The 4 Best Cidade Velha Tours from Praia

1.Praia & Cidade Velha: Guided City Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 80 reviews · 4 hours · from $53Our pick

Join a local guide such as Amerigo or Walter for a four-hour tour of Praia and Cidade Velha. You’ll visit Plateau, a food market, Banana Street, Pelourinho Square, old church ruins, and Fortaleza Real de São Filipe. Hotel or harbor pickup and drop-off are included, while the fortress costs an optional €5.

“Amerigo nous a fait partager sa connaissance de l'histoire de son pays avec beaucoup de professionnalisme dans un français plus que correct. si vous en avez la possibilité demandez à faire le circuit "à l'envers"( comme nous avons dû le faire du fait des embouteillages du lundi matin): vous commencerez alors par Santiago "historique" et terminerez par Praia "contemporaine". J'airais même préféré commencer par la citadelle de Cidade Velha avant la ville de Cidade Velha. Attention, l'entrée à la citadelle coute 500escudos (5€) par personne.”

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2.Highlights of Cidade Velha with Local Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 67 reviews · 3 hours · from $57Top rated

Spend three hours exploring Cidade Velha with a local guide such as Yvonne, Ricardo, Andrew, Jose, or Ailton. Walk from the São Filipe Fortress to cathedral ruins, Pelourinho, Banana Street, the São Francisco Convent, and a black-sand beach while learning about Cape Verdean culture, colonization, and slavery. Pickup from Praia is included.

“I don’t very often leave reviews but I wanted to for this trip. The main reason being the guide Ailton. His command and understanding of English is excellent, his knowledge of the trip is brilliant as is his knowledge of his country Cape Verde. He took his time to explain everything, he looked after us and the tour was at the right pace, not rushed at all. We had a really enjoyable morning with Ailton! The car was spotless and the driver also careful and considerate. We would highly recommend this tour! Thank you”

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3.Calabaceira Valley Trek & Visit to Cidade Velha

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 49 reviews · 4 hours · from $82

Travel from Praia to Calabaceira for an easy downhill trek through sugar cane, baobabs, and tropical plants, with a stop at a local rum distillery. Then explore Cidade Velha, including Banana Street, the former slave market, Nossa Senhora do Rosário church, and São Filipe Fortress with a guide in your choice of English, French, Portuguese, or Spanish.

“Merci à Katia pour cette belle balade au milieu d'une nature luxuriante.”

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4.Cidade Velha, Tarrafal & East Side Island Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 23 reviews · 10 hours · from $141

Spend 10 hours crossing Santiago Island from Praia or Cidade Velha. Explore Cidade Velha with a local guide, make Cape Verdean cuscuz and fidjós with a family, stop in the mountains, then swim at Tarrafal Beach. Guides may speak English, French, Portuguese, or Spanish. Choose a shared or private vehicle.

“Gostei da dinâmica, do conhecimento transmitido, da abordagem simpática e intelectual.”

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