Cidade Velha

Things to do in Cidade Velha

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Top 10 attractions in Cidade Velha

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Lighthouse Dona Maria Pia

Lighthouse Dona Maria Pia

5.7
3.0/5
1 reviews
Lighthouse Dona Maria Pia stands on the cliffs of Ponta Temerosa at the southern tip of Santiago Island, guarding the entrance to the port of Praia. Locals also call it the Ponta Temerosa Lighthouse or the Praia Lighthouse. The lighthouse was built in 1881 and named after the then-Queen of Portugal, Maria Pia. It was the first of many lighthouses to be lit across the Cape Verde islands, marking a significant milestone in the modern maritime history of Cape Verde. The white octagonal masonry tower stands over 20m tall, topped with a lantern room and gallery. The gray dome of the lantern room contrasts with the white walls, and it is attached to a single-story keeper's cottage. After a complete renovation, it remains in service today, flashing white light twice every few seconds at night to guide ships entering and leaving the port. Today, this lighthouse is a highly recognizable landmark in Praia, often referred to as the city's postcard. Visitors can walk along the cape to the foot of the lighthouse to overlook the Atlantic Ocean, the ships entering and leaving the harbor, and the city skyline. At dusk, the white tower set against the sunset glow on the sea is a popular photo opportunity.Praia · 10.4km from Cidade Velha
Prainha Beach
No. 2 of Cool Water Escapes in Cape Verde

Prainha Beach

4.8
3.0/5
1 reviews
In the bustle and noise of Cape Verde's capital, it feels like a hidden haven, adding a quiet, distinctive touch to this island nation in the Atlantic. It is not the endless, palm-fringed tropical beach many picture. Instead, it is a small, refined urban cove that attracts travelers seeking an authentic experience. Unlike many beaches, the sand here is relatively coarse, which gives it a more rustic, untamed character. It's not only a great spot for weekend relaxation, but also a place to take a morning walk in the sunshine and feel the Atlantic breeze. Because the seabed drops off steeply, just tens of meters from shore can mean cliff-like depths. With waves sometimes rough and the water often darker, enter the water with extra caution. Here, in a genuine and unpretentious way, Cape Verde's everyday life and unhurried pace are on display.Praia · 10km from Cidade Velha
São Filipe Royal Fortress

São Filipe Royal Fortress

4.5
4.0/5
1 reviews
São Filipe Royal Fortress is a historic defensive fortification. The fortress was built in the 16th century to protect local residents from pirates and other foreign invaders. The attraction sits on a strategic high point overlooking the surrounding area, offering an ideal defensive vantage point. The fortress' architectural style blends military function with colonial-era aesthetics, and its thick stone walls and sturdy construction demonstrate the advanced building techniques of its time. Today, São Filipe Royal Fortress is not only a historical site but also an attraction, drawing many history enthusiasts and visitors. Visitors can explore the interior of the fortress, see the gun emplacements and observation towers that were once used for defense, and learn about its important role in history. The fortress houses exhibits about its construction, its use, and its role in history.Cidade Velha · 222m from downtown
Historic Centre of Ribeira Grande (Cidade Velha)

Historic Centre of Ribeira Grande (Cidade Velha)

4.3
Historic Centre of Ribeira Grande (Cidade Velha) is located in the south of Santiago Island in the Republic of Cape Verde, off the west coast of Africa, approx. 15 km west of the capital city, Praia. The history of this town dates back to the late 15th century. In 1462, after Portuguese navigator António da Noli discovered the island, he named the place "Ribeira Grande" (Portuguese for "Big River"). It is one of the important early settlements established by Europeans in the tropics and one of the early towns built by Europeans in sub-Saharan Africa. At the end of the 18th century, Ribeira Grande was renamed "Cidade Velha" (Old City). The ancient city retains its early street layout. Major ruins include two 16th-century churches, the ruins of the Royal Fortress of São Filipe built to defend against pirates, and the Pillory Square, decorated with ornate 16th-century marble columns. Today, this World Heritage city has become an important historical and cultural tourism destination in Cape Verde, attracting many visitors to explore the imprints of the Age of Discovery.Cidade Velha · 169m from downtown
5th of July Park

5th of July Park

4.2
Located in Praia, the capital of Cape Verde, Parque 5 de Julho is one of the city's most iconic public leisure spaces. Situated in the Fazenda area, the park serves as an urban green space and a sanctuary for residents, offering an open environment where people can connect with nature and unwind. The park features a variety of plants adapted to the local climate, blending lush greenery with the urban landscape to create a vibrant leisure spot in the heart of Praia. Beyond its daily leisure functions, the park has long served as a venue for cultural events, community gatherings, and public celebrations. With its spacious layout, seating facilities, and comfortable atmosphere, it is a popular spot for locals to take a stroll, socialize, and enjoy the outdoors. In recent years, the park has continuously added recreational facilities, including attractions for families, evolving from a traditional urban green space into a comprehensive entertainment destination. With facilities designed for children and families, the park offers more leisure options for visitors of all ages and has enriched the daily entertainment life of Praia's residents.Praia · 10.3km from Cidade Velha
National Library of Cape Verde

National Library of Cape Verde

2.8
Praia · 10km from Cidade Velha
Discover santiago island

Discover santiago island

2.7
Praia · 10.2km from Cidade Velha
Pelourinho

Pelourinho

2.7
4.0/5
1 reviews
Cidade Velha · 188m from downtown
Presidential Palace

Presidential Palace

2.7
Praia · 10.2km from Cidade Velha
Quebra Canela

Quebra Canela

2.6
Praia · 9.4km from Cidade Velha

Experiences you can't miss in Cidade Velha

Featured Day tours in Cidade Velha

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Santiago Island: Best of Praia & Cidade Velha Tour, a World Heritage Site
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Santiago Island: Best of Praia & Cidade Velha Tour, a World Heritage Site

4.9/5
· 17 reviews
Duration: 4 hrs
Free cancellation
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From₹ 6,380.68
Cidade Velha Tour with Grogue Tasting
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Cidade Velha Tour with Grogue Tasting

Duration: 5 hrs
Free cancellation
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5% off
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From₹ 6,045.51₹ 6,363.7
Private: Assomada, Serra Malagueta & Tarrafal, Banana Plants
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Private: Assomada, Serra Malagueta & Tarrafal, Banana Plants

Duration: 8 hrs
Free cancellation
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5% off
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From₹ 12,091.03₹ 12,727.4
Santiago Island: 4-Hour Calabaceira Valley Hike & Guided Tour to Cidade Velha
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Santiago Island: 4-Hour Calabaceira Valley Hike & Guided Tour to Cidade Velha

5.0/5
· 5 reviews
Duration: 4 hrs
Free cancellation
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From₹ 7,570.17
Serra Malagueta Natural Park Hike & Relaxing Swim at Tarrafal Beach
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Serra Malagueta Natural Park Hike & Relaxing Swim at Tarrafal Beach

4.9/5
· 17 reviews
Duration: 7 hrs
Free cancellation
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From₹ 9,732.54
Praia: One-day trip by minibus for cruise passengers
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Praia: One-day trip by minibus for cruise passengers

4.8/5
· 22 reviews
Duration: 8 hrs
Free cancellation
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5% off
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From₹ 5,944.75₹ 6,257.64
Praia: Guided Car tour with street art, beaches and cities
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Praia: Guided Car tour with street art, beaches and cities

Duration: 1.5 hrs
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5% off
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From₹ 1,108.34₹ 1,166.68
Tarrafal: Scenic Boat Ride with Snorkeling and Guide
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Tarrafal: Scenic Boat Ride with Snorkeling and Guide

5.0/5
· 5 reviews
Duration: 1.5 hrs
Free cancellation
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5% off
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From₹ 4,030.34₹ 4,242.47

Featured Culture & history in Cidade Velha

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Praia Highlights Audio Tour: Historic Cultural Heart
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Praia Highlights Audio Tour: Historic Cultural Heart

Duration: 1 hr
English
Free cancellation
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20% off
Limited-time sale
From₹ 550.68₹ 688.35
Walking Tour: Street arts, Markets, History and Architecture
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Walking Tour: Street arts, Markets, History and Architecture

5.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 1.5 hrs
Free cancellation
5% off
Limited-time sale
From₹ 1,914.42₹ 2,015.18
Eco-friendly trail in Serra Malagueta + Cultural experience in Boa Entrada
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Eco-friendly trail in Serra Malagueta + Cultural experience in Boa Entrada

Duration: 4 hrs
Free cancellation
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5% off
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From₹ 12,091.03₹ 12,727.4
Praia City Tours
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Praia City Tours

Duration: 2.5 hrs
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5% off
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From₹ 5,844.00₹ 6,151.58

Featured Outdoor & sports in Cidade Velha

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Climb the Pico de Antónia (São Domingos - Monte Txota)
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Climb the Pico de Antónia (São Domingos - Monte Txota)

Duration: 7 hrs
Free cancellation
5% off
Limited-time sale
From₹ 15,113.78₹ 15,909.25
Hiking: From Serra Malagueta to Ribeira Principal
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Hiking: From Serra Malagueta to Ribeira Principal

Duration: 4 hrs
Free cancellation
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5% off
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From₹ 11,587.23₹ 12,197.09
Like Locals: Santiago Island Tour
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Like Locals: Santiago Island Tour

5.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 8 hrs
Free cancellation
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From₹ 14,084.81
Santiago North Island Tour: Off-road excursion
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Santiago North Island Tour: Off-road excursion

Duration: 8 hrs
Free cancellation
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5% off
Limited-time sale
From₹ 12,594.82₹ 13,257.71
Cidade Velha Today's weatherPartly cloudy 23-29℃
Cidade Velha weather for the next 2 days11/3: 24-30℃, 11/4: 23-30℃

What travellers say about Cidade Velha

user-avatar
biubiudidi8 November 2024
3.0
This is an abandoned lighthouse, which was under repair when we went there. It is located on the Atlantic Ocean, and looks beautiful from a distance, but not so-so up close. When we approached, a black friend came out and asked us in English if we wanted to go inside. We saw that it was under construction and there was no one guarding the gate, so we thought it would be good to go in and take a look. But the other party wanted to charge 5 euros per person. We didn't have any cash and there was no electronic payment, so we didn't go in. We saw there were stairs, so we should be able to climb the tower.

Lighthouse Dona Maria Pia

Trip Moments in Cidade Velha

The Real Chongqing: My Local Discovery in the Old Town

The Real Chongqing: My Local Discovery in the Old Town

“If you think Chongqing is only about skyscrapers and spicy hot pot, you simply haven't looked in the right places.”@natalia_in_china · localdiscoveries · 15 days ago
Yuyuan Garden is even more beautiful after dark 🏮

Yuyuan Garden is even more beautiful after dark 🏮

“Yuyuan Garden was one of my favourite places to visit in Shanghai.”@Esveta · travelersvoice · 28 days ago
Plan It or Wing It? Kunming 🇨🇳

Plan It or Wing It? Kunming 🇨🇳

“When I travel, I like having a few places saved on my map, but I rarely plan every hour of the day.”@Aida_elsewhere · planitorwingit · 17 days ago
Your Ultimate 3-Day Adventure Itinerary 🌟

Your Ultimate 3-Day Adventure Itinerary 🌟

“📅 Itinerary Day 1: Let's kick things off!”@_TS***gf · 20 days ago

Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Cidade Velha?

Don't miss these attractions in Cidade Velha: Lighthouse Dona Maria Pia, Prainha Beach, and São Filipe Royal Fortress. If you like Day tours, try Santiago Island: Best of Praia & Cidade Velha Tour, a World Heritage Site. If you enjoy Culture & history, try Praia Highlights Audio Tour: Historic Cultural Heart.

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include Santiago Island: Best of Praia & Cidade Velha Tour, a World Heritage Site, Cidade Velha Tour with Grogue Tasting, and Private: Assomada, Serra Malagueta & Tarrafal, Banana Plants. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of 2 November 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Cidade Velha is around INR 1,108.34 – INR 12,091.03. Rates vary by duration, group size, transport, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

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Change and cancellation policies vary by attractions and tours. Please check the product details page for more information.

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