The guide to São Tomé City, a hub of things to do
São Tomé City Guide — 9 essential things to do in São Tomé, from sights to hotels
São Tomé City isn’t big, but it’s full of contrasts — colonial buildings alongside busy streets, a working port next to calm bayfront walks. This São Tomé City Guide shares what’s worth your time: the main sights, where to stay, and what to do in São Tomé on a short visit. All drawn from local experience, so you can skip the guesswork.
Where to Stay
From city guesthouses and family-run B&Bs to larger hotels and resorts on the seafront, São Tomé has a range of places to stay. Budget hostels exist, though they’re limited, and while camping is possible elsewhere on the island it isn’t practical in the city itself. Click here for a list.
São Tomé Nightlife
Nights in São Tomé bring a mix of local bars, roadside caipirinha stands, and the occasional beach party if you know where to look. Tourist bars are found in the city centre, where you’ll mix with locals, while neighbourhood hangouts give a more local flavour. [Find out more →]
São Tomé restaurants
From grilled fish fresh off the boat to hearty local stews, São Tomé City serves up flavours worth exploring. Street food stalls offer quick bites like grilled chicken and fried plantains, while small restaurants give a taste of island home cooking. [Find out more →]
Getting Around São Tomé City
From walking the compact city centre to catching a taxi or moto-taxi, getting around São Tomé City is simple. Public minibuses connect neighbourhoods, while car hire offers more freedom to explore. [Find out more →]
São Tomé shopping
São Tomé City’s markets are a window into everyday island life. Expect small stalls selling whatever is available — from imported phone covers to second-hand goods. Kids weave between boxes while women balance loads on their heads, creating a lively, chaotic scene. [Find out more →]
Celebrations & Culture in São Tomé City
Throughout the year, São Tomé City comes alive with cultural celebrations—from the Festa de São Tomé, held annually on July 1st, to Carnival before Lent and summer marches like São João on June 23 and Santo António on June 13. These events bring music, dance, and community to the streets.
Money & Mobiles in São Tomé City
Changing money at the banks is slow and rates aren’t good, so use the guys on the street instead, if you need help get in touch. Getting a local SIM card requires a passport and can be a hassle, though we can help. Once you have one, topping up is simple, with vendors all over the city. Coverage works fine in the capital, even if data speeds can drag. Cash is still king, so carry enough for taxis, markets, and eating out.
Best Beaches and Swimming in São Tomé City
The easiest place to swim in the capital is PM Beach, a calm, sandy stretch beside the old fort that’s safe for a dip during the day. Facilities are minimal, so bring essentials, but you’ll get the atmosphere — kids somersaulting off the walls and families cooling down together. A short drive away, Lagarto Beach near Omali Lodge offers a longer, quieter shoreline where you can spread out and escape the crowds.
Things to Do in São Tomé City
Start at Independence Square, where the Presidential Palace looks out over the centre. The old fort beside the water holds the museum, worth a quick walk-through for a feel of the island’s past. The cathedral sits just behind the square, plain on the outside but busy on Sundays when services spill into the street. Everything is close, and you don’t need a plan — just wander a bit and you’ll cover the main sights in a few hours.
Why This Map Matters
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