Location: Antananarivo
Top Things to do in Antananarivo
Top Restaurants in Antananarivo
Countries
The 10 Best Things to Do in Antananarivo, Madagascar
Built on a narrow, rocky ridge, Antananarivo occupies a strategic point at the center of the island of Madagascar. Two forts watch over the city from the east and southwest, while within the city limits lay royal palaces, embassies, some fifty churches and a mosque. The city's most distinguishing feature may be the burnt out remains of the Rova, or Queen's Palace, situated on a prominent hill. Its steep alleys and stairways make Antananarivo a challenging but rewarding city to explore on foot.
Restaurants in Antananarivo
1. Lemurs' Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 701 reviews
Reviewed By obaj - Ormond Beach, Florida
Up close and personal...these lemurs are in the wild but fed daily so they aren't scared of people... 2 hours of fun when in Madagascar. Also, saw some chameleons and tortoises while we were there...Nice guide, very helpful with explanations and questions
2. Ambohimanga
Overall Ratings
4 based on 287 reviews
The former royal capital and its palace on a steep hill offer stunning views overlooking rice terraces.
Reviewed By Ross B - Shenley, United Kingdom
This is the original capital of the Merida Royal family. It brings to life all the history I had read about. It costs 10,000 ar each to get in and 600 for the use of a camera. We had a fantastic English speaking guide for an hour and a half. We gave him 10,000 ar as he was so good. The rooms are well preserved with a lot of original features and furniture. The views are spectacular overlooking Tana and the seven hills.
3. Croc Farm
Overall Ratings
4 based on 202 reviews
Reviewed By Luke A - London, United Kingdom
This was the only time that we saw a Fossa in Madagascar, and for that reason I recommend visiting it.
The park itself was nice enough, you do need a guide though. He leads you first past enormous crocodiles. They were amazing but extremely lazy (apparently they get fed every Sunday in the evenings but double check this time before you visit). We also saw birds, geckos, and chameleons and then a fossa.
I felt that it was a little bit lonely but, by being there, it is making an important contribution to conversation efforts.
4. Madagascar Exotic
Overall Ratings
4 based on 50 reviews
Reviewed By hondo533 - Melbourne, Australia
Also known as Reserve Peyrieras, this is a great place to stop by between Tana and Andasibe as you can see all the reptiles usually so difficult to see in the wild.
Best part was when the guides start feeding the chameleons with grasshoppers and you get to see them grab them with their tongues.
5. Rova - Le Palais de la Reine
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 405 reviews
Reviewed By RosalindaBelgium - Belgium
the palace itself is a bit of a ruin you need a lot of imagination but with a good guide who can tell you about the history, it is interesting as a starter of understanding the history and importance of the place for Madagascar,
6. Gare de Soarano
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 52 reviews
Reviewed By 1Munich_Traveler - Munich, Germany
The guarded train station, which is a beautiful motif for a picture and a nice backdrop for an "I am in Tana selfie" is like an oasis of tranquility and a means of escape from the Avenue de l'Independence with its hustlers, money changers, and (wannabe and more pro) pick-pockets. There is not much to do other than drinking a coffe at the quite expensive but also worth a look / photo Cafe du Gare. After sunset take a taxi to you next stop.
7. Analakely Market
Overall Ratings
4 based on 43 reviews
Colorful fruits and vegetables vie with fish and even grilled lizards at this frenetic outdoor market.
Reviewed By V4ndy - Mowbray, South Africa
I enjoy these types of markets because it isn't tailored to tourists, but everyday people. There are some souvenir vendors, but the majority is groceries and other basic products. The vibe of walking through the spaces is the fun part, and people seem more than happy to have their picture taken (I always ask if I can, but sometimes they ask and love to see the photo). There are different sections but its uniquely situated along two staircase-paths with a large centre in the valley.
8. Cathedrale Catholique d Andohalo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By Orbec14 - Paris, France
Cette belle cathédrale domine la ville,elle aurait besoin d'un petit coup de peinture et de restauration à l'intérieur,mais une visite s'impose.
9. Open-air markets: Andravoahangy
Overall Ratings
4 based on 25 reviews
Reviewed By NYWrldTrav - New York City, New York
This market is fascinating. The small stalls run for as far as the eye can see. The goods are all made in Madagascar and they are beautiful. Seldom have I found so many interesting and unique handcrafted items. Of course, the baskets and leather work are amazing. But I especially enjoyed looking through the variety of polished stones. The marquetry boxes are also beautiful. The detailed work is amazing. Take time to walk all the way to the end as you will continue to discover new items as you walk. Definitely do not miss this market!
10. Eglise de Faravohitra
Overall Ratings
4 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By donaldcR423BO - Victoria, Îles Seychelles
It was a wonderful experience and a memorable vacation which every member of my group have expressed. We tried a different restaurant everyday and the food as well as the service was excellent
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