What to see in São Tomé city, the capital of São Tomé and Príncipe: Fort São Sebastião, the cathedral, the market, the seafront, chocolate and the surroundings, with a one-day itinerary and practical tips.
What is there to see in São Tomé city? The capital of São Tomé and Príncipe can be visited in half a day to a day: Fort São Sebastião and the National Museum, the Cathedral of Our Lady of Grace, the Municipal Market, the Avenida Marginal along the bay, chocolate made from island cocoa and, on the outskirts, the Boa Morte baobab and the fishing village of Pantufo. It is a small, quiet colonial city where life happens during the day.
For an overview of the country, from things to do to weather, prices and safety, see our São Tomé and Príncipe travel guide.
In this guide we explain what to visit in the capital of São Tomé and Príncipe, how much time to set aside, where to eat, where to stay and how to fit the city into a trip around the island — with tips from our local team, who meet travellers at the airport every week.
The seafront of São Tomé city, the capital, on Ana Chaves Bay. Photo: Príncipe Collection
What is the capital of São Tomé and Príncipe
The capital of São Tomé and Príncipe is São Tomé city, in the north-east of the island of the same name, facing Ana Chaves Bay. It is the country's largest city, the seat of government and the centre of trade, and it is home to the only international airport, a few minutes from the centre.
Between 1753 and 1852 the colonial capital was Santo António, on Príncipe island; São Tomé became the capital again in 1852 and remained so after independence on 12 July 1975. Today the historic centre has pastel-painted colonial buildings, Portuguese-style streets and a seafront promenade where locals stroll in the late afternoon.
Things to see in São Tomé city: 10 places
1. Fort São Sebastião and the National Museum
Built in 1575 at the entrance to the bay to defend the city from attack by sea, Fort São Sebastião is the capital's most important monument. Inside is the National Museum, with objects from the colonial period, sacred art and rooms devoted to the history of the roças and cocoa. The ramparts offer one of the best views over the bay. Allow about an hour.
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2. Cathedral of Our Lady of Grace
São Tomé Cathedral, dating back to the 16th century, is the oldest church in the country and stands in the historic centre next to the presidential palace. Its simple white façade contrasts with the Portuguese azulejo tiles inside.
3. Presidential Palace
Next to the cathedral, the pink Palácio do Povo is the official residence of the President of the Republic. It can only be seen from outside, and you should not photograph the guards without asking.
4. Municipal Market
The market is the liveliest and most photogenic place in the city: stalls of tropical fruit, fish straight off the boats, spices, leaves for calulu, clothes, plastic goods and plenty of conversation. Go in the morning, when it is busiest, and always ask before photographing the market women.
5. Avenida Marginal 12 de Julho
The seafront promenade follows Ana Chaves Bay from the fort to the centre. It is the classic late-afternoon walk, with the sea on one side, colonial buildings on the other and fishermen pulling their dugouts onto the sand.
6. The colonial historic centre
The streets around the cathedral and Independence Square have colonial houses with iron balconies, old cocoa warehouses and public buildings from the 19th and early 20th centuries. Many are run-down, which gives them a romantic look that photographers love.
7. São Tomé chocolate
São Tomé cocoa is among the most prized in the world, and in the capital you can taste and buy chocolate made on the island. Chocolate maker Claudio Corallo's factory in the city is a regular stop for our travellers. We tell the story of São Tomé cocoa in a separate article.
8. Art galleries and crafts
The capital has a small art scene, with galleries and cultural spaces showing painting, wood carving and local crafts. They are good places to buy souvenirs made on the island rather than imported trinkets.
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9. Boa Morte baobab
On the way out of the city heading north stands a huge, centuries-old baobab, one of the largest on the island. It is on the road to Lagoa Azul and worth a quick stop.
10. Praia Lagarto and the sunset
Next to the airport, Praia Lagarto is the closest beach to the centre, popular with locals at weekends. For better swimming, head to the north or south of the island.
One-day itinerary in São Tomé city
- Morning: Municipal Market, historic centre, cathedral and presidential palace.
- Lunch: grilled fish or calulu at a restaurant in the centre.
- Afternoon: Fort São Sebastião and the National Museum, followed by a chocolate tasting.
- Late afternoon: a walk along the seafront to the fort and an early dinner.
On most trips the capital fits into the arrival day or the last day, before the flight home. More days in the city are not worth it: the best of São Tomé is in the north, the inland roças and the south. See how to plan the island by area in things to do in São Tomé and Príncipe.
Colonial-era building in São Tomé city. Photo: Príncipe Collection
Around São Tomé city
- Pantufo: a fishing village south of the capital, with colourful dugouts on the sand and the catch coming in late in the morning.
- Trindade and Monte Café: half an hour away in the highlands, the Coffee Route begins, with Roça Monte Café and its museum.
- Lagoa Azul: less than an hour north, the best snorkelling bay near the capital. See how to get to Lagoa Azul.
- Roça Agostinho Neto: one of the most impressive roças in the country, on the way north. More in roças of São Tomé and Príncipe.
Where to eat in São Tomé city
The capital has the widest choice of restaurants in the country, from small local eateries to hotel restaurants. Dishes to try are calulu, grilled fish with breadfruit and matabala, forest snails (búzio do mato) and tropical fruit. Try the island's coffee and chocolate too.
A useful rule: eat early. The city goes to sleep early: once it is dark there are few people on the streets and, after dinner, it is very hard to find a taxi. Arrange your ride back to the hotel before you go out.
Where to stay in the capital
The city has the hotels with the most facilities in the country, such as Omali and Pestana, and several simpler guest houses. One or two nights in the capital are enough, usually on arrival or before the flight home. We compare all areas and hotels in where to stay in São Tomé and Príncipe.
São Tomé city market, with fresh fish from the morning catch. Photo: Príncipe Collection
Practical tips for visiting São Tomé city
- Safety: São Tomé is not a violent city. Life happens by day: shops close around 20:00 and at night the streets are empty and there is no nightlife.
- Money: the currency is the dobra, but euro cash is accepted in many places. There are few ATMs and cards are hardly ever accepted. See how much money to take.
- Heat: it is hot and humid all year. Do your sightseeing in the morning and late afternoon.
- Photos: always ask before photographing people and avoid photographing official and military buildings.
- Tourist tax: on arrival the only charge is the tourist tax of €2.10 per person per night, paid at the airport.
FAQ: São Tomé city
What is the capital of São Tomé and Príncipe?
São Tomé city, on São Tomé island, on Ana Chaves Bay.
How much time do you need to see São Tomé city?
Half a day to a day is enough for the main sights: fort and museum, cathedral, market and seafront.
Is São Tomé city safe?
Yes. It is a quiet city with no violent crime. Use normal common sense and avoid walking around late at night, when the streets are deserted.
Is the airport far from the centre?
No. The international airport is a few minutes' drive from the city centre.
What is the capital of Príncipe island?
Santo António, a small colonial town that was the country's capital between 1753 and 1852. See things to do on Príncipe island.
See the capital on an organised trip
On our trips, São Tomé city is visited with a local guide on arrival or on the last day, and the rest of the island is explored by 4x4, with nights in the north and south. See the São Tomé and Príncipe: 9 days with flights trip or talk to our team.
