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Cidade Velha Tour: Explore World Heritage Site and Birthplace of Cape Verdean Culture
4.8
9 Ratings
Praia
Discover Cidade Velha, the first city established by Europeans in sub-Saharan Africa. This World Heritage Site is the cradle of Cape Verdean culture and nationhood. Enhance your understanding of Cape Verde’s history of colonization and slavery while enjoying the city’s remarkable attractions.
Discover Cidade Velha, the first city established by Europeans in sub-Saharan Africa. This World Heritage Site is the cradle of Cape Verdean culture and nationhood. Enhance your understanding of Cape Verde’s history of colonization and slavery while enjoying the city’s remarkable attractions.
Duration:
3 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Praia - Begin your journey with a pickup from your accommodation, heading towards Cidade Velha.
- Cidade Velha - Discover the key attractions of Cidade Velha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that marks the birthplace of Cape Verdean culture and nation.
- Convento de Sao Francisco - Constructed in the 17th century, this convent served as a…
- Praia - Begin your journey with a pickup from your accommodation, heading towards Cidade Velha.
- Cidade Velha - Discover the key attractions of Cidade Velha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that marks the birthplace of Cape Verdean culture and nation.
- Convento de Sao Francisco - Constructed in the 17th century, this convent served as a residence for the Franciscan order and a training center for priests.
- Nossa Senhora do Rosário Church - Recognized as the first historical monument in Cape Verde, this significant church was visited by Columbus and Vasco da Gama before their voyages to distant lands.
- Cidade Velha, Historic Centre of Ribeira Grande - Enjoy a serene lunch in the city, savoring local cuisine at a typical seaside restaurant.
- Rue Banana - Explore the renowned Banana Street, lined with traditional houses, and noted as the first street urbanized by the Portuguese in the tropics.
- Pelourinho - Engage with local fishermen and delve into the history of slavery at the former slave market in Pillory.
- Se Catedral - Visit the remnants of the first Cathedral built by Europeans in Sub-Saharan Africa, and enjoy a panoramic view of the colonial architecture from the top of Calhau fishing bay.
- Fortaleza Real de San Felipe - Embark on a guided walking tour of the São Felipe Fortress, learning about the ancient defense mechanisms against pirate invasions. Please note that the €5 per person entrance fee for the Fortress is not included.
- Praia - Conclude the tour with a drop-off back at your hotel in Praia.
What's Included
- Liability insurance included
- Expert tour guide provided
- Convenient pickup and drop-off at your accommodation in Praia or Cidade Velha
- Transportation arranged for the entire tour
- Liability insurance included
- Expert tour guide provided
- Convenient pickup and drop-off at your accommodation in Praia or Cidade Velha
- Transportation arranged for the entire tour
What's Not Included
- Lunch
- Entrance fee (€5 for São Filipe Fortress)
- Lunch
- Entrance fee (€5 for São Filipe Fortress)
Additional Information
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Please bring comfortable clothes and shoes, a hat and sunscreen
- A moderate walking is involved
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Please bring comfortable clothes and shoes, a hat and sunscreen
- A moderate walking is involved
Location
Praia
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.8
(9 Ratings)
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Rosario_g
Jan 23, 2026
Nice visit - I had this tour with Bamba (guide) and Dani (driver).
Very sstidfed with the tour and Bamba explained a lot above the visited sites and also sbout Cabo Verde.
Review provided by Viator
6q9bk8st28
Dec 10, 2025
Outstanding tour :) -
Ricardo was an absolutely exceptional tour guide during my time in Praia.
Extremely knowledgeable and a wonderfully pleasant young man, he made the experience truly memorable.
What set Ricardo apart was the extra effort he took, especially after learning I am a travel writer. He went above and beyond to deeply introduce me to Cabo Verdean culture, sharing insights that were invaluable for my work.
More than just a guide, Ricardo felt like a friend showing me his city and culture. His passion and warmth were infectious.
I highly recommend booking a tour with Ricardo—he offers an enriching and authentic experience that you won't soon forget!
Review provided by Viator
Daniel_a
Oct 5, 2024
A Tour of Cape Verde's Unique Roots - Our tour of Cidade Velha with our guide Alex was fantastic! He taught us a lot about the city's rich history, from Rua Banana, the oldest street in Cape Verde to the impressive fortress and convent, he also shared incredible stories about Cape Verde’s connection with the Portuguese and even the English. We visited the oldest church in Sub-Saharan Africa and learned about the city’s role in the transatlantic slave trade which was especially moving. If you're looking for an authentic and insightful way to explore Cape Verde's heritage, I definitely recommend this tour.
Review provided by Viator
Owen_h
Mar 31, 2024
A must see, excellently guided! - Dana was a delight and great fun to be with and was very considerate of my questions and interests. I learned a lot about Cidade Velha and it's various waves of pirate attacks, but also about the geopolitical significance of being the first European settlement in the tropics. Dana also told me some of the deeply emptional stories of how people were bought and sold in the town square, with local (captive)women singing to give those about to be taken to the new world hope of one day returning to Africa. To boost moral at its lowest ebb. Its a beautiful and deeply historic spot and well worth the trip.
Review provided by Viator
Faraway684487
Nov 6, 2021
Nice Town - Very nice town. One of the few places in Cape Verde where you can see culturally sights. The guide was very nice and was telling a lot about the history of this place and Cape Verde.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Docdynamite
Sep 20, 2021
Interesting trip to the old capital - Interesting trip to the old capital of Santiago island, learning a lot about the history of Cape Verde. Fantastic tour guides. We did several tours and were very happy that we found this company.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Reinout
Jul 4, 2019
Excellent tour - We took a tour of cidade velha, which was excellent. Our guide Zenildo took a lot of time to show interesting sights and explain the goings-on of the island. Communication was quick and clear, the driver was fine. Would definitely recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Carneezy90
Nov 13, 2018
Better than I'd ever imagined! - Exceeding expectations is an understatement. I’ve been on several tours around the globe, but I’ve never experienced anything like this! A full immersion experience of culture, food, people, art, and humanity. From end-to-end the trip was packed with fun and excitement, blended with history lessons in between. Admilson’s mastery of not only the Cape Verde landscape, but the several languages he spoke and the attention to detail that was specific to the goals my wife and I looked to gain from the tour, was look nothing I’d ever seen before. I highly recommend him and his company to anyone that’s looking to get the most out of their time in CV and or their vacation. Wish we had more time, would have loved to do and see more.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Basanth
Oct 6, 2019
Not a private tour despite advertising it as such - The tour was listed as a private tour and I was under the impression it would be such. However, it wasn’t one which greatly limited the positive impact I was hoping it would have
Review provided by Viator
