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Highlights of Cidade Velha with local guide

Praia, Cape Verde

Explore the first city built by Europeans in sub-Saharan Africa, Cidade Velha, a World Heritage Site and the birthplace of Cape Verdean nation and culture. Enrich your knowledge of the history of colonization and slavery in Cape Verde.

Cancellation policy

Review the supplier policy below before booking.

Duration 3 hours

Duration supplied by the experience provider.

Languages

English, French, Portuguese, Spanish

Group size

1–30 travelers

Full description

Explore the highlights of Cidade Velha, a World Heritage Site that represents the cradle of Cape Verdean nation and culture, on this 3-hour tour. Get picked up from your accommodation and travel towards Cidade Velha.

Upon arrival, take a guided walking tour of the São Felipe Fortress and discover the ancient system of defense against pirate attacks. Next, explore the ruins of the first Cathedral built by Europeans in Sub-Saharan Africa, followed by a panoramic view of the city center's colonial buildings from the top of Calhau fishing bay. After that, meet local fishermen and learn the history of slavery at the former slave market in Pillory. The walking tour continues towards the famous Banana Street with its beautiful traditional thatched houses to the Convent of São Francisco.

Travel back in time, learn the history from your expert, walk on a black sand beach and meet local fishermen before a short trip back to Praia. After a memorable day, the tour finishes with a drop-off back to your hotel in Praia.

Itinerary

Praia. Get picked up from your accommodation and travel towards Cidade Velha.

Cidade Velha. Explore the highlights of Cidade Velha, a World Heritage Site that represents the cradle of Cape Verdean nation and culture.

São Filipe Fortress. Take a guided walking tour of the São Felipe Fortress and discover the ancient system of defense against pirate attacks.

Sé Catedral. Explore the ruins of the first Cathedral built by Europeans in Sub-Saharan Africa, followed by a panoramic view of the city center's colonial buildings from the top of Calhau fishing bay.

Pelourinho. Meet local fishermen and learn the history of slavery at the former slave market in Pillory.

Rua de Banana. Visit the famous Banana Street with its traditional houses. It was the first street to be urbanized by the Portuguese in the tropics.

Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Rosário. The first historical monument to be built in Cape Verde. It is an important church visited by Columbus and Vasco da Gama before sailing on to remote lands.

Convento de São Francisco. The Convent of São Francisco was built in the 17th century, and it has served as housing for the Franciscan order and a training center for priests.

Praia. After a memorable day, the tour finishes with a drop-off back to your hotel in Praia.

What’s included

Included

  • Guide
  • Transfer
  • Pickup and drop-off at your accommodation in Praia or Cidade Velha
  • Transportation
  • Tour Guide (English, French, Portuguese and Spanish)
  • Liability insurance

Not included

  • Entrance fee (€5 for the São Filipe Fortress)

Important information

Meeting point

Praia, Cape Verde

Don’t forget

Not wheelchair accessible. Note that a small amount of walking is involved. If your accommodation is not listed, please send us an email with your pick-up address. Shared group tour option is subject to a minimum of 2 participants. In the event that the minimum number is not met, we reserve the right to propose an alternative date; to charge an extra fee to run the trip privately or to cancel a customer’s booking for a full refund. Please bring comfortable shoes and clothes, a hat, sunscreen, and €5 for the entrance to the São Filipe Fortress

Cancellation policy

100% charge if cancelled within 24 hours of start.

Your host

VE

Verified Local Host

With GetExperience since 2026

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