Barceló Praia Cape Verde
8.8V. good · 156 Reviews
Avenida Rotary International | Praia, 7600, CV
Swimming pool
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About Praia
Praia brings Plateau’s colonial streets, Atlantic waterfront and Cape Verdean music together on Santiago Island, Cape Verde’s cultural and administrative center.
Plateau gives Praia a laid-back historic core, with Portuguese-influenced buildings, shaded squares and evening music around its streets. Mercado de Sucupira adds local color, while Kebra Canela Beach opens onto the coast and Cidade Velha provides a deeper look at Santiago’s past.
Cape Verdean Creole and Portuguese shape daily life, and local tables feature catchupa, bacalhau, grogue and pastel com diablo. November to May suits a visit, with Plateau serving as the central area for a stay.
Where to stay
Hotels in Praia
Book direct on our own Praia hotel pages — no booking fee.
Praia Capital Residence Aparthotel
8.9V. good · 33 Reviews
Monte Babosa | Praia, CV
Swimming pool
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Hotel Happy Day
7.8Good · 62 Reviews
Palmarejo Grande Cidade Da Praia Ilha De Santiago | Praia, 0011, CV
Swimming poolSpa & wellness
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Stay like a local in Praia
Places to stay in Praia
Popular amenities
Best for
Ranked by verified guest score, then stars. Based on 447 of 544 hotels with verified data.
Best for families
Family rooms listed · 10 hotels qualify
- Cantinho C - Alojamento Complementar8.9/10 · 67 reviews · 3-star
- Aparthotel Praiano8.7/10 · 113 reviews · 3-star
- LT Aparthotel8.3/10 · 84 reviews · 2-star
- Pestana Trópico8.0/10 · 267 reviews · 4-star
- Pousada Praia Maria8.0/10 · 126 reviews · 3-star
Best for drivers
Free parking · 10 hotels qualify
- Elegant Modern Apartment with AirCond8.6/10 · 70 reviews · 4-star
- Hotel Cesaria8.5/10 · 138 reviews · 3-star
- Hotel Praia Confort8.4/10 · 63 reviews
- Txada Hostel8.3/10 · 68 reviews
- Vivi Hotel7.9/10 · 120 reviews · 3-star
Best for a pool
Swimming pool listed · 5 hotels qualify
- Barceló Praia Cape Verde8.8/10 · 156 reviews · 5-star
- Hotel Pérola8.0/10 · 175 reviews
- Hotel Happy Day7.8/10 · 62 reviews · 4-star
- Oasis Praiamar7.5/10 · 166 reviews · 4-star
Praia at a glance
Check-in / check-out
3:00 PM / 11:00 AM
Free parking
291 of 314 hotels (93%)
Pool
53 of 447 hotels
Climate
Tropical
Languages
Portuguese and Cape Verdean Creole
Local currency
CVE
(CVE)
Local time
(GMT-1)
Ideal trip length
3–7 days
Cost level
2 of 5 · our research
Suggested area to stay
Plateau
Tap water
Bottled water recommended
Tipping
Appreciated for good service
History, culture and food in Praia
History
95 · Outstanding
Culture
90 · Outstanding
Food
90 · Outstanding
Family
65 · 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
Catchupa
Bacalhau
Grogue
Pastel com diablo
Hotel facts in Praia
Based on 447 of 544 hotels with verified data.
| Hotels that list | Hotels | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Free parkingof hotels with verified parking | 291 of 314 | 93% |
| Swimming pool | 53 of 447 | 12% |
| 24-hour front desk | 61 of 447 | 14% |
| Facilities for disabled guests | 14 of 447 | 3% |
| Family rooms | 17 of 447 | 4% |
| Kitchen or kitchenette | 29 of 447 | 6% |
| Airport shuttle4 free | 154 of 447 | 34% |
Pools and room sizes by star rating
| Stars | Pool | Standard room |
|---|---|---|
| 3-star | 14 of 129 | 20 m²usually 16 m²–28 m² · 17 hotels |
| 4-star | 17 of 61 | 23 m²usually 13 m²–28 m² · 5 hotels |
When to visit Praia
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: December
Busiest: Nov-May
-
Jan37
Dry, pleasant, windy
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Feb51
Pleasant weather (avg high 24°C)
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Mar51
Pleasant weather (avg high 25°C)
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Apr51
Pleasant weather (avg high 26°C)
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May35
Gamboa Festival
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Jun31
Hurricane season (Jun-Nov); impacts uncommon
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Jul34
Hurricane season (Jun-Nov); impacts uncommon
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Aug9
Often avoided: heavier seasonal rain and humidity
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Sep9
Often avoided: heavier seasonal rain and humidity
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Oct34
Hurricane season (Jun-Nov); impacts uncommon
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Nov55
Beach weather (sea 26°C)
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Dec63
Beach weather (sea 24°C)
Things to do in Praia
7 places worth your time, grouped by when they are at their best.
Showing 7 of 7 places ·
Best in the morning
2 places
Explore Plateau Old Town
Plateau 3 hours
Wander through the historic colonial heart of Praia with its vibrant streets.
Visit Mercado de Sucupira
Sucupira 2 hours
Experience the bustling local market for crafts, food, and everyday life.
Best in the afternoon
2 places
Relax at Kebra Canela Beach
Kebra Canela 4 hours
Enjoy the city's popular beach for swimming, sunbathing, and local vibes.
National Ethnographic Museum
Plateau 2 hours
Learn about Cape Verdean culture, history, and traditions.
Best in the evening
2 places
Taste Local Cuisine
Plateau 2 hours
Savor traditional Cape Verdean dishes like Catchupa in local restaurants.
Experience Live Music
Plateau 3 hours
Enjoy the soulful sounds of Morna and Coladeira in local bars.
Any time of day
1 place
Day Trip to Cidade Velha
Cidade Velha 5 hours
Discover the UNESCO World Heritage site, the first European colonial outpost in the tropics.
Praia itineraries, day by day
First-timer highlights
3 Days in Praia — First-Timer Highlights
Discover the vibrant history, stunning coastlines, and rich culture of Cape Verde's capital.
This 3-day itinerary is perfect for first-time visitors eager to experience the essential sights and sounds of Praia. From historic colonial architecture to bustling markets and beautiful beaches, you'll get a comprehensive taste of the city's unique charm and Cape Verdean spirit.
With the family
3 Days in Praia — Family with Kids
An unforgettable island adventure blending history, culture, and sun-soaked fun for the whole family.
This 3-day itinerary for Praia, Cape Verde, is crafted for families with children, balancing educational historical sites with relaxing beach time and vibrant cultural experiences. Explore the bustling city, delve into ancient history, and enjoy the beautiful coastline, ensuring a memorable trip for all ages.
For couples
2 Days in Praia — Romance
Discover the enchanting capital of Cape Verde with your loved one.
This intimate 2-day itinerary invites couples to explore the historic charm and scenic beauty of Praia, blending cultural discovery with serene moments. From colonial architecture and vibrant markets to breathtaking ocean views and exquisite dining, it's crafted for unforgettable shared experiences and cherished memories.
Culture and history
3 Days in Praia — Culture & History
Uncover the rich historical tapestry and vibrant cultural heart of Cape Verde's capital.
This immersive 3-day itinerary guides you through Praia's colonial past, bustling markets, and UNESCO World Heritage sites. Perfect for history buffs and culture enthusiasts eager to explore the unique blend of African and Portuguese influences on Santiago Island.
Food and drink
2 Days in Praia — Food & Wine
Savor the vibrant flavors and unique wines of Cape Verde's capital.
This 2-day culinary journey through Praia invites foodies and wine enthusiasts to explore the rich gastronomic landscape of Cape Verde. From bustling markets to elegant dining and local grogue tastings, discover the island's fresh seafood, traditional dishes, and burgeoning wine scene, perfect for those seeking an authentic taste of the archipelago.
Things to book
Tours and activities in Praia
Guided tours, day trips and tickets to book alongside your stay.
Unstructured tour
Transfer from Praia city to the airport.
Free cancellationFind deals
Unstructured tour
Transfer from Airport / Porto to Praia
Free cancellationFind deals
Unstructured tour
Airport Transfer to Old Town
Free cancellationFind deals
Unstructured tour
Airport Transfer to Tarrafal
Free cancellationFind deals
Standard tour
Visit the Old Town (one of the World Heritage Sites)
Free cancellationFind deals
Unstructured tour
Santiago Island: Private Airport Transfer to Praia or Vice Versa
Free cancellationFind deals
Standard tour
Discover Santiago island in 1 day
Free cancellationFind deals
Multi day tour
Cape Verde: The Royal Routes of Santiago Island - 4 Days (History & Culture)
Free cancellationFind deals
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Before you go to Praia
Our own ratings and notes on eating out, signature experiences, who the city suits and planning ahead.
Near Praia
Straight-line distance from the centre of Praia.
Swipe for more places near Praia
Getaways from Praia
Places people from Praia travel to, from our own travel research.
Mindelo
Cape Verde
Sal
Cape Verde
Boa Vista
Cape Verde
Fogo
Cape Verde
Lisbon
Portugal
Porto
Portugal
Paris
France
Amsterdam
Netherlands
Boston
United States
Rio de Janeiro
Brazil
Frequently asked questions about Praia
How many places to stay are there in Praia?
There are 540+ hotels, apartments and other places to stay in Praia. They include 41 hotels and 420+ apartments.
When is the peak season in Praia?
The peak season in Praia is Nov-May.
Which area is a good base in Praia?
The travel guide suggests staying in Plateau when visiting Praia.
Are there tours and activities in Praia?
Yes, 40 tours and activities are listed in Praia.
How many hotels in Praia have free parking?
291 of the 314 hotels in Praia with verified parking details list free parking (93%). 17 charge for parking.
What is the usual check-in time at hotels in Praia?
3:00 PM at 192 of the 386 hotels with a verified check-in time. The next most common time is 2:00 PM (75 hotels).
What time is check-out at hotels in Praia?
11:00 AM at 195 of 396 hotels with a verified check-out time; 12:00 PM at 116.
How many hotels in Praia have a pool?
53 of 447 hotels with verified data list a swimming pool.