Skip to main content

MEMBER LOGIN

Departures Logo Created with Sketch.

JOIN OUR NEWSLETTER

Departures Logo Created with Sketch.
  • City Guides
  • Travel
  • Fashion
  • Art + Culture
  • Home + Design
Departures Logo Created with Sketch.
  • City Guides
  • Travel
  • Fashion
  • Art + Culture
  • Home + Design

FOLLOW US

LOGIN

NEWSLETTER

More In City Guides

Why Are So Many Creatives Moving to Mérida?

Lured by majestic old haciendas and a vibrant artistic energy, creative visionaries are flocking

Take These Private Antarctica Cruises for a Once-in-a-Lifetime Travel Experience
15 Independently Owned Boutique Hotels in the US That Set the Standard for Luxury
Manhattan’s Newest Art Deco Tower Is a Glam Nod to the Roaring 1920s

More In Travel

  • Hotels
  • Travel Guides
  • Restaurants

This New Hublot x Takashi Murakami Watch Features More Than 450 Black Diamonds

The Japanese artist incorporated his iconic smiley face motif into the dial of the timepiece.

LVMH Releases Host of New Watches From Bulgari, Hublot, and Zenith—Take a Look
The Luxury Watches That Were Made for Winter Sports
De Bethune’s New Watch Is Like Two Super Luxe Timepieces in One

More In Fashion

  • Style
  • Shopping

9 Impeccably Designed Boutique Hotels in Palm Springs for the Perfect Midcentury Retreat

Spend your next vacation in style. 

Heatherwick Studio Unveils Designs for Twisted Towers in Vancouver
These Minimalist Eco-Chalets Are Bringing Cutting-Edge Design to the Swiss Alps
Architects Design a 278-Foot-Tall Building in Switzerland That’s Made Entirely Out of Wood

More In Art + Culture

  • Books
  • Philanthropy
  • Film

Furniture and Décor Pieces That Do Double Duty

This is what happens when form and function meet.

The Best Online Poker Sites for Every Kind of Player
Can’t Travel? Get the Scent of Famous Destinations With These Luxe Candles
How to Turn Your Living Room Into a Luxurious Space to Entertain

More In Home + Design

  • Art + Design
  • Architecture
LOGIN
NEWSLETTER
  • City Guides
  • Travel
    • Hotels
    • Restaurants
    • Travel Guides
  • Fashion
    • Style
    • Shopping
  • Art + Culture
    • Books
    • Film
    • Philanthropy
  • Home + Design
    • Art + Design
    • Architecture
  • MEMBER LOGIN
  • JOIN OUR WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
  • Contact Advertise Sitemap
Home / Travel
Travel

Africa’s Most Beautiful Cities and Towns

By Stacey Leasca on November 20, 2019

These hubs will steal your heart.

© Luis Dafos/Getty Images

SHARE:

Africa covers a whopping six percent of the Earth’s landmass. With more than 11.7 million square miles to explore there’s a lot to see and do across our planet’s second-largest continent. However, one thing that shouldn’t be overlooked is Africa’s magnificent cities and major towns. 

All across the continent visitors can explore cities and townships that are home to monuments, museums, culturally significant sites, artist colonies, and more. As you plan your next journey to Africa make sure to tack on a few days to spend a bit of time in one of these thriving metropolises to learn about history, shop along the streets, and gain a new perspective on a few African nations.

 
Anne-Marie Weber/Getty Images

Bo-Kaap, South Africa

There’s already a lot to love about Cape Town, however, no visit would be complete without exploring its most colorful neighborhood, Bo-Kaap. Located at the base of Signal Hill visitors will come across a neighborhood painted in every color of the rainbow. The candy-coated homes were painted this way by freed slaves who were finally allowed to purchase and paint their homes however they pleased. Check out the Bo-Kaap Museum while in the area to learn more.

James Morgan/Getty Images

Nairobi, Kenya

Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, is the ideal place to begin a countrywide adventure. The ultra-modern city is filled with world-class restaurants, museums, and plenty of shopping to keep visitors busy for days. Those looking to get in a little nature while staying in the city can also visit Nairobi National Park, which happens to be home to massive herds of Zebra, Wildebeest, Buffalo, Giraffe, and other large game. From the city, travelers can also visit a number of excellent national parks on a safari adventure just a few hours drive or a quick charter flight away.

Jeremy Villasis/Getty Images

Stone Town, Zanzibar

Stone Town, located on Unguja Island in Zanzibar, is a dream location for anyone looking to learn more about East Africa’s history. As one of the oldest living Swahili towns, the area is home to many buildings and monuments dating back to the 18th century. Thanks to the community’s efforts to retain the buildings the town was named as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As part of its introduction, UNESCO noted the community has “great symbolic importance in the suppression of slavery, since it was one of the main slave-trading ports in East Africa and also the base from which its opponents, such as David Livingstone, conducted their campaign.” In Stone Town, visit the community’s lively market to eat a delicious meal and purchase goods from local vendors.

Christine Wehrmeier/Getty Images

Chefchaouen, Morocco

There is perhaps no more Instagrammable city in Africa than Chefchaouen in Morocco. The city, located in the northwest corner of the country in the Rif Mountains, has become a favorite among social media users and pleasure photographers alike thanks to its famous wall-to-wall blue buildings. Though several theories exist as to why the city is blue they all lead to it being a gorgeous place to find solitude from the more densely populated tourist destinations like Marrakesh and Fez. Come here to find a bit of respite, and to watch the sun come up or go down with a bit of mint tea.

Max shen/Getty Images

Sidi Bou Said, Tunisia

For those travelers who’ve grown tired of the crowds in Santorini check out the stunning seaside community of Sidi Bou Said in Tunisia. The city offers similar stunning views of the Mediterranean ocean and even comes with its own white-washed buildings with bright blue roofs. The town is also famous as a haven for creatives including artists like Paul Klee, author André Gide, and more. In town, visit its many art galleries, visit The Centre de Musiques et Méditerranéennes to learn more about Arab and Mediterranean music, and end the day with a local dish at any number of its restaurants that also happen to come with stellar views.

Harry Hook/Getty Images

Tiébélé, Burkina Faso

Located a mere 12 miles from the Ghana border visitors to the landlocked country of Burkina Faso will find the painted town of Tiébélé. Each building in the small community is painted in traditional patterns by the Kassena ethnic group, which has inhabited this village and the surrounding area since the 15th century. According to Atlas Obscura, the paintings are the handiwork of the women in the village, who use a lacquer made of beans to hand paint the designs. Getting there takes a bit of work, as buses to the community only run three days a week, but upon seeing the buildings you’ll realize the journey is well worth it.

Paul Panayiotou/Getty Images

Luxor, Egypt

Sure, Cairo gets a lot of attention, but those seeking a deeper dive into Egypt’s history should head to Luxor, the country’s ancient capital. The modern city, which is home to some 450,000 people, is built around the site of the ancient city of Thebes. The city still holds relics and buildings dating back to 3,200 BC, when the city was first inhabited. In Luxor, guests will find plenty of places to immerse themselves in history including the Luxor Museum, the Mummification Museum, and the Luxor Temple. Though there are plenty of ways to get to Luxor the best way may be taking a river cruise down The Nile. That way, you’ll get to experience everything Egypt has to offer before ending your journey in this ancient place.

Ly Hoang Long Photography/Getty Images

Port Louis, Mauritius

Though the island nation of Mauritius is best known for its stunning beaches its capital city of Port Louis should not be overlooked. In Port Louis, travelers will find plenty of historic and cultural treasures such as the Place d’Armes, the statue of one of its founding fathers, Mahe de la Bourdonnais, the Government House, the Natural History Museum, and more. While in the city guests shouldn’t miss shopping at The Caudan Waterfront, which offers up deals from high-end designers from across the globe. Guests also can’t leave before eating in Port Louis’ own China Town, which was founded in the 1780s.

Johannes Laufs/EyeEm/Getty Images

Windhoek, Namibia

Flying in and out of Namibia means spending a day or so in its capital, Windhoek. But, don’t think of this place as a mere stopover, as it’s a destination worth seeing in its own right. In Windhoek, travelers can experience an introduction to African art at the Namibian Craft Center where they will find more than 40 stores ready to sell you some goods. Visitors can also spend time at the Independence Memorial Museum, find a quiet place at the National Botanic Garden of Namibia, and even get a taste safari life at the Daan Viljoen Game Reserve, located just 15 miles outside of town.

Alan Phillips/Getty Images

Algiers, Algeria

Located directly on the shores of the Mediterranean travelers will find the city of Algiers. In the city, guests can choose between relaxing on the beaches or getting a little history lesson in places like Casbah, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the Casbah neighborhood, guests can explore their way through the narrow streets, where they will find a plethora of local art galleries, museums, mosques, and more. Though mostly safe, it may be a good idea to hire a guide to take you through the neighborhood. This way, travelers can not only stay safe but will also find all the best places to see and learn in Algiers, too.

Explore More in Travel

tout-img

Why Are So Many Creatives Moving to Mérida?

tout-img

Take These Private Antarctica Cruises for a Once-in-a-Lifetime Travel Experience

tout-img

Serena Williams Opens Up About Her New Limited-Edition Collaboration With Away That's Meant to Inspire Your Future Travels


Marketing Events & Promotions

Become a DEPARTURES VIP

Join our Weekly Newsletter

Privacy Statement
Join our Weekly Newsletter
Departures Logo Created with Sketch.
  • City Guides
  • Travel
  • Fashion
  • Art + Culture
  • Home + Design
FOLLOW US
Other Meredith Corporation Travel & Leisure Group websites: 
  • Travel + Leisure
  • Food & Wine
  • Wallpaper
Related Websites for DEPARTURES International Editions:
  • DEPARTURES-International.com
Learn more about the American Express Platinum Card® benefits

View Terms of Service  and  Privacy Statement.   Ad Choices EU Data Subject Requests All users of our online services subject to Privacy Statement and agree to be bound by Terms of Service. Please review.

© 2021 American Express Company. All rights reserved. Departures® is published by Meredith Corporation Travel & Leisure Group, a subsidiary of Meredith Corporation. Departures is a trademark of
American Express Marketing & Development Corp. and is used under limited license. Meredith Corporation Travel & Leisure Group is not affiliated with American Express Company or its subsidiaries.

  • RSS
  • Advertise
  • Advertise
  • Advertise
  • Contact Us
  • Promotions
  • Site Map

Member Login

The current issue of DEPARTURES is available exclusively to American Express Platinum Card® Members.

Cancel