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Like Locals: Praia and Cidade Velha Tour + Local Pontxi Tasting
5.0
13 Ratings
Praia
Immerse yourself like a local on this four-hour journey, traversing through the Historic center of Plateau and all the remarkable spots of the first city erected by Europeans in Sub-Saharan Africa (Cidade Velha). Discover the birthplace of Cape Verdian history and culture, and experience iconic locations steeped in incredible narratives.
Duration:
5 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
- Praia - You will be picked up from your accommodation.
- Praca Alexandre Albuquerque - After being picked up from your accommodation, lead to histórical center of plateau where you will do a small walking tour through the Jaime Mota Military Barracks, passing by the Presidential Palace, the Alexandre Albuquerque Square. In the Municipal Market (closed on Sundays), meet locals, find a diversity of local fruits and vegetables.
- Mercado de Sucupira - Explore the largest souvenirs market to be found in Cape Verde. After that, have a short drive toward Cidade Velha accompanied by a professional guide.
- Fortaleza Real de San Felipe - Your next stop will be in cidade Velha you will do an easy walking until you reach the Real Fortress of São Felipe, Built originally to defend the city against pirate attacks, the fort makes an excellent viewing point from an altitude of 120 meters above sea level.
- Se Catedral - You will follow to The Ruins of Sé Cathedral, the first sub-Saharan African Cathedral Built by Europeans, and see anglers returning from the sea with their traditional boats full of fresh fish.
- Cidade Velha, Historic Centre of Ribeira Grande - You will visit the former slave market in Pelourinho, the famous Banana Street with its traditional houses, the Nossa Senhora do Rosário Church, and finally, the Convent of São Francisco.
- Praia - After this informative and historic tour, you will return to Praia and be dropped off at your accommodation.
![](https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/attractions-splice-spp-720x480/0a/a0/28/70.jpg)
What's Included
- Pick up and drop off
- Guiding service
- Pontxi tasting
- Public transportation
What's Not Included
- Lunch
- Personal expenses
- Entrance fees
Additional Information
- The transfer from Praia to Cidade Velha and vice versa will be done in a mini public van, with capacity for up to 15 passengers, being necessary to wait for the capacity to depart.
Location
Praia
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(13 Ratings)
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Elisa_k
Jun 19, 2023
The tour was very well... - The tour was very well organised and thorough, and the team from Bu Country Tours was super accommodating and easy to communicate with. I was lucky enough to do this tour on my own with Alex, who taught me a lot about the culture and history of Cabo Verde. He was super informative and willing to answer all my questions, and he was generally a joy to spend the day with. Would absolutely recommend this tour!
Review provided by Viator
Kach
Oct 27, 2022
Explore like a LOCAL! - After doing a full day Santiago Island Tour plus a workshop with Bu Country Tours, I had a second day well spent! This time, I explored Praia and the highlights of Cidade Velha, the country’s former capital. Maria, my guide and my photographer that day was such a fun lady to be with!
Praia is such a wonderful city, full of colorful artworks on the houses and streets as well as full of sweet welcoming locals. It was indeed a great experience to dance and talk with them.
Since Cidade Velha is the former capital of Cape Verde, there are a lot of places that can be explored here. We visited Fortaleza Real de Sao Filipe, Se Catedral, Pelourinho, Rua Banana, Nossa Senhora do Rosario Church, and Convento de Sao Francisco.
This day tour is full of learnings! If you’re interested to learn more about Cape Verde’s history and culture, this tour is the perfect one for you!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Brianmaxhouston
Oct 24, 2022
Excellent tour and v easy going - Elton the driver and Ailtom the guide were super nice and accomodating. Ailtom knows his stuff and shares his knowledge in a really nice way. He is VVV patient with questions 🤓.
The tour was comprehensive and was a great introduction to the recorded history of CV and Praia since the Portuguese arrived and up to independence and beyond
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Calvin_s
Jul 20, 2022
No expectations, and all went above and beyond - Gina was more than a tour guide but became a wonderful companion and friend the entire 2 days we spent together exploring Praia, Cidade Velha and the rest of Santiago island all the way up to Tarrafal! We'll miss her and there's definitely a part of us that looks forward to returning and keeping in touch!
Review provided by Viator
Saran116
Jun 3, 2022
Nice tour, comfortable transportation, great guide! - Our tour guide, Maria, was great! She was patient and handled my whole family beautiful (including helping my 70 yo mom keep up and rest when needed…). We got to visit some nice places and the restaurant where we had lunch had really great food.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Camper04855892747
Jan 17, 2022
Great time with Rita - Our tour with Rita was the highlight of our trip to Santiago! We fully enjoyed everything about it ! The Cidade Velha is a beautiful and peaceful spot worth to visit . Rita knew everything about the history of this place . Thanks again for this great experience!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor