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    Explore Santiago Island, Cape Verde

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  • Explore Santiago Island, Cape Verde
  • Places to see
  • Things to do
  • Top sights
  • Attraction types
  • Outside Santiago Island, Cape Verde

Bartolomé Island

Tarrafal Beach

Presidential Palace, Praia

Quartel Jaime Mota

Sucupira Market

Island tours

Landmarks & monuments

Neighborhood tours

National parks

Nearby destinations

Sal tours

Boa Vista Island tours

Nearby sights

Shark Bay, Cape VerdeAttraction in Sal, Cape Verde

Salinas, Fogo IslandAttraction in Sao Filipe, Cape Verde

  • Top experiences
  • Interests

Hiking

Beach trips

Ocean safaris

Sailing trips & boat tours

Mountain biking

Catamaran experiences

Outdoor activities

Sightseeing

Culture & history

Water sports

Santiago Island: Highlights of Cidade Velha with Local Guide

Top rated
4.8461537 out of 5 stars
4.8
4.8461537 out of 5 stars
52 reviews
Activity provider:Bu Country Tours
Santiago Island: Highlights of Cidade Velha with Local Guide
Top rated
4.8461537 out of 5 stars
4.8
4.8461537 out of 5 stars
52 reviews

Explore the first city built by Europeans in sub-Saharan Africa: Cidade Velha. Enrich your knowledge of the history of colonization and slavery in Cape Verde, take in the city's highlights, and enjoy the views from the top of the Royal Fortress.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later
Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Duration 3 hours
Check availability to see starting times
Live tour guide
English, French, Portuguese, Spanish
Pickup included
Pickup from your accommodation in Praia
Private or small groups available

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

M
Marco – Italy

very interesting tour. Ricardo was a great guide. Recommended!

W
William – United States

Our tour was great! Ricardo was super friendly and extremely well informed. He clearly has a lot of commitment to his work. We learned a lot and enjoyed ourselves

Select participants and date

Participants

Itinerary

  • Timeline stop icon

    2 pickup location options:

    Praia, Cidade Velha

  • Timeline stop icon

    Cidade Velha

    Visit, Guided tour, Walk

  • Timeline stop icon

    São Felipe Royal Fortification

    Visit, Guided tour, Walk

  • Timeline stop icon

    Sé Cathedral Ruins

    Visit, Guided tour, Walk

  • Timeline stop icon

    Pelourinho, Cidade Velha

    Visit

  • Timeline stop icon

    Banana Street, Cidade Velha

    Visit, Guided tour, Walk

  • Timeline stop icon

    San Francisco Convent

    Visit, Guided tour, Walk

  • 2 drop-off locations:

    Cidade Velha, Praia

Main stop

For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.

Highlights

  • Explore the birthplace of the Cape Verdean nation and culture
  • See the fortress built to protect the island against pirates
  • Visit the former slave market in Pelourinho
  • Discover the ruins of the first sub-Saharan African cathedral
  • Choose between a shared group or private tour

Full description

Discover the essence of Cape Verdean culture at the historic Cidade Velha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on this enlightening 3-hour tour. Enjoy convenient pickup from your accommodation before venturing into a captivating guided walking tour of Cidade Velha's historical treasures.

Upon arrival, marvel at the ancient São Filipe Fortress, once a vital defence against pirate attacks. Explore the ruins of the first Cathedral in Sub-Saharan Africa and take in the panoramic views of colonial buildings from Calhau fishing bay. Unveil the poignant history of slavery at the former slave market in Pillory and meet local fishermen. The journey continues to the enchanting Banana Street, adorned with traditional thatched houses, leading you to the remarkable Convent of São Francisco.

Travel back in time, learn the history from your expert, walk on a black sand beach and meet local fishermen before a short trip back to Praia. After a memorable day, the tour finishes with a drop-off at your accommodation.

Includes

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off from Praia
  • Transportation
  • Tour Guide
  • Liability insurance
  • Lunch
  • Entrance Fee for fort (5 Euros/person)

Important information

What to bring

  • Water

Know before you go

  • Shared Group Tour option is subject to a minimum of 2 participants. In the event that the minimum number is not met, we reserve the right to propose an alternative date; to charge an extra fee to run the tour privately or to cancel a customer's booking for a full refund.
  • Note that the São Filipe Fortress is closed on holidays.

From $56 per person

Reserve now & pay later to book your spot and pay nothing today
Reserve now & pay later to book your spot and pay nothing today

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.8 /5

based on 52 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.8/5
  • Transportation
    4.8/5
  • Value for money
    4.5/5

Customer photos

+6
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M
Marco – ItalyMarch 29, 2025 – Verified booking
very interesting tour. Ricardo was a great guide. Recommended!
W
William – United StatesJanuary 27, 2025 – Verified booking
Our tour was great! Ricardo was super friendly and extremely well informed. He clearly has a lot of commitment to his work. We learned a lot and enjoyed ourselves
J
Jorge Manuel de Meneses – PortugalSeptember 20, 2024 – Verified booking
Wonderful survey of the diversity of Santiago. Must see.

Product ID: 344086

Activity provider:Bu Country Tours
  • Cape Verde
  • Santiago Island, Cape Verde
  • Things to do in Cidade Velha
  • Tours in Cidade Velha
  • Nossa Senhora do Rosário church

Top Attractions in Cidade Velha

  • 1Nossa Senhora do Rosário church
  • 2San Francisco Convent
  • 3Banana Street, Cidade Velha
  • 4Rua Banana
  • 5Pelourinho, Cidade Velha
  • 6Sé Cathedral Ruins
  • 7São Felipe Royal Fortification

Tours in Cape Verde

  • 1Santa Maria, Cape Verde Tours
  • 2Praia Tours
  • 3Mindelo Tours

Things to do in Cape Verde

  • 1Things to do in Santa Maria, Cape Verde
  • 2Things to do in Praia
  • 3Things to do in Sal Rei
  • 4Things to do in Mindelo
  • 5Things to do in Tarrafal
  • 6Things to do in Espargos
  • 7Things to do in Palmeira
  • 8Things to do in São Pedro
  • 9Things to do in Pedra Lume
  • 10Things to do in Baía das Gatas
  • 11Things to do in Rabil
  • 12Things to do in Assomada
  • 13Things to do in Murdeira
  • 14Things to do in Salamansa
  • 15Things to do in Sao Domingos

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