Luanda is the capital and largest city in Angola. It is on the Angola’s Atlantic coast. Since Angola’s civil war ended in 2002, the country still lacks basic infrastructure, and most goods are imported. However, its current renaissance is a truly inspiring success story. Luanda, is the country’s most populous and important city, primary port and major industrial, cultural and urban center. It is also the world’s most expensive city. Thanks to Angola’s reborn wealth from oil and other natural resources, the nation has seen a massive construction rebirth. A slew of new skyscrapers in and around the urban areas, and numerous foreign companies investing in office spaces and urban living.
We also recommend our guide to the best shopping malls in Luanda.
According to Mercer’s annual cost of living ranking, Angola’s capital Luanda is the most expensive city in the world. The costliest city, driven by cost of goods and security. By far the most expensive cities for expatriates – the Hamburgers cost $40 and a one-bed flats go for $9,500 a month. Be prepared to spend!
Top things to see and do in Luanda
Visit Sangano Beach
This is a beautiful beach on the south of Luanda. Popularly known as Cabo Ledo (always full with expats), it has a hot and silky beach water.
Get directions here.
Walk On Avenida 4 de Fevereiro
In colonial times, it was known as Avenida de Paulo Dias de Novais, in honor of the founder of the city. Today it’s an important road artery of the city of Luanda in Angola. Passing along the coast of the Bay of Luanda. Perfect place for sunset walks, see the life of Luanda by the waterside.
Get directions here.
Visit Fortaleza de São Miguel
Fortaleza de São Miguel is the oldest surviving building in Luanda, Angola. This place was used for slave trade in early colonial times. It is an amazing sightseeing spot giving a glimpse into Angolan history, including the colonial period, the liberation war and the civil war. It shows the colonial and pre-colonial culture, and how the country came to be how they are today.
Get directions here.
Visit to the Cidade Alta
The Cidade Alta in Luanda, Angola, stretches along a ridge lined by pink colonial buildings. The rich separated from everyone else. There are some wonderfully beautiful buildings including the president palace. Other dignitaries live and work in this world’s most expensive city. This place is recommended for those who appreciate old Portuguese architecture.
Get directions here.
Visit Augostinho Neto Mausoleum
Augostinho Neto Mausoleum is a top local attraction in the world’s most expensive city. It is impossible to miss the towering obelisk-like structure shooting above the rest of the city. This is the final resting place of the first president of Angola with an interesting architectural monument. This monument is dedicated to Augustinho Neto, the first President of Angola who helped in Angola’s struggle for independence.
Get directions here.
Go Crafts Shopping At The Benfica Market
The Benfica market sells everything from perfume to ivory to animal skins to colourful pictures to tourist guidebooks, and several types of antiques. The Crafts Market of Benfica has been a true institution for those interested in Angola’s arts and crafts. “Kifica”, as it is locally known, attracts many craftspeople and sellers. This is the place to buy statues (mainly representations of animals or Angolan popular characters such as “the Thinker”), and traditional masks such as Mwana Pwo, which represents the ideal young woman.
Get directions here.
