Historical tours in Praia deliver three standout experiences that capture the essence of Cape Verde’s capital.
The most enlightening is the Historic Walking Tour, where guides expertly reveal Praia’s colonial landmarks, including the striking Donna Maria Pia Lighthouse and the traditional City Hall.
The Cultural Tour across Santiago Island takes travelers back in time through the tropics’ first European settlement.
But the real gem is the Best of Praia & Cidade Velha Tour – a half-day journey that combines the modern capital with the UNESCO treasures of Cidade Velha.
Each provides fascinating insights and authentic local perspectives.
Let’s explore these top tours in detail.
Key Points
- Guided historic walking tours in Praia offer visits to iconic landmarks like the Donna Maria Pia Lighthouse and City Hall, with a small-group format and personalized attention.
- Cultural tours on Santiago Island provide a 4-hour exploration of Cidade Velha, the first city built by Europeans in the tropics, with an English-fluent guide.
- The Best of Praia & Cidade Velha Tour is a half-day excursion that focuses on Praia and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Cidade Velha.
- Tour packages often include round-trip transfers, entrance fees, liability insurance, and a seafood or meat lunch with a sea view.
- Many tours offer free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a lowest price guarantee, ensuring a hassle-free booking experience.
Praia: Guided Historic Walking Tour & Lunch With Locals
Discover the rich history and vibrant culture of Praia, Cape Verde’s capital, on this guided walking tour. You’ll visit iconic landmarks like the Donna Maria Pia Lighthouse, City Hall, and the Diogo Gomes Monument, learning about the country’s fascinating past.
Explore local markets, enjoying the daily life of the city. Cap off the experience with a delicious lunch featuring fresh seafood or meat, accompanied by rice, vegetables, and water, all while enjoying a breathtaking sea view.
This small-group tour (maximum 8 travelers) ensures personalized attention from your knowledgeable guide. Round-trip transfers from your Praia accommodation are included, along with liability insurance and the lighthouse entrance fee.
For a more exclusive experience, you can opt for a private tour upgrade. Reviewers praise the welcoming guides and informative nature of the tour, though some note occasional miscommunication regarding the tour type.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a lowest price guarantee, this is an unmissable opportunity to discover Praia’s history and culture.
Read our full review: Praia: Guided Historic Walking Tour & Lunch With Locals Review
Book now: Check availability
Cultural Tour on Santiago Island
Set out on a captivating 4-hour cultural tour of Santiago Island, the economic and political capital of Cape Verde. For just $42.18 per person, you’ll explore Cidade Velha, the first city built by Europeans in the tropics south of the Sahara.
Discover the vibrant, colorful market in Praia, Cape Verde’s capital. Throughout the tour, you’ll be accompanied by a live guide fluent in English, French, and Portuguese.
Your tour includes pickup from your hotel or the harbor, with the guide waiting no longer than 5 minutes after the scheduled time. You’ll experience the streets of Praia, learning about the city’s history and architecture.
Then, you’ll drive 15 km to Cidade Velha to visit the main religious and political monuments. An optional entry ticket to the Fortress is available for €5.
The tour provides liability insurance and a professional guide in your native tongue. You can reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Read our full review: Cultural Tour on Santiago Island Review
Book now: Check availability
Santiago Island: Best of Praia & Cidade Velha Tour, a World Heritage Site
Although Santiago Island is known for its vibrant capital city of Praia, the nearby Cidade Velha offers a captivating glimpse into Cape Verde’s storied past. The “Best of Praia & Cidade Velha Tour” promises to immerse you in the history and culture of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This half-day excursion, with a maximum group size of 8 travelers, showcases the highlights of Praia and Cidade Velha. You’ll visit the Praia City Hall, the Se Cathedral, and the traditional houses on Banana Street, all while learning about the region’s history and European influence.
The tour includes round-trip transfers, a knowledgeable guide, and entrance fees, ensuring a seamless experience. Personalized communication in multiple languages is available, and you can even upgrade to a private tour for a more tailored experience.
With comfortable clothing and sun protection recommended, this tour provides an engaging and insightful exploration of Cape Verde’s earliest European settlement, making it a must-do for history enthusiasts visiting Praia.
Read our full review: Santiago Island: Best of Praia & Cidade Velha Tour, a World Heritage Site Review
Book now: Check availability
Recap
Explore Praia’s rich history on guided tours. Discover the island of Santiago, home to the UNESCO-listed Cidade Velha, the first European colonial settlement in the tropics. Enjoy local culture with a lunch among the locals. Whether you’re interested in architecture, history, or cultural experiences, these tours offer a comprehensive introduction to Praia’s heritage.