Location: Antananarivo
Top Things to do in Antananarivo
Top Restaurants in Antananarivo
Countries
What to do and see in Antananarivo, Antananarivo Province: The Best Things to do
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 860 reviews
Reviewed By hnemcic - Makarska, Croatia
Perfect place to see various spices of lemurs in one place. When i have arrived on Madagascar i was thinking that lemurs will jump all around. It’s not like that. So if you want to see them in something that’s most close to natural environment, this is place to go. And guides are very good and helpful. Without explanation it will be just half of experience.
2. Musee de la Photographie de Madagascar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 51 reviews
Reviewed By David94114
The name of the museum is a bit misleading, as it isn’t a museum of photographs on the wall. Instead, it has several screening rooms that tell different aspects of Madagascar life and history in short (about 6 minute) films. These films use photographs to tell the story. The short films are very well done, and very informative. I wish it did have old photographs on display, or even new ones, to show Madagascar as seen through the lens of others. Very informative visit. Didn’t eat at the restaurant, but the food looked good, and it was very busy.
3. Ambohimanga
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 360 reviews
The former royal capital and its palace on a steep hill offer stunning views overlooking rice terraces.
Reviewed By midway42 - Minnesota, United States
The Twelve Sacred Hills of the Imerina were designated over two centuries ago by King Nampoina, who was roughly the Malagasy equivalent of George Washington. They were labeled as such because of their historical, political, and spiritual significance to the Merina kingdom and soon-to-be unified nation of Madagascar. This designation was echoed by UNSECO in the early 21st Century when the organization bestowed World Heritage status to Ambohimanga, by far the most famous of the dozen hallowed mounds. The hill rises steeply approximately 450 feet from the surrounding terrain and has been settled in one fashion or another for over four centuries. The current structures exhibit a mélange of construction styles and have been built, re-built, and renovated multiple times over the years. I visited during my first full day in Tana after spending almost two weeks in the country. Although the site is only found 23km north of the city it took over an hour to get here due to the usual labyrinthine “roads” in the area. As was routine in the country, a local guide is mandatory here and worth every ariary. Although the entire history of the site is layered and complex (just take a peek at the Wikipedia article), it basically consists of the Rova (royal enclosure) and the surrounding grounds. We started at the former, with the instructions that no photos were allowed inside. The Rova consists of a number of wood and stone buildings. The most famous of these is King Nampoina’s residence, the only remaining original construction here from that time period. “Palace” is a bit of a stretch but the building contains a number of his personal items including weapons, drums, and a raised bed. There are several other royal pavilions found nearby, in addition to royal tombs containing stone crypts with remains; stone water pools and zebu pens complete the interior picture. Outside the Rova are expansive gardens with a stone esplanade that provides sweeping views across the entire city and surrounding countryside. Multiple gardens with the requisite botanical diversity abound with the occasional bird to break the silence. I spent over two hours on site. In summary, there were multiple reasons why this attraction was one of the top five experiences during my time in the country. First, it is the one location that embodies the founding, colonization, and nationalization of the country. Second, the layers of symbolism were fascinating. My guide explained that the homes of the living are made of wood and vegetation (living materials) and those of the dead are in stone (non-living, inert materials); this was just one example of dozens found throughout the compound. Third, the views over the countryside are sublime. Last and most important, the area isn’t just a relic of the past; it is still used as a present day center for religion and pilgrimage and was refreshingly free from digital displays and souvenir books. Ambohimanga isn’t for everyone. It takes a bit of time and effort to get here and to peel back the layers of history. The results, however, are worth it. Thumbs up.
4. Analakely Market
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 63 reviews
Colorful fruits and vegetables vie with fish and even grilled lizards at this frenetic outdoor market.
Reviewed By DarwinDavid8888 - Darwin, Australia
You can buy almost anything here! For me, the attraction is the fresh fruit & vegetables. but for others, may be the seafood, the clothes, the hardware... Even if you are not buying, it's a good experience to walk around and explore the sights, sounds & aromas that make up this marketplace - not to mention the personalities you will find & see. I visited a couple of times - and did not personally have an issue - but I'd very strongly suggest you are consciously aware of pickpocketers here - plan for it before you leave your hotel, you should be OK.
5. Madagascar Exotic
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 64 reviews
Reviewed By 285wallya - Melbourne, Australia
Our guide shows us a huge array of chameleons, lots very large and colourful and some so small. With such an array it was difficult to concentrate of specific ones. The Variety is so good that I spent a long time filming and even have a clip of two chameleons mating. Unfortunately, the female chameleon was discarded off the tree on the ground.
6. Croc Farm
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 258 reviews
Reviewed By Sunshineday25 - Greensboro, United States
A short taxi or bus ride from the airport, this beautiful nature haven is a break from the city. Huge numbers of gigantic crocs sunbathe and swim in wide open spaces. The grounds are beautifully landscaped with endemic plants and trees. The restaurant offers grilled crocodile which is now my new favorite meat. Entrance fee with meal is 45,000 ariary. A little pricey but is well worth it.
7. Is'Art Galerie
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 25 reviews
IS'ART galerie is the only contemporary art space in Antananarivo , Madagascar. It used to be a laundry changed into this creative space by many artists. Its objective is to promote and enhance the artists by offering an exhibition , organizing events around their works , by promoting them as the Malagasy and international scene. Every month a new exhibition to see. Every friday night a concert-performance on the stage to watch. Every day a nice restaurant to eat creative food This is the place to meet artists and the underground art scene of the country We can organize art workshop for you The space can be rent for private event Very inspirating and special space in Antananarivo!
8. Parc Tsarasaotra
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 24 reviews
Reviewed By reptileenthusiast
I love Tana – it is so vibrant and busy and full of lovely people going about their lives. But sometimes your need a break from all of that activity, and Parc Tsarasaotra is the perfect antidote. For the last three years on our first full day in Tana, we have taken our study abroad students to this park. It is a great way to get their feet wet (figuratively) in the outdoors as they will be hiking for real throughout our month in Mada. A flat trail takes you around the lake, where we’ve always been treated to large groups of Red-billed Teals and White-faced Whistling Ducks. We’ve seen brilliant Malagasy Kingfishers, various egrets and night herons. Every year we see many tiny Lygodactylus geckos (although I’m not sure of the species) near the entrance and a species of bright green Phelsuma (day geckos). On sunny days we’ve seen Oustalet’s Chameleon (in a tiny park, in the middle of Tana!) I’m hoping that we’ll make it back to the park some December, when the birds will be more numerous and will include more Malagasy endemics. Back in 2016 it was required to purchase tickets at Boogie Pilgrim, but the last two years our guide just paid our entrance fee when we arrived at the park. We love Parc Tsarasaotra, and highly recommend it to bird watchers and nature lovers, and anyone who just wants a tranquil place to escape the city for a few hours.
9. Rova - Le Palais de la Reine
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 532 reviews
Reviewed By 416kate2019 - Kigali, Rwanda
We visited the Rova on our first afternoon and, with the help of a compulsory guide and a couple of postcards of kings and queens, gave us a great introduction to Madagasy history/ culture. Although damaged during a fire some years ago, there had been some excellent restoration done. More is planned I believe. The views are excellent in all directions and you get a feel for the layout of the city as a whole. A very worthwhile visit, and a short stroll to other nearby attractions.
