There is no denying the natural beauty that Africa has to offer. From its awe-inspiring landscapes to its vibrant culture, this continent never fails to amaze visitors.
If you're looking for an unforgettable travel experience, be sure to check out one of these amazing cities!
Nairobi, Kenya
Nairobi is the capital of Kenya and one of the most vibrant cities in Africa. With its diverse culture and stunning views, it's no wonder this city is a popular tourist destination. From safaris to shopping to nightlife, Nairobi has something for everyone!
It’s also home to some of the best African cuisine you'll ever taste. It is also known for its beautiful wildlife parks and natural resources such as waterfalls and mountains. This city is definitely a must-see for any traveler visiting Africa. It’s no wonder they call it the "Green City in the Sun."
Casablanca, Morocco
Casablanca has not always been an important city. It was founded by Berber fishermen and its history dates back to around the 10th century. It became an important trade center in the 17th century, but only emerged as a large city after independence from France in 1956.
Casablanca is also known as "The Imperial City" for it was built by sultan Hassan I on the remains of his father's citadel between 1907 and 1909 to be the capital of his empire. Today, Casablanca is Morocco’s largest city and the nation's leading economic center. It also hosts the most important international airport on the continent.
Zanzibar, Tanzania
The birth place of the renowned singer Freddie Mercury, this is a charming city that is calm and has some very beautiful world-famous beaches. These are the first things that comes to mind when thinking of Zanzibar City.
The Tanzanian city has a lot more to offer besides its beautiful coast line. It is a good starting point for trips into the country’s interior as well as diving around Pemba Island. It takes only a little over an hour to fly from Dar es Salaam, the capital of Tanzania, to Zanzibar.
The city offers a large variety of hotels and resorts with good service, but also cheap guesthouses if you are looking for something else than five star luxury. A few places worth mentioning are The Coral Beach Club situated in Jambiani village, south of Zanzibar City.
The Chavda Hotel in the center of Stone Town is where you will be welcomed with a drink when arriving by ferry from Dar es Salaam. Dhow Palace Resort on the northern end of the city near Kiwengwa Beach has room for both families and people looking to be alone.
Lamu, Kenya
Lamu is a Swahili coast island in Kenya. Lamu is a UNESCO heritage site and has been inhabited for over 200 years. The town's architecture combines African, Arabian and Indian influences and includes distinctive wooden houses on stilts with ornately carved doors and window frames.
It is the oldest and best-preserved Swahili settlement along coastal East Africa, which used to be important for trade. The town is also famous for its age-old stone architecture, in particular the doors of the old town. Lamu has very few modern buildings. It adheres strongly to tradition and old buildings are not torn down but added to.
Marrakesh, Morocco
Once the seat of the Emperor of Morocco, this city has seen too many dynasties to be considered just a city. Many Arab countries call it the "red city" due to its terrain's unique color that result from high concentration of iron in the soil. It is also known as "The Pink City" and the "Ochre city".
This city is the best example of a city built in and adapted to its surrounding environment: A highly mountainous area set with high plateaus and deep valleys. It is a beautiful city with a rich culture and history, and a must-visit for anyone interested in visiting North Africa.
Marrakesh is also considered one of Morocco's most liberal and progressive cities. Within its walls lies a maze of narrow passageways whose buildings seem to lean inward, almost touching overhead.
Cairo, Egypt
Egypt's capital and largest city, is a North African metropolis that also belongs to the Middle East. It is one of the continent's most populous cities and ranks as the 32nd most important. The central area of Cairo houses the Egyptian Museum, which contains multiple artifacts from different periods in Egypt's rich history.
It is also home to the Great Sphinx of Giza, an iconic sculpture that has inspired countless works of art throughout history. The city's skyline is punctuated by several minarets on mosque towers, which are often lit up at night.
Cairo Tower is a modern high-rise that features an observation deck, while Pyramids Park contains three pyramids. Bibliotheca Alexandrina is a modern library in the city's harbor, while Khedivial Opera House once hosted theater performances.
Johannesburg, South Africa
Johannesburg is the largest city in South Africa, the second-largest city in Africa after Cairo, Egypt. It shares Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality with Pretoria, the administrative capital of South Africa. As part of a special report on "cities of opportunity" for world cities.
The Guardian described Johannesburg as "the city of gold and diamonds, the biggest and richest in Africa" It is home to the most well-known African landmarks, including Soccer City, the FNB Stadium and Ellis Park Stadium.
Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town is often called the most beautiful city in South Africa. This stunning coastal town has incredible mountain vistas, beautiful beaches and amazing weather throughout the year. There are also plenty of shopping opportunities, making it a commercial hub as well as a tourist attraction. It is also popular with celebrities who enjoy watersports, surfing, skating and hiking.
The most spectacular view is from the top of Table Mountain at dawn or sunset when the sun lights up Cape Town below. Whether you are visiting or planning to move here, there are plenty of interesting things to do in Cape Town.
Kigali, Rwanda
Kigali, Rwanda's capital city is one of the most stunningly beautiful places in Africa. With its green hills and snowy peaks, it's an unforgettable sight to behold. The view atop Mount Kigali with its hilltop restaurants and hotels is particularly breathtaking. French colonists left their mark here by constructing numerous villas within the city. In addition, you'll find various art galleries and museums in the city which are filled with African artifacts.
Kigali is home to a few universities so it's also a young city where many students from all over the world flock to attend school. This makes for a cultural hot spot with up-and-coming night clubs, hip cafes and restaurants.
Kigali is also the global capital for the Rwandan coffee industry, making it yet another great city to visit when in Africa.
Algiers, Algeria
The Algerian capital, Algiers is one of the most beautiful cities in Africa with its white buildings and blue accents. This city has a certain romantic charm about it that can't be found elsewhere on the continent.
Situated along the Mediterranean Sea, the views of Algiers are truly breathtaking scattered between beaches and fishing villages. Be sure not to miss the historic Casbah, the old district of Algiers. A stroll through its streets allows you to relive Algeria's past.
This city is also full of life during the day, with diverse cafes serving some of the best coffee in Africa. A walk at night through its center offers a very different perspective on Algiers as it glows like a red rose against the Mediterranean Sea.
Accra, Ghana
For several years, the Ghanaian capital city of Accra has been in the list of top most beautiful cities in Africa! Located on the coast, it's a mix between Morocco and Portugal with its white-washed buildings and red roofs.
Accra is home to over 20 universities which bring about youthful energy to the city. You'll find street food galore here along with local markets selling all sorts of goods. For an interesting cultural experience, visit the Makola market which offers many traditional foods and hand-crafted souvenirs.
The nightlife is vibrant in Accra so be sure to check out its speakeasies after dinner!
Luxor, Egypt
Luxor is one of the most impressive cities in Africa, known for its great temples and stunning views. Situated along the Nile River, Luxor is home to several historical sites that'll take your breath away. The funerary temple of Queen Hatshepsut is a brilliant mix of colors while the funerary temple of Ramses II is a sight to behold with its great colonnade.
The Karnak Temple is also not to be missed with its extraordinary sacred lake and grand columns. The West Bank of Luxor houses the Valley of the Kings where you'll find several tombs from ancient Egyptian rulers including King Tutankhamun's tomb.
Windhoek, Namibia
The capital city of Namibia is known for its German colonial buildings and wide streets. Just walking through the city is an interesting experience since you'll find yourself in a sort of time warp back to its German origins.
Windhoek's history dates back to the 19th century when it served as the center for all Germans in Africa, making it a unique African city. The city is still known as 'The Nation's Garden' because of its green parks and lush gardens.
Windhoek today holds several historical landmarks including the Christuskirche, Katutura State House and Alte Feste Museum.
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
The cultural hub of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa is a beautiful blend of modern and historic architecture. Its center consists mainly of low rise buildings while its outskirts are filled with rich greenery.
Addis Ababa holds a number of historical sites in addition to being a rapidly modernizing city. Visit the National Museum which houses many traditional Ethiopian artifacts or the Holy Trinity Cathedral which was built in 1896. The city also has several markets worth strolling through, like the Kefetegna Open Market where you can find traditional Ethiopian crafts and hand-woven fabrics.
Asmara, Eritrea
This beautiful city is one of the most overlooked cities in Africa with its Italian influence that results in stunning architecture. Asmara follows a square type grid pattern with intersecting streets that form diamond shapes at their intersections, making it easy to navigate the city.
Asmara is also known for its Art Deco buildings which are best viewed at night when they are beautifully illuminated. Some of these include the Fiat Tagliero Building, Cinema Impero and Cinema Africa.
Enugu, Nigeria
Enugu is the capital of Nigeria's Enugu State. It's known for its large open-air market, where you can find all sorts of goods being sold at amazing prices. Enugu is also home to several historical sites like the Coal Camp Market which was built in 1948 as a marketplace for African coal miners. The city holds many festivals and celebrations throughout the year, including the Udi Cultural Festival held every February.
Luanda Angola
Luanda might have one of the fastest growing economies in the world but it still houses some beautiful historical architecture. Luanda boasts several beautiful Portuguese colonial buildings, especially around the Sao Paulo Cathedral.
The city also has various museums where you can learn about Angola's long history. This includes the Angola Museum, National Museum of Slavery, The Museum of Anthropology and Ethnology and National Museum of Natural History.
Bottom Line
Africa is a beautiful continent with its own mix of sights, sounds and cultures. Make sure to visit Africa at least once in your life to discover the many wonders it holds.
