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Antananarivo

Madagascar

Pace: balanced Historic Bustling Authentic Hilly
Ideal trip length
3 - 7 days
Busiest
Apr-Oct
Antananarivo
Destination
Dates
Guests 1 room, 1 adults, 0 children
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Where to stay

Hotels in Antananarivo

Book direct on our own Antananarivo hotel pages — no booking fee and instant confirmation.

At a glance

Climate
Tropical
Languages
Malagasy and French
Local currency
MGA (MGA)
Local time
(GMT+3)
Ideal trip length
3–7 days
Cost level
2 of 5 · our research
Suggested area to stay
Analakely
Tap water
Bottled water recommended
Tipping
Expected for good service

What this place is for

History

95 · Outstanding

Culture

90 · Outstanding

Food

90 · Outstanding

Family 50 · Moderate

Our own 0–100 ratings for this one destination. They describe a city; they are not a league table of cities.

Food to try

Ravitoto Romazava Mofo Gasy Lasary

When to visit Antananarivo

How good each month is here, on this destination's own scale. It compares months within this city, never one city against another.

Best months: June, July Busiest: Apr-Oct
  1. Jan
    40

    Hot, rainy season

  2. Feb
    35

    Hot, heavy rain

  3. Mar
    45

    Warm, decreasing rain

  4. Apr
    70

    Mild, dry season starts

  5. May
    80

    Cool, dry, pleasant

  6. Jun
    85

    Cool, dry, sunny

  7. Jul
    85

    Coolest, very dry

  8. Aug
    80

    Cool, dry, warming

  9. Sept
    75

    Warm, dry, sunny

  10. Oct
    70

    Warm, dry, pre-rain

  11. Nov
    50

    Hot, rainy season begins

  12. Dec
    45

    Hot, increasing rain

Things to do in Antananarivo

7 places worth your time, grouped by when they are at their best.

Best in the morning

4 places

Rova of Antananarivo

Haute-Ville 2 hrs

Explore the historic royal palace complex with panoramic city views.

Indoors

Analakely Market

Analakely 2 hrs

Immerse yourself in the bustling main market, a sensory overload.

Outdoors Good for children

Ambohimanga Royal Hill

North of City 3 hrs

Visit a sacred UNESCO site, a former royal city with palaces and tombs.

Indoors

Lemur's Park

West of City 3 hrs

Observe various lemur species in a semi-wild environment.

Outdoors Good for children

Best in the afternoon

2 places

Andafiavaratra Palace Museum

Haute-Ville 1.5 hrs

Discover royal artifacts and history in a beautiful 19th-century palace.

Indoors

Stroll through Haute-Ville

Haute-Ville 2.5 hrs

Wander charming cobbled streets, colonial architecture, and viewpoints.

Outdoors Good for children

Any time of day

1 place

Croc Farm (Crocodyl Farm)

South of Airport 2 hrs

See Nile crocodiles, lemurs, and chameleons in a wildlife park.

Outdoors Good for children

Antananarivo itineraries

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Culture and history

3 Days in Antananarivo — Culture & History

Uncover the royal heritage, vibrant markets, and sacred traditions of Madagascar's captivating capital.

This immersive 3-day itinerary is designed for history buffs and culture enthusiasts eager to delve deep into Antananarivo's rich past and present. Explore ancient royal palaces, bustling markets, and sacred sites, gaining profound insights into Malagasy identity and traditions. Perfect for those seeking an authentic cultural journey through the heart of Madagascar.

3 Days 15 Stops
See the full plan
Things to book

Tours and activities in Antananarivo

Guided tours, day trips and tickets to book alongside your stay.

Practical ratings

Our own ratings and key insights for this destination.

Eating & Culinary

Ravitoto 95 · Outstanding
Romazava 87 · Outstanding
Mofo Gasy 78 · Very good
Lasary 70 · Good

Signature Experiences

Rova Of Antananarivo 95 · Outstanding
Analakely Market 91 · Outstanding
Ambohimanga Royal Hill 87 · Outstanding
Andafiavaratra Palace Museum 83 · Very good
Lemur's Park 78 · Very good
Stroll Through Haute-Ville 74 · Good
Croc Farm (Crocodyl Farm) 70 · Good

Best Suitable For

Budget 95 · Outstanding
Culture 87 · Outstanding
Adventure 78 · Very good
Friends 70 · Good

Planning & Tips

Bargain respectfully in markets. 95 · Outstanding
Be aware of pickpockets, especially in crowded areas. 83 · Very good
Learn a few Malagasy or French phrases. 70 · Good

Ratings and recommendations are curated from local travel data.

Getaways from Antananarivo

Places people from Antananarivo travel to, from our own travel research.

Johannesburg Johannesburg South Africa Nairobi Nairobi Kenya Paris Paris France Dubai Dubai United Arab Emirates Bangkok Bangkok Thailand
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