Antananarivo
Antananarivo, Madagascar’s capital, is a fusion of cultures, history, and landscapes. As you climb the city’s many hills, markets filled with crafts and fresh produce await. As day turns to night, find a perch to watch the sun set, painting the town in gold.
Chapters
Local Tips
• Rova Palace
• Ranomafana National Park nearby
• Lemurs at Andasibe-Mantadia
• Zoma Market
• Pirateny (historical hot springs)
• Heavy traffic congestion
• Pollution
• Safety concerns at night
Currency: –
Festivities: –
Antananarivo Guide
Guide for 1 Day
Morning
- Start your day with a delicious mofo gasy (traditional Malagasy breakfast pastry) at La Pâtisserie in the city center, followed by a visit to the iconic Queen’s Palace to learn about the country’s history and culture.
- Take a stroll through the beautiful Tsimbazaza Botanical and Zoological Garden to admire the diverse flora and fauna of Madagascar.
- Experience the local market scene at the Anosibe Market, known for its unique handicrafts, spices, and exotic fruits.
Midday
- Savor a mouthwatering Ravitoto sy hena-kisoa (pork and cassava leaves stew) at Laka Restaurant, a popular spot among locals.
- Explore the beautiful Andohalo Cathedral, a stunning piece of architecture with a rich history.
Afternoon
- Visit the Rova of Antananarivo, a royal palace complex with impressive views of the city and its surroundings.
- Discover the hidden gem of Ambohimanga Rova, an ancient hilltop village and UNESCO World Heritage site, featuring traditional Malagasy houses and tombs.
Evening
- Indulge in a flavorful zebu steak at Le Plaisancier, a cozy restaurant with a romantic atmosphere.
- Sip on a refreshing Rhum arrangé (infused rum) at La Terrasse, a chic rooftop bar offering panoramic views of Antananarivo.
- End your day with a live music performance at Le Glacier Analakely, a popular entertainment venue loved by locals and tourists alike.
Guide for 2 Days
Day 1
Morning
- Enjoy a delicious breakfast of “mofo gasy” (local bread) and coffee at La Terrasse.
- Explore the beautiful gardens and historic buildings at Rova Antananarivo Palace.
- Admire the stunning panoramic views of the city from Ambohimanga Hill.
Midday
- Indulge in a tasty lunch of “koba” (sweet snack made from rice flour and peanut butter) and “ranovola” (local juice) at Isotry Market.
- Discover the fascinating history behind the intricate wooden carvings at Andafiavaratra Palace.
Afternoon
- Get lost in the maze-like streets of the bustling Analamanga Market.
- Marvel at the impressive collection of Malagasy art at Artisanat.
Evening
- Feast on a mouth-watering dinner of “romazava” (beef stew) and “ravitoto” (cassava leaves) at La Varangue.
- Sip on a refreshing cocktail while enjoying live music at the trendy Le Glacier.
- Experience the vibrant nightlife of Antananarivo at Le Point d’Exclamation.
Day 2
Morning
- Start your day with a delicious breakfast of “sambos” (deep-fried pastry filled with meat or vegetables) at Le Bistrot de l’Artisan.
- Take a peaceful stroll through the lush gardens of Parc Botanique et Zoologique de Tsimbazaza.
- Learn about the culture and traditions of the Malagasy people at the Musée de la Photographie de Madagascar.
Midday
- Enjoy a tasty lunch of “vary sosoa” (rice with tomato sauce) and “achard” (vegetable salad) at Lalaina.
- Explore the beautiful colonial architecture and quaint streets of the historic district of Andravoahangy.
Afternoon
- Discover the hidden gem of Lac Anosy, a picturesque lake surrounded by charming cafes and restaurants.
- Visit the unique and quirky Maison de Jean Laborde, a museum dedicated to the life of a 19th-century French trader in Madagascar.
Evening
- Indulge in a delectable dinner of “zébu grillé” (grilled beef) and “ravitoto” (cassava leaves) at L’Orchidée.
- Sip on a refreshing cocktail while taking in the stunning views of the city from the rooftop bar of Hotel Carlton.
- Experience the vibrant music scene of Antananarivo at Le Chat’o.
Guide for 3 Days
Day 1
Morning
- Enjoy a delicious breakfast of local fare at La Varangue, a charming restaurant with a beautiful garden.
- Take a stroll through the lush greenery of Tsimbazaza Botanical Garden, home to a vast collection of endemic plant species.
- Learn about the Malagasy culture at the Musee de la Photographie de Madagascar, which showcases historical photographs of the island.
Midday
- Indulge in a hearty lunch of traditional Malagasy cuisine at La Varangue Sur Le Toit with a stunning panoramic view of the city.
- Discover the hidden gem of Rova Antananarivo, a palace complex that dates back to the 17th century and offers a glimpse into the city’s royal past.
Afternoon
- Explore the winding streets of the old town and admire the colonial architecture, including the iconic Hotel de la Poste.
- Visit the Analakely Market, a bustling local market where you can find everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts.
Evening
- Savor a delicious dinner of grilled meats and seafood at Chez La Sœur de Pierre, a popular restaurant in the heart of the city.
- Sip on a refreshing cocktail at the trendy rooftop bar L’Adresse Gourmet Restaurant while enjoying the stunning views of the city skyline.
- Experience the vibrant nightlife scene at Le Glacier Analakely, a popular hangout spot for locals and tourists alike.
Day 2
Morning
- Start your day with a tasty breakfast of croissants and coffee at Café de la Gare, a historic café with a charming colonial ambiance.
- Discover the rich history of Madagascar at the Musee Andafivaratra, which houses a collection of artifacts and exhibits showcasing the island’s past.
- Take a leisurely stroll through the beautiful Lac Anosy, a stunning lake in the center of the city.
Midday
- Enjoy a delicious lunch of street food at the bustling Analakely Market, where you can sample a variety of local delicacies.
- Explore the unique architecture and vibrant street art of the Isotry neighborhood, a hidden gem off the beaten path.
Afternoon
- Discover the stunning natural beauty of Ambohimanga Hill, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the former royal capital of Madagascar.
- Visit the Marché Artisanal de la Digue, a colorful market where local artisans sell their handmade crafts.
Evening
- Indulge in a delicious dinner of Malagasy fusion cuisine at the stylish Akany Avoko restaurant.
- Sip on a refreshing cocktail at the trendy Bar 3.14, a popular hangout spot for locals and tourists alike.
- Experience the lively atmosphere of Le Kudeta, a popular nightclub with a rooftop terrace offering panoramic views of the city.
Day 3
Morning
- Enjoy a hearty breakfast of omelets and fresh fruit at Le Bistrot du Vieux Paris, a charming café with a cozy ambiance.
- Take a scenic drive to the stunning Ambohimanga Rova, a hilltop fortress and UNESCO World Heritage site with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
- Discover the unique flora and fauna of Madagascar at the Crocodile Farm and Reptile Park, which houses a variety of reptiles and amphibians.
Midday
- Savor a delicious lunch of Malagasy fusion cuisine at the stylish La Table d’Alexandre restaurant.
- Explore the colorful street art and unique architecture of the Antaninarenina neighborhood, a vibrant area with plenty of local charm.
Afternoon
- Visit the Historical Museum of Antananarivo, which houses a collection of exhibits showcasing the city’s rich history and culture.
- Discover the unique flavor of local rum at the Dzama Rum Distillery, where you can take a tour and sample some of the finest rums in Madagascar.
Evening
- Indulge in a delicious dinner of fresh seafood at the popular Le Bateau Ivre restaurant.
- Sip on a refreshing cocktail at the chic Bar Lounge Club, a trendy hangout spot for locals and tourists alike.
- Experience the lively atmosphere of Le Sound Club, a popular nightclub with a dance floor and live music performances.
Guide for 5 Days
Day 1
Morning
- Enjoy a delicious breakfast at La Varangue, a charming café with a beautiful garden.
- Visit the Rova of Antananarivo, the ancient palace of the Merina monarchs with stunning views of the city.
- Explore the Andafiavaratra Palace, a historic building with impressive architecture.
Midday
- Try some traditional Malagasy dishes at Tanàna Maeva, a cozy restaurant that serves delicious local cuisine.
- Visit the Ambohimanga Palace Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that showcases the history and culture of the Merina people.
Afternoon
- Take a stroll in the Zoo de Tsimbazaza, a lovely zoo with a variety of animals and plants.
- Explore the Analakely Market, a bustling market that sells everything from handicrafts to fresh produce.
Evening
- Savor a delightful dinner at Le Bistrot du Sucre, a French-inspired restaurant that serves delicious food.
- Enjoy a drink at Le Glacier Analakely, a popular bar with a cozy atmosphere.
- Experience a traditional Malagasy music performance at Le Petit Bazar, a cultural center that promotes local art and music.
Day 2
Morning
- Grab a delicious breakfast at Café de la Gare, a charming café with a vintage ambiance.
- Visit the Musée de la Photographie de Madagascar, a museum that showcases the history of photography in Madagascar.
- Explore the Faravohitra Church, a historic church with stunning architecture.
Midday
- Savor some tasty Malagasy street food at La Gare Routière, a busy station that offers a variety of food options.
- Visit the Parc Botanique et Zoologique de Tsimbazaza, a lovely park with a botanical and zoological garden.
Afternoon
- Explore the Lac Anosy, a beautiful lake with a picturesque view of the city.
- Visit the Marché Artisanal de la Digue, a vibrant market that sells a variety of handicrafts and souvenirs.
Evening
- Indulge in a delicious dinner at Le Café de la Gare, a French restaurant that serves mouth-watering cuisine.
- Sip some local beer at Le Kudeta, a popular bar with a lively atmosphere.
- Enjoy a movie at Cinéma Le Plaza, a classic cinema that screens both local and international films.
Day 3
Morning
- Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Le Bistrot de l’Artisanat, a cozy café with a rustic ambiance.
- Visit the Palais des Sports Mahamasina, a sports complex with a lively atmosphere.
- Explore the Antananarivo Railway Station, a historic railway station with stunning architecture.
Midday
- Savor some delicious street food at La Gare Soarano, a busy station that offers a variety of food options.
- Visit the Musée Andafivaratra, a museum that showcases the history and culture of the Merina people.
Afternoon
- Take a stroll in the Jardin d’Antaninarenina, a lovely garden with beautiful flowers.
- Visit the Marché de la Digue, a bustling market that sells a variety of goods.
Evening
- Enjoy a scrumptious dinner at La Varangue sur l’Artisanat, a restaurant that serves delicious cuisine with a local touch.
- Sip some cocktails at Le Roof Bar, a rooftop bar with stunning views of the city.
- Experience a traditional Malagasy dance performance at Le Tsyny Bar, a popular bar that showcases local music and dance.
Day 4
Morning
- Savor a delicious breakfast at La Table de Mariette, a cozy café with a lovely garden.
- Visit the Musée d’Art et d’Archéologie, a museum that showcases the art and history of Madagascar.
- Explore the Ambohijatovo Garden, a beautiful park with a variety of flora and fauna.
Midday
- Try some tasty street food at La Gare Soarano, a busy station that offers a variety of food options.
- Visit the Parc Zoologique et Botanique de Tsimbazaza, a lovely park with a botanical and zoological garden.
Afternoon
- Take a walk in the Is’Art Galerie, an art gallery that showcases the work of local artists.
- Visit the Marché de la Digue, a bustling market that sells a variety of goods.
Evening
- Indulge in a delicious dinner at La Varangue sur l’Artisanat, a restaurant that serves delicious cuisine with a local touch.
- Enjoy a drink at Le Petit Futé, a cozy bar with a friendly atmosphere.
- Experience a live music performance at Le Glacier Analakely, a popular bar that showcases local talent.
Day 5
Morning
- Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Café Mirella, a charming café with a vintage ambiance.
- Visit the Croix Rouge Malagasy, a historic building with stunning architecture.
- Explore the Manjakamiadana Palace, a historic palace with impressive architecture.
Midday
- Savor some tasty street food at La Gare Soarano, a busy station that offers a variety of food options.
- Visit the Musée de la Soie, a museum that showcases the history and production of silk in Madagascar.
Afternoon
- Take a stroll in the Parc de Tsarasaotra, a lovely park with a variety of birds and plants.
- Visit the Marché de la Digue, a bustling market that sells a variety of goods.
Evening
- Indulge in a delicious dinner at Le Bistrot de l’Artisanat, a cozy restaurant that serves delicious cuisine with a local touch.
- Sip some cocktails at Le Château de la Galette, a popular bar with a lively atmosphere.
- Experience a traditional Malagasy music performance at Le Petit Futé, a cultural center that promotes local art and music.
Guide for 1 Week
Day 1
Morning
- Start your day with a delicious rice cake breakfast, a popular local dish.
- Visit the Rova of Antananarivo, a historical palace that offers stunning views of the city.
- Explore the Dzama Club, a distillery that produces high-quality rum.
Midday
- Enjoy a refreshing lemongrass tea and a tasty zebu steak at Le Rossini, a cozy restaurant with a French touch.
- Discover the Andafiavaratra Palace, a beautiful example of traditional Malagasy architecture.
Afternoon
- Take a stroll in the Analakely Market, a bustling market where you can find souvenirs and local products.
- Visit the Ambohimanga Royal Hill and Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers a glimpse into the Malagasy kingdom’s history.
Evening
- Enjoy a delicious Malagasy dinner at La Varangue, a charming restaurant that serves traditional dishes with a modern twist.
- Have a drink at Le Glacier Analakely, an ice cream parlor with a lovely rooftop terrace.
- Watch a live performance at the Le Palace, a theater that hosts plays, concerts, and shows.
Day 2
Morning
- Start your day with a croissant and a cup of coffee at Café de la Gare, a charming café that has been around since 1897.
- Visit the Musee de la Photographie de Madagascar, a museum that showcases the country’s history through photography.
- Explore the Manjakamiadana Palace, a historic building that was once the residence of Malagasy monarchs.
Midday
- Enjoy a light lunch at Le Bistrot du Fromager, a restaurant that specializes in cheese and wine.
- Visit the Parc Botanique et Zoologique de Tsimbazaza, a zoo and botanical garden that features a wide variety of flora and fauna.
Afternoon
- Explore the Marché Artisanal de la Digue, a market where you can find beautiful handicrafts made by local artisans.
- Visit the Queen’s Palace, a magnificent palace that was once the residence of Queen Ranavalona III.
Evening
- Indulge in a delicious seafood dinner at La Table d’Alexandre, a restaurant that offers a fine dining experience.
- Visit Le Bar, a trendy bar that serves creative cocktails and has a lively atmosphere.
- Attend a live music performance at Le Jaojoby Club, a nightclub that showcases the best of Malagasy music.
Day 3
Morning
- Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Maison Gallieni, a charming café that serves delicious pastries and coffee.
- Visit the Palais de la Reine, a historic palace that is now a museum.
- Explore the Antananarivo City Hall, a beautiful building that houses the city’s government offices.
Midday
- Enjoy a tasty lunch at La Marmite, a restaurant that serves traditional Malagasy cuisine.
- Visit the Antananarivo Railway Station, a historic train station that offers a glimpse into the city’s transportation history.
Afternoon
- Explore the Antananarivo Craft Market, a market where you can find unique handicrafts made by local artisans.
- Visit the Rova Palace Museum, a museum that showcases the history of the Malagasy kingdom.
Evening
- Dine at Le Grand Mellis, a restaurant that offers a mix of French and Malagasy cuisine.
- Visit the Le Glacier Analakely for a delicious dessert.
- Watch a movie at Majestic Cinema, a cinema that shows both local and international films.
Day 4
Morning
- Enjoy a breakfast at La Varangue, a restaurant that offers a tasty breakfast menu.
- Visit the Antananarivo Central Market, a bustling market where you can find everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts.
- Explore the Faravohitra Church, a historic church that offers a peaceful atmosphere.
Midday
- Enjoy a delicious lunch at La Boussole, a restaurant that offers a fusion of French and Malagasy cuisine.
- Visit the Avenue de l’Indépendance, a street that is lined with historic buildings and monuments.
Afternoon
- Explore the Rova Ambohimanga, a historic city that was once the capital of the Malagasy kingdom.
- Visit the Antananarivo Natural History Museum, a museum that showcases the flora and fauna of Madagascar.
Evening
- Dine at Le Bistrot Gourmand, a restaurant that offers a mix of French and Malagasy cuisine.
- Visit Le Bar Zaza, a cozy bar that serves a wide variety of drinks.
- Attend a live music performance at Madagascar Underground, a music venue that showcases the best of Malagasy music.
Day 5
Morning
- Start your day with a breakfast at Les 3 Metis, a cozy café that serves delicious coffee and pastries.
- Visit the Andohalo Cathedral, a historic church that offers stunning views of the city.
- Explore the Ambohidratrimo Palace, a historic palace that was once the residence of Malagasy monarchs.
Midday
- Enjoy a tasty lunch at Le Jardin d’Antanimena, a restaurant that offers a mix of French and Malagasy cuisine.
- Visit the Antananarivo Independence Monument, a monument that commemorates Madagascar’s independence from France.
Afternoon
- Explore the Antananarivo Old Town, a historic district that is home to many beautiful buildings and monuments.
- Visit the Andravoahangy Market, a market where you can find fresh produce and local products.
Evening
- Dine at Le Bateau Ivre, a restaurant that offers a mix of French and Malagasy cuisine.
- Visit Le Bar Square, a lively bar that serves a wide variety of drinks.
- Watch a performance at Le Kudeta, a theater that showcases the best of Malagasy culture.
Day 6
Morning
- Start your day with a breakfast at Café de la Gare, a charming café that has been around since 1897.
- Visit the Andohalo Square, a historic square that is home to many monuments and statues.
- Explore the King’s Palace, a historic palace that was once the residence of Malagasy monarchs.
Midday
- Enjoy a delicious lunch at La Varangue Sur l’Eau, a restaurant that offers a mix of French and Malagasy cuisine.
- Visit the Antananarivo Artisanal Market, a market where you can find beautiful handicrafts made by local artisans.
Afternoon
- Explore the Antananarivo University, a historic university that is home to many beautiful buildings and statues.
- Visit the Ambohijatovo Park, a beautiful park that offers a peaceful atmosphere.
Evening
- Dine at Le Jardin de l’Hotel de Ville, a restaurant that offers a mix of French and Malagasy cuisine.
- Visit Le Bar de l’Hotel de Ville, a cozy bar that serves a wide variety of drinks.
- Attend a live music performance at Le Glacier Analakely, an ice cream parlor with a lovely rooftop terrace that hosts live music.
Day 7
Morning
- Start your day with a breakfast at La Terrasse du Voyageur, a charming café that serves delicious coffee and pastries.
- Visit the Ambohimanga-Rova, a historic palace that offers stunning views of the city.
- Explore the Antananarivo City Hall Park, a beautiful park that features many statues and monuments.
Midday
- Enjoy a tasty lunch at Le Jardin de l’Espoir, a restaurant that offers a mix of French and Malagasy cuisine.
- Visit the Barijaona Market, a market where you can find fresh produce and local products.
Afternoon
- Explore the Antananarivo Railway Museum, a museum that showcases the city’s transportation history.
- Visit the Antananarivo Queen’s Palace Museum, a museum that offers a glimpse into the life of Malagasy monarchs.
Evening
- Dine at Le Bistrot du Sommelier, a restaurant that offers a mix of French and Malagasy cuisine.
- Visit Le Bar du Rova, a cozy bar that serves a wide variety of drinks.
- Attend a live music performance at Le Glacier Analakely, an ice cream parlor with a lovely rooftop terrace that hosts live music.
Where to Stay
Coming soon for Antananarivo!
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Coming soon for Antananarivo!