Things To Do
in São Tomé
Nestled in the Gulf of Guinea, this island capital is the heart of São Tomé and Príncipe, striking a bewitching blend of Portuguese colonial legacy and untouched natural beauty. It serves as a vibrant hub for the exploration of lush rainforests, cocoa plantations, and serene beaches that define the archipelago's allure.
The city's charming streets, dotted with pastel-colored buildings and historic landmarks, offer a peaceful yet captivating gateway to the rich cultural and ecological tapestry that is uniquely São Tomé.
- "Olá" - Hello
- "Obrigado" - Thank you
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Desculpe" - Sorry
- "Como estás?" - How are you?
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $30 - $100
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $20
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $2
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $20 - $50
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $40
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the vibrant markets in São Tomé, where you can experience local culture and fresh produce. Don't forget to try a traditional breakfast at a nearby café.
Visit the stunning São Sebastião Museum to learn about the island's history. Stroll along the coastal promenade and enjoy the views of the ocean.
Dine at a local restaurant serving traditional dishes, savoring the island's flavors. Take a relaxing evening walk along the beach to unwind.
Catch a morning ferry to Príncipe Island and take in the mesmerizing scenery. Spend your morning at Praia Banana, one of the island’s most famous beaches.
Go for a hike in Obo National Park to witness the lush biodiversity of the island. Try spotting unique wildlife and beautiful flora along the trails.
Enjoy a peaceful dinner at a beachfront resort, listening to the waves. Watch the sunset paint the sky with stunning colors.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning natural beauty with lush rainforests and beautiful beaches
- Rich biodiversity and opportunities for ecotourism
- Friendly and welcoming local population
- Unique cultural heritage with Portuguese influences
- Ideal climate with warm temperatures throughout the year
- Less crowded compared to other tourist destinations
- Limited infrastructure and services for tourists
- Accessibility can be challenging, with fewer international flights
- Heavily reliant on agriculture, which may lead to economic instability
- Potential for health issues due to limited medical facilities
- High humidity and occasional rainfall can deter some visitors
- Limited entertainment and nightlife options
Best Activities in São Tomé
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Enjoy a challenging hike to the iconic Pico Cão Grande, a spectacular volcanic plug rising from the surrounding jungle.
Relax on the beautiful sandy beach of Praia Jale, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling.
Discover the rich biodiversity of Obo National Park through bird watching, guided nature walks, and wildlife spotting.
Tours
Uncover the best of São Tomé with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in São Tomé
Visit one of these nice places.
A stunning needle-shaped volcanic peak rising from the tropical jungle, offering panoramic views.
This colonial-era building boasts remarkable architecture and offers picturesque views of the sea.
Scenic coffee plantation with lush landscapes and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Known for its beautiful shoreline and picturesque scenery, perfect for photography enthusiasts.
A historic plantation with incredible vistas and extensive grounds for capturing memorable photographs.
Food in São Tomé
São Tomé Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional stew made with fish, meat, or shrimp, cooked with palm oil, vegetables, and spices. It's a staple dish enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. Look for it at local eateries and traditional restaurants like Restaurante Genuino in São Tomé.
Must-Try!
A maize-based dish with influences from both African and Portuguese cuisine. It's often served with fish or meat and is a must-try for those seeking an authentic local taste. Try it at Mercado Municipal in São Tomé for a genuine experience.
São Tomé and Príncipe is renowned for its coffee production. Sample the rich and aromatic local coffee at cafés like Café Cacau in São Tomé, where you can savor the unique flavors of the island's homegrown beans.
Unique Experiences
Get to know São Tomé better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
This bustling market in the heart of São Tomé offers an array of fresh produce, spices, and local street food. It's an ideal place to taste traditional snacks like pastéis de milho (maize pastries) and various fruit offerings.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In São Tomé, it is important to greet people with a handshake and maintain eye contact. Showing respect for elders and using formal titles like 'Senhor' and 'Senhora' is also a cultural norm.
Being punctual is valued in São Tomé. It is polite to arrive on time for appointments and meetings as a sign of respect for others' time.
Respecting personal space is important in São Tomé. It's customary to maintain a comfortable distance and avoid standing too close when interacting with others.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of São Tomé with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in São Tomé
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not a widespread practice in Sao Tome and Principe. It is not expected in restaurants, hotels, or for other services. However, if you receive exceptional service, leaving a small tip as a token of appreciation is welcomed.
Payment in Sao Tome and Principe is primarily done in cash. Credit and debit cards may be accepted in some hotels and larger establishments, but it is advisable to carry sufficient cash for most transactions. Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks and authorized exchange offices.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into São Tomé.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
The best time to visit São Tomé, with pleasant temperatures and minimal rain, perfect for outdoor activities and exploring the beautiful beaches and jungles.
Expect heavier rainfall during this period, creating lush green landscapes. It's a great time for birdwatching and experiencing the island's rich natural beauty, but some outdoor activities may be limited due to the rain.
São Tomé at Night
Hiking in São Tomé
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
The highest peak in São Tomé, offering challenging trails with stunning views of the island and surrounding ocean.
A protected area featuring diverse wildlife and lush rainforests, with multiple hiking trails that vary in difficulty.
A scenic beach with nearby trails that lead through beautiful landscapes and offer opportunities for hiking along the coast.
An old plantation area with historical significance; hiking trails take you through gardens and offer glimpses of colonial architecture.
A waterfall located in a remote area, accessible via hiking trails that lead through rich tropical vegetation and provide a serene experience.
Aiports
How to reach São Tomé by plane.
The main international airport serving São Tomé and Príncipe, located on the island of São Tomé.
Located in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, this airport serves as a major international gateway and is one of the nearest significant airports.
Situated in Bata, Equatorial Guinea, this airport provides international services and is relatively close to São Tomé.
Located in Libreville, Gabon, this airport is one of the larger international airports in the region and is accessible via connecting flights.
Situated in Accra, Ghana, this airport is a significant hub for international flights in West Africa, providing connections to various destinations.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority of the population is of African descent, primarily originating from Bantu-speaking groups.
A significant portion of the population is of mixed African and European descent, resulting from historical interactions.
A small community of individuals of European descent, mainly Portuguese, exists due to colonial history.
There are very few indigenous groups remaining, as most of the original inhabitants were displaced through colonization.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is the most popular sport in São Tomé and Príncipe, with a passionate following and local leagues.
Basketball is also popular, especially among the youth, with various local teams and tournaments.
Volleyball enjoys popularity both as a recreational activity and in organized competitions.
Athletics, including running and track events, are encouraged through schools and sports clubs.
Handball has a growing popularity and is played in schools and community events.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting São Tomé.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While the traditional cuisine prominently features seafood and meat, many restaurants and cafés in São Tomé now offer vegetarian and vegan options, especially in touristic areas. It's advisable to communicate dietary preferences in advance to ensure a satisfactory dining experience.
Gluten-free options can be found in some establishments, but it may require some prior communication with the chefs or kitchen staff. Fresh fruits, vegetables, and rice-based dishes are commonly available and can cater to gluten-free requirements.