Luanda

Luanda sits on the Atlantic coast of Angola, and the port is near the old colonial centre. The Fortaleza de São Miguel, a 16th-century Portuguese fortress on the hill above the harbour, now houses the Museum of the Armed Forces and has views over the bay. The Baixa (downtown) has colonial-era buildings alongside modern high-rises, and the Marginal waterfront promenade runs along the coast for several kilometres. Luanda is one of the most expensive cities in the world, partly due to its oil economy. A meal at a decent restaurant costs significantly more than comparable cities elsewhere. The Ilha de Luanda, a narrow sand spit connected by a bridge, has beach bars and seafood restaurants. The local currency is the Kwanza, and US dollars are sometimes accepted. Portuguese is the main language, and English is limited outside hotels. Security in some areas requires caution, so sticking to tourist zones or using guided tours is advisable.