An unearthly scene may be seen around 25 miles outside of Angola's capital city of Luanda. Wind and rain erosion over hundreds of years has created canyons and ridges out of aged rock only footsteps off the main road. Miradouro do Lua, which translates as "Moon Viewpoint," displays many colorful layers of rock that wrap around a vast landscape.

The odd rock formations that decline in size as they stretch to the sea can be seen from the cliffside. This is known as a karst landscape which formed by progressively dissolving limestone and other semi-soluble materials. The steep ravines and dramatic geology are best seen at sunset, when the dying sunshine paints them a rich, dazzling crimson. Miradouro da Lua's beauty was further immortalized in the last sequence of the 1993 film of the same name, which examines Angola's history with its Portuguese colonists through the story of one family. Miradouro da Lua is the finest place to take in the moon-like scenery.

You may get to Miradouro da Lua by using the Nacional Highway 100 for about 25 kilometers on your trip to or from Luanda. Although you can join an organized trip, hiring a car and driving alone is just as easy and considerably less expensive. Because the sideroad has minimal sign markers and the entry is easy to miss, utilize GPS. Visitors should be cautious when parking and photographing because erosion has undermined the cliffside.

• Google Rating: 4.4/5
  
• Phone: +244 949 972 247
• Opening Hours: Daily
• Address: Q3HQ+HXH, Belas, Luanda, Angola

The "S. Miguel" Fortress is located in S. Paulo's old mountain, near the bridge to Luanda Island. It was built by Paulo Dias de Novais, the first Governor of Angola who arrived in Luanda in 1575, and is the country's oldest defensive structure. It is a vast area fortified with fortifications and counterforce, as well as polygonal rubblework edification. The Dutch-occupied Fortress is the target of the first significant offensive in 1641; the battle concludes in 1648 with the surrender and expulsion of the Dutch troops by the Portuguese.

The Fortress of "S. Miguel," like many others, comes to justify the Portuguese belicose presence in Angola, protecting the harbour and the village of Luanda, which stocked merchandise and slaves captured in the interior factories before embarking to the American lands, and providing defense against other colonial powers desirous of exercising hegemony in the region.

This fortress has been preserved completely, with no signs of disintegration. The Army's Central Museum is housed in this minor historical monument. It is in good condition and is owned by the government. Its upkeep and preservation are the responsibility of the Ministries of Defense and Culture.

• Google Rating: 4.3/5
• Phone: +244 924 570 064
• Opening Hours: Daily - 8:30 to 17:30
• Address: Calçada de São Miguel, Luanda, Angola
  

The Museu da Moeda Luanda is a Currency Museum that exhibits the evolution of money from Zimbo to Kwanza. The Currency Museum, located on the outskirts of Luanda, is one of the most emblematic cultural heritages in the Angolan capital, Luanda, either due to the impressive infrastructure or the excellent exhibition, organized in chronological order on the evolution of the Angolan currency, which is intrinsically linked to the country's history, literally constituting one of the Angolan capital's obligatory stops from a tourist perspective.

This valuable cultural treasure is notable for its underground infrastructure, which has a total construction area of 95 thousand square meters. The four Kianda towers, each with 12 storeys for offices, a commercial gallery, and a garden, fill the passageway from the outside of the construction. This currency museum includes all of the required amenities for its tourists to have the most comfortable experience possible.

The Museu da Moeda has a canteen with more than 26 m2, a cloakroom with 10 m2 of storage, 6 bathrooms, and a gift store with more than 50 m2. All visitors can take some Angolan culture home with them by shopping at this store.

• Google Rating: 4.3/5
• Phone: +244 226 431 231
• Opening Hours: Mon to Dat - 9:00 to 15:00
  
• Address: Av. 4 de Fevereiro 151, Luanda, Angola

The Slavery Museum was built in 1977 by the Culture and Tourism Ministry in order not to forget the slavery that brought significant harm to Angola, which gained its independence in 1975, and devastated the social fabric in the past. The museum is located on the shore of the Atlantic Ocean, near Mussulo Island and the Kwanza River, a major trading route where victims of the slave trade once lived.

In addition to the charm provided by the history behind each of the hundreds of pieces in the collections, the National Slavery Museum has several attractions, with a primary emphasis on theatre, poetry, music workshops, and lectures, with theatrical plays faithfully portraying the history of the country's slave trade in most cases. Despite being in the present, the history and artefacts of the Museu Nacional da Escravatura offer an authentic journey into the past.

Both the history and the emblematic pieces of this important heritage have enchanted all who visit the place, since the artefacts in the museum cannot be removed by anyone. The visitor has the possibility to purchase a replica of the artefacts in the handicraft square, which is why the handicraft square is located in a strategic location near the Slavery Museum.

• Google Rating: 4.2/5
• Phone: +244 923 586 173
  
• Opening Hours: Mon to Sat - 9:00 to 15:30
• Address: 24R3+FX4, Belas, Luanda, Angola

Sangano Beach is located south of Luanda, just a few miles past the Kwanza River and the bridge that spans it. The beach is a relatively tranquil spot, with amazing sceneries and warm water, giving a comfortable leisure environment that is ideal for spending time with family and friends.

The coast and the bottom are covered in fine, soft sand. The entry into the ocean is gentle, and the sea near the coast is shallow. There are adjacent hotels, restaurants, cafes, rental facilities for swimming equipment and equipment for the practice of water sports to complement the magnificent environment given by the beauty and peace of the clean and serene beach.

Sangano's seafood is well-known, but lobster reigns supreme here. It is a must try in restaurants by the sea or in the fishing village next to the beach. You may either take it home or eat it there if you prefer. Sangano beach is truly a paradise for those who want decent, inexpensive food that is simple and fresh. Tall, evergreen trees grow throughout Sangano's perimeter, providing shade for travelers. All of these characteristics add to the great calm and beauty of this incredible beach, which is unquestionably one of the best in the country.

• Google Rating: 4.2/5
• Phone: +244 928 738 239
  
• Opening Hours: Daily
• Address: Sangano, Luanda, Angola
  

The Mercado do Artesanato is Angola's largest square where pieces representing national culture and a little of Africa's history are sold. It is located south of Luanda; the square has been operational for over 30 years; its former location was in the Benfica district; the market is now located in Morro da Cruz, close to the National Slavery Museum.

In the Mercado do Artesanato, you will find the history of the Angolan people divided by tribes. In Angola, there are three ethnic groups: the Ovimbundu, who make up the majority of the population, the Kikongo, and the Bacangos, who make up the smallest percentage of the population.

The market has been considered an institution for those interested in handicrafts since the 1990s. This is a venue in the capital where around 700 vendors meet every day to exhibit around 10,000 pieces. The most popular pieces among collectors of this art are statues, such as the famous "Pensador," and traditional masks, such as the Mwana Pwo. The statues in the Mercado do Artesanato are made of wood trunks in brown, white, and black hues. The trunk of black-colored wood is a rare wood that only exists in Angola and is used to carve works. This black wood is born in the middle of a brown wood trunk. Visitors to the market will, however, find colorful paintings, antiques, and other handcrafted items.

• Google Rating: 4.1/5
• Phone: 244937528395
• Opening Hours: Mon to Sun - 8:00 to 18:00
• Address: Ingombota, Rua n68 Rainha Ginga, loja n74, Luanda, Angola

Belas Shopping is located in the southern part of Luanda, in the Talatona, an elite district in the capital city that arose with the goal of decentralizing the commercial and financial sector. Belas Shopping offers a very serene and friendly atmosphere. It has always been a popular area for families, friends, and individuals to spend their free time. The weekend is when the most people go shopping, from Friday to Sunday.

Its decoration on the outside is defined by white and blue colors; on the inside, there is a wide range of diversity in decoration, but white tones with ornamental touches of wood are relatively prevalent. Belas contains about 120 stores of varying types and genres. The responsible staff ensures that anyone visiting Belas will be able to find all of the necessary services to suit their needs.

If you want to taste national and international cuisine, Belas Shopping is the best place to find gastronomic diversities. In addition to the food court, which represents its heart, this shopping center has other restaurants and kiosks scattered inside and outside the mall. The food court is one of the best venues to sample gastronomic diversity, since it features cuisine from some of the best restaurants in Luanda and beyond.

The movie theaters in Belas Shopping have brought friends and families together to watch the latest releases of the seventh art. So far, this area has Angola's only 4DX theater, which is a room with film transmission with extraordinary effects, as if the audience were experiencing adventures in cinema.

• Google Rating: 4.0/5
• Website: http://belasshopping.co.ao/
  
• Phone: +244 222 678 470
• Opening Hours: Daily - 7:00 to 22:00
• Address: 35GP+9FG, Av. Luanda Sul, Luanda, Angola

What better way to unwind after a long day of sightseeing than with a leisurely stroll? When in Angola, visit Avenida 4 de Fevereiro to experience the classic city vibes. The Avenida 4 de Fevereiro in Luanda is one of the city's main thoroughfares. In memory of the metro’s 1576 founding father, Avenida de Paulo Dias de Novais was the street’s imperial name as it ran along the Bay of Luanda’s shore.

The avenue overlooks the Bay of Luanda and is regarded as a major artery in the capital. This famous boulevard is home to a number of government offices, hotels, and the headquarters of some of Angola's largest and most well-known corporations. The National Bank of Angola and Agostinho Neto University are also located here. Along with the breathtaking view of the Bay of Luanda, the avenue features several large open spaces ideal for running, walking, or cycling.

By simply walking around, you can get a sense of Luanda's riverside lifestyle. Before the day is done, you will take in the magnificent Fortaleza sunsets with friends and engage in some light activity. Overall, try to get a bottle of Portuguese wine or a craft beer at one of the many riverfront cafés, decks, and lounge pubs.

• Tripadvisor Rating: 4.0/5
  
• Opening Hours: Daily
• Address: Soba Manduome, Rangel, Luanda, Angola

Cabo Ledo is a cove in the province of Bengo, but because it is just 120 kilometers from the city of Luanda, it is a popular destination for visitors to the province of Luanda. The expanse of Cabo Ledo's beaches and cliffs is spectacular, and its seas are ideal for fishing and surfing. Surfers from all over the globe go to one of Cabo Ledo's beaches.

Cabo Ledo's beach is the most popular among surfers, and its regulars refer to it as The Surfers Beach. A wave practically perpendicular to the shore sweeps through the whole bay here. This makes reaching the peak much easier and is a feature that you will find on many other beaches in Angola. Located in a fishing community, Cabo Ledo is one of the most significant tourist locations and currently offers first-class accommodations. Beyond the surf, there is plenty of adventure to be had, with stunning hiking trails, completely virgin climbing sites, and plenty of animals.

The beach and its environs make an excellent setting for stunning photographs. On the opposite end of the long beach, you may refuel with fresh Angolan cuisine and get ready for the afternoon.

• Tripadvisor Rating: 4.0/5
• Opening Hours: Daily
  
• Address: Bengo Province, Angola

The Iron Palace is a historic edifice located in central Luanda. The structure features an original metallic filigree decoration and a magnificent surrounding porch, making it the outstanding example of iron architecture in Luanda and Angola. In addition to the iconic structure, the Iron Palace offers a three-month-long photographic exhibition named ''Memory and Restoration Process of the Iron Palace,'' which depicts the Iron Palace's restoration and revitalization process.

The Iron Palace management intends to keep alive the historical memory of the palace through these exhibitions, telling the story from the date of its appearance, in 1890, through the first decade of the twentieth century, when the revitalization process begins, and culminating with the reopening in 2016.

In addition to the guided tour, activities like as theatre, music, poetry, and many more are held in the museum's many rooms to make the visit more appealing and enjoyable. There are a variety of hotels, restaurants, stores, cafes, and other locations nearby to complete the experience. This exquisite cultural treasure is undoubtedly one of the destinations to consider when it comes to combining pleasure with learning; a visit to this area delivers a genuinely incredible two-century journey.

• Tripadvisor Rating: 4.0/5
• Opening Hours: Daily - 10:00 to 22:00
• Address: R. Maj. Kanhangulo, Luanda, Angola