Praia and Cidade Velha tour with local Pontxi tasting

Walk colonial Cidade Velha and taste Pontxi with locals in Praia

A four-hour guided tour of Praia's historic center and Cidade Velha, the first European city built in sub-Saharan Africa, with pickup and drop-off included. You walk through the Plateau district, visit the Municipal Market to meet locals, explore the souvenirs market, then travel by public van to Cidade Velha to see the Real Fortress of São Felipe at 120 meters above sea level, the Ruins of Sé Cathedral, the former slave market at Pelourinho, Banana Street, and two churches. The tour ends with a local Pontxi tasting back in Praia. A live guide speaks English, Spanish, Portuguese or French.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Praia and Cidade Velha highlights

• Pick up from accommodation
• Walk tour in Plateau historic center
• Visit Municipal Market and local fruits
• Explore largest souvenirs market
• Drive to Cidade Velha with guide
• Walk to Real Fortress of São Felipe
• Visit Ruins of Sé Cathedral and see fishermen
• Tour former slave market and Banana Street
• See Nossa Senhora do Rosário Church and Convent
• Return to Praia and drop off

The experience

The Plateau district opens the tour with a walking route through the Jaime Mota Military Barracks, past the Presidential Palace and Alexandre Albuquerque Square. The Municipal Market (closed Sundays) is where you meet locals and see the diversity of Cape Verdian produce. From there, a short drive takes you to the largest souvenirs market in Cape Verde before the journey toward Cidade Velha begins.

Cidade Velha's walking section starts at the Real Fortress of São Felipe, built to defend against pirate attacks and now a viewing point 120 meters above sea level. You continue to the Ruins of Sé Cathedral, the first sub-Saharan African cathedral built by Europeans, where anglers often return from the sea with traditional boats full of fresh fish. The route then covers the former slave market at Pelourinho, Banana Street with its traditional houses, the Nossa Senhora do Rosário Church, and the Convent of São Francisco: each stop layered with the history and culture that shaped Cape Verde.

The transfer between Praia and Cidade Velha uses a mini public van with capacity for up to 15 passengers. You may wait for the van to fill before departure. After the historic walking sections, the tour returns to Praia for a local Pontxi tasting before drop-off at your accommodation.

What’s included

• Pickup and drop-off at your accommodation.
• guiding service in your chosen language.
• local Pontxi tasting.
• public transportation between Praia and Cidade Velha.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to SaturdayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (under 3)

GroupUp to 8

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 33 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearby

Operated by Bu Country Tours

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English, Spanish, Portuguese or French, so you choose the language that works for you at checkout. The public van between Praia and Cidade Velha may wait to fill before departure, which means the tour pace is set by the group and the van schedule rather than by a fixed timetable.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

21 verified traveler reviews

5 ★21

4 ★0

3 ★0

2 ★0

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French and Portuguese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (under 3).

What is Cidade Velha and why does it matter in Cape Verdian history?

Cidade Velha is the first city built by Europeans in sub-Saharan Africa and the cradle of Cape Verdian history and culture. The tour visits its most emblematic sites: the Real Fortress of São Felipe, the Ruins of Sé Cathedral (the first sub-Saharan African cathedral built by Europeans), the former slave market at Pelourinho, and traditional churches and streets that hold the stories of the island's past.

What does the tour include in Praia before heading to Cidade Velha?

In Praia, you walk through the historic Plateau district, passing the Jaime Mota Military Barracks, Presidential Palace, and Alexandre Albuquerque Square. You visit the Municipal Market (closed Sundays) to meet locals and see local produce, then explore the largest souvenirs market in Cape Verde.

How does the transfer to Cidade Velha work?

The transfer uses a mini public van with capacity for up to 15 passengers. You may need to wait for the van to fill before it departs for Cidade Velha, then the same process applies for the return to Praia.

What is Pontxi and when do I taste it?

Pontxi is a local Cape Verdian drink. The tasting takes place at the end of the tour, back in Praia after you return from Cidade Velha and before drop-off at your accommodation.