Sao Tome City: What to See in the Capital of Sao Tome and Principe (2027)

What is the capital of Sao Tome and Principe? The capital is Sao Tome city, on the north-east coast of Sao Tome island, facing Ana Chaves Bay. It is small, colonial and easy-going, and half a day to a full day is enough to see the highlights: Fort São Sebastião and the National Museum, the cathedral, the central market, the bayside promenade, locally made chocolate and, just outside town, a giant baobab and the fishing village of Pantufo.

This guide covers what to see in Sao Tome city, a one-day itinerary, where to eat and stay, and practical tips — from the local team who meet our travellers at the airport every week.

In this article

• The capital of Sao Tome and Principe
• What to see in Sao Tome city: 10 places
• One day in Sao Tome city
• Around the city
• Where to eat
• Where to stay
• Practical tips
• FAQ

The capital of Sao Tome and Principe

Sao Tome city is the capital and largest town of Sao Tome and Principe, the seat of government and the country's commercial centre. The only international airport is a few minutes' drive from the centre, so almost every trip starts and ends here.

From 1753 to 1852 the colonial capital was Santo António, on Principe island; Sao Tome city became the capital again in 1852 and remained so after independence on 12 July 1975. Today the historic centre has pastel-coloured colonial buildings, Portuguese-style streets and a seafront promenade where locals stroll at the end of the day.

What to see in Sao Tome city: 10 places

1. Fort São Sebastião and the National Museum

Built in 1575 at the entrance to the bay, Fort São Sebastião is the city's most important monument. Inside, the National Museum covers the colonial period, religious art and the history of the cocoa plantations. The walls give one of the best views over the bay. Allow about an hour.

2. Cathedral of Our Lady of Grace

Dating back to the 16th century, Sao Tome Cathedral is the oldest church in the country, in the historic centre next to the presidential palace. Its plain white façade hides Portuguese tiles inside.

3. Presidential Palace

Next to the cathedral, the pink presidential palace can only be seen from outside. Do not photograph the guards without asking.

4. Central market

The market is the liveliest and most photogenic place in town: tropical fruit, fresh fish, spices, leaves for calulu stew, clothes and conversation. Go in the morning and always ask before photographing the market women.

5. The seafront promenade

The Marginal 12 de Julho follows Ana Chaves Bay from the fort to the centre. It is the classic late-afternoon walk, with fishermen pulling their dugout canoes onto the sand.

6. The colonial old town

The streets around the cathedral and Independence Square keep colonial houses with iron balconies, old cocoa warehouses and 19th-century public buildings, many of them beautifully faded.

7. Sao Tome chocolate

Sao Tome cocoa is among the most prized in the world, and in the capital you can taste and buy chocolate made on the island. The Claudio Corallo chocolate factory in town is a regular stop for our travellers.

8. Art galleries and crafts

A small art scene, with galleries showing painting, wood carving and local crafts, is the best place to buy souvenirs actually made on the island.

9. The Boa Morte baobab

On the road north out of town stands a huge, centuries-old baobab, one of the largest on the island, on the way to Lagoa Azul.

10. Praia Lagarto

Next to the airport, Praia Lagarto is the closest beach to the centre and busy with locals at weekends. For better swimming, head north or south.

One day in Sao Tome city

• Morning: market, old town, cathedral and presidential palace.
• Lunch: grilled fish or calulu in a local restaurant.
• Afternoon: Fort São Sebastião and the National Museum, then a chocolate tasting.
• Late afternoon: stroll along the promenade and an early dinner.

Most trips fit the capital into the arrival day or the last day before the flight home. The best of the island is in the north, the plantations inland and the south — see things to do in Sao Tome.

Around Sao Tome city

• Pantufo: a fishing village just south of the capital, with colourful canoes and the morning catch.
• Trindade and Monte Café: half an hour away in the highlands, the start of the Coffee Route.
• Lagoa Azul: under an hour north, the best snorkelling bay near the capital.
• Roça Agostinho Neto: one of the most impressive cocoa plantations, on the road north.

Where to eat in Sao Tome city

The capital has the widest choice of restaurants in the country, from simple local eateries to hotel restaurants. Try calulu, grilled fish with breadfruit and plantain, and the island's coffee and chocolate. Eat early: the city goes quiet after dark and taxis are very hard to find after dinner, so arrange your ride back before you go out.

Where to stay

The city has the hotels with the most facilities in the country, such as the Omali and the Pestana, plus simpler guesthouses. One or two nights are enough, usually on arrival or before departure. Compare areas and hotels in Sao Tome and Principe hotels: where to stay.

Practical tips for Sao Tome city

• Safety: Sao Tome is not a violent city. Life happens during the day: shops close around 8 pm, streets empty at night and there is no nightlife.
• Money: the currency is the dobra, but euros in cash are widely accepted. ATMs are few and cards are rarely taken.
• Heat: it is hot and humid all year; sightsee in the morning and late afternoon.
• Photos: always ask before photographing people and avoid official and military buildings.
• Tourist tax: the only charge on arrival is the tourist tax of €2.10 per person per night, paid at the airport.

Frequently asked questions

What is the capital of Sao Tome and Principe?

Sao Tome city, on Sao Tome island, on Ana Chaves Bay.

How long do I need in Sao Tome city?

Half a day to a full day covers the fort and museum, the cathedral, the market and the promenade.

Is Sao Tome city safe?

Yes. It is a calm city with no violent crime to speak of. Use normal common sense and avoid walking late at night, when the streets are deserted.

How far is the airport from the city centre?

Only a few minutes by car.

What is the capital of Principe island?

Santo António, a small colonial town that was the capital from 1753 to 1852.

See the capital on a Sao Tome holiday

On our trips the capital is visited with a local guide on arrival or on the last day, and the rest of the island by 4x4, with nights in the north and south. See our 8-day private tour of Sao Tome, read the Sao Tome and Principe travel guide or contact our team.