many souvenirs to bring back, such as statuettes, masks or T-shirts... an opportunity to show your haggling skills! Praia also offers some vestiges of the colonial architecture, with the Palace of Justice or the Presidential Palace. Pass by the 10 de Maio square, very popular with the youth, and by the Albuquerque square, the biggest square of the city, ideal place to sit on a bench and observe the shimmering ballet of the daily life. Don't forget the museums: the ethnological museum, the small Amilcar Cabral museum and the archaeological museum. Praia is increasingly cosmopolitan, growing and crystallizing the hopes of young people in search of a better life, constantly attracting newcomers, accelerating the rural exodus throughout the archipelago, while the airport provides access to new international destinations. In recent years, the development of the suburbs has created problems in terms of water supply and electricity, but also insecurity, however without impact on visitors, let us be reassured