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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
very interesting tour. Ricardo was a great guide. Recommended!
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
Itinerary
2 pickup location options:
Praia, Cidade Velha
Cidade Velha
Visit, Guided tour, Walk
São Felipe Royal Fortification
Visit, Guided tour, Walk
Sé Cathedral Ruins
Visit, Guided tour, Walk
Pelourinho, Cidade Velha
Visit
Banana Street, Cidade Velha
Visit, Guided tour, Walk
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.
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.
