The 10 Best Things to Do in Managua, Nicaragua

November 26, 2017 Yuk Petri

Six thousand years ago, human footprints were left in the volcanic mud along the shores of Lake Managua. Preserved over centuries, these footprints can be seen at The Museum of Acahualinca in Managua, the capital of Nicaragua. In addition to the footprints and impressive collections of pre-Colombian artifacts in the city's museums, Managua has much more to offer. The Tiscapa Lagoon Natural Reserve is a watery retreat within the city, with bars, shops, ziplines, and a canopy ride with views of downtown.
Restaurants in Managua

1. Puerto Salvador Allende

Puerto Salvador Allende - El Malecon, Managua, Nicaragua +505 2268 6061
Excellent
47%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 907 reviews

Puerto Salvador Allende

Reviewed By TexasTerry_12 - Fort Worth, Texas

one usd entry for 4 people. beautiful view of Lago Xolotlan. fairly typical tourist area with lots of restaurants.

Plaza de La Revolucion, Managua, Nicaragua
Excellent
47%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
16%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 375 reviews

Antigua Catedral de Managua

Reviewed By Helene L - Indianapolis, Indiana

Very impressive Cathedral, unfortunately in a terrible state. It is more impressive by night, with spot lights than by day light. Entrances have been condemned - you can't even walk up the stairs to see through the gates. Not sure if it will ever be repaired.

3. Plaza de la Revolucion

Managua, Nicaragua
Excellent
37%
Good
42%
Satisfactory
19%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 225 reviews

Plaza de la Revolucion

Reviewed By robnkim - alberta

the square wasnt nearly as impressive as the colonial squares that I have seen in countless other spanish colony cities. There are not as many old restored buildlings, aparantly many were damanged in a natural disaster 30 years ago and were rebuild. Overall, drive by it but dont plan to spend any time there really.

4. The National Palace of Culture...

Managua, Nicaragua +505 2228 1032
Excellent
40%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
21%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 172 reviews

The National Palace of Culture...

Reviewed By Erindel66 - Vilanova i la Geltru, Spain

It's original name was National Palace and until 1979 hosted the National Congress.
It's a neoclassical building, that was constructed after the earthquake of 1931 that destroyed the ancient National Palace.
Because of the fatal earthquake of 1972, the building suffered some damage, but could be repaired.
The 22nd August 1978 a command of 25 people of the FSLN guerrilla, dressed as soldiers of the national guard took the palace and got some important hostages. They asked for half milion dollars, the freedom of some guerrilla and 2 planes. After 2 days, they achieved it.
After the triumph of the revolution in 19 July 1979 it was called the Revolution Palace and the National Congress was transfered to a new place. In 1999 it was converted to the actual National Palace of Culture and houses the National Musuem
I couldn't visit it because it was Xmas day and was closed, so I just could admire the classical building.

5. Loma de Tiscapa

Parque Loma de Tiscapa, Managua, Nicaragua +505 8872 2555
Excellent
29%
Good
46%
Satisfactory
21%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 250 reviews

Loma de Tiscapa

Reviewed By drwillie78 - Edmond, Oklahoma

Great Overlook of Managua! There is a nice historical exhibit under the parking lot! It talks of Sandino and Somoza. It is only in Spanish but pictures are excellent!

6. Teatro Nacional Ruben Dario

Avenida NO 1RA, Managua, Nicaragua 222-7426
Excellent
65%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 67 reviews

Teatro Nacional Ruben Dario

Reviewed By chefgeraldManagua - Managua

They say that Nicaragua is a country of surprises and sometimes there are disappointments and sometimes great pleasures in store but you have to look hard.The offerings at the Teatro Nacional Ruben Dario are very varied. One example was last evening
I am not a relative or even close friend of Mario Rochas probably the best baritone around this area who has formed a choir and enchanted his audience with talented pianists and singers and gave one just one performance last night. HIs rendition of "Granada" was superb and the small audience had a wonderful evening.

7. Catedral Metropolitana Inmaculada Concepcion de Maria

Avenida Sureste - Costado Norte DGI, Managua, Nicaragua +505 5781 1333
Excellent
46%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
16%
Poor
4%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 71 reviews

Catedral Metropolitana Inmaculada Concepcion de Maria

Reviewed By EMILE D - Guatemala City, Guatemala

It is an ultra modern building with extensive dimensions. The primary idea seemed nice, for its size, Gardens, location, but also seems that was left behind and was not finished. The exterior of the building is abandoned. The Gardens could have more flowers and plants. The interior of the church needs to have more decoration of images, paintings, lamps, more details to make the church impressive for its size. It has so much potential to be unique. It is an astonishing church that needs to be taken care of in order to finish it and accomplish its main idea.

8. Centro Comercial Galerias

Pista Jean Paul Genie, Managua, Nicaragua
Excellent
27%
Good
47%
Satisfactory
20%
Poor
6%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 29 reviews

Centro Comercial Galerias

Reviewed By Brittany J - Calgary, Canada

As compared to other international shopping experiences, this may not impress you too much. However, they carry your big brands like Zara, Steve Madden, and recently, Pull&Bear. It also has a great movie theatre. Again, nothing out of this world, but if you're in need of something higher end, you'll likely end up with it here.

9. Museo Sitio Huellas de Acahualinca

Iglesia Santa Ana 4 calles al Oeste y 1 calle al Norte | Barrio Acahualinca, Managua, Nicaragua +505 2266 5774
Excellent
33%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
11%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 36 reviews

Museo Sitio Huellas de Acahualinca

Reviewed By travelingbadger2014 - Washington DC, District of Columbia

I was initial warned off of going to visit the museum by my hostel (I'm a solo female traveler and they told me it wasn't safe to go alone), but I decided to brave it anyways and I'm glad that I did. As previous reviews have mentioned, the building and museum are nothing super special (basically just a couple of roofs put up over the footprints) but the footprints are very cool. There are no signs next to the actual footprints (although there are a few in the tiny room with ceramics next door), so I do recommend accepting the services of a guide--the guide is free but they suggest a tip. A few concrete details: it's a $4 US (about 100 cordoba) admission fee, plus another $1 if you want to take pictures. The surrounding neighborhood is not safe, but if you as long as you don't walk around you should be fine--just go straight from the taxi into the museum. I also suggest asking the guide to help you hail a taxi (both the guide and the security guard helped me find one), as they will usually be more than happy to. Coming from Colonia Los Robles (by the Metrocentro mall) I paid 70 Cordoba, which you may be able to barter lower. If you are looking to also visit the Port Salvador Allende, it would make sense to combine the museum with that as they aren't far from each other.

10. Parque Acuatico Salvador Allende

Puerto Salvador Allende, Managua, Nicaragua
Excellent
41%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
0%
Terrible
6%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 15 reviews

Parque Acuatico Salvador Allende

Reviewed By Robert937 - Rotterdam, The Netherlands

One block north from the old Cathedral on the shores of Lake Managua. Not to be confused with Puerto Allende park which is towards the northwest. The Parque Acuatico is gated, well supervised and a safe place for children and tourists. Most of the visitors are locals who like the Disney-like entertainment spots. There is an interesting miniature town with main buildings in Managua (partly buildings that no longer exist). You can also visit the inside of a plane. The motto of the park seems to be peace and unity: Christian and Socialist solidarity.
Nice views on Lake Managua and the Mountains surrounding it. Often there is a pleasant breeze.
Admission: free

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