Book flights to Mogadishu (MGQ)
Mogadishu: 4000 years of history
Overview
Attractions
Activities
Dining
Shopping
Book your visit to Mogadishu
Somalia’s capital city sits on the Indian Ocean and is an incredible legacy of four thousand years of history. Towering citadels and ancient city walls take you on a journey through centuries of different influences, cultural diversity and trade.
Its location on the coast makes Mogadishu a major port, with busy markets and stores selling their wares. Archaeological digs are constantly turning up new information about the city’s past, while local artists and craftspeople are keeping artisan traditions alive.
As the city enters its next stage, the 21st century is starting to make its mark with new shopping malls and trendy restaurants. But a stroll through the Old City immediately transports you back in time, allowing you to immerse yourself in the history and character of North Africa.
Things to do in Mogadishu
Mogadishu is a great beach destination, with powder-soft sand and clear blue water. Jazeera Beach is a white sand beach that’s tranquil and uncrowded. Take a boat ride out to the island or just spend the day lazing on the sand. Lido Beach, (nicknamed Mogadishu Miami Beach) is another popular family-friendly beach with safe swimming and plenty of restaurants.
Embrace the complex culture of Somalia with a visit to the National Theatre, or explore the ancient ruins of Garesa Palace, a once-grand symbol of the city’s strategic position as a trading post.
Mogadishu’s mosques are peaceful places for contemplation away from the buzz of the city. The Arba’a Rukun mosque sits in the heart of the city’s medieval district, or spend a couple of hours at the modern Mosque of Islamic Solidarity.
Activities in Mogadishu
Mogadishu’s beaches offer plenty of water sports to enjoy including swimming, snorkelling, and diving. Hire a boat and go deep-sea fishing off the coast, or join a guided dive to explore some of the Indian Ocean’s aquatic treasures.
You can delve deeper into the country’s history with a guided tour of the National Museum of Somalia, or a walking tour of some of the city’s ancient attractions, including the 10th century Fakhr al-Din Mosque and the striking ruins of Mogadishu Cathedral. One of the city’s main attractions is the 15th century Almnara Tower.
Take a tour of the Karaan District, one of the city’s oldest neighbourhoods and full of interesting buildings, mosques and busy street markets.
Food in Mogadishu
Somali food is delicious, with rich stews, rice dishes and one of the most famous of Somalia’s street foods, sambusas, which are similar to samosas and are crispy fried pastries filled with meat or vegetables.
Bariis iskukaris is a rice dish full of spices, or try suqaar, a tasty and filling meat stew. A refreshing glass of shaah cadays goes down well on a hot afternoon; it’s a fragrant and delicately spiced tea drunk by locals and visitors alike.
Mogadishu’s proximity to the sea means that seafood is a popular addition to restaurant menus. You’ll find the best close to Lido Beach. International food includes Indian and Turkish cuisine, or grab some hot sambusas from the street vendors in the markets.
Shopping in Mogadishu
Mogadishu’s markets are lively, busy and very noisy! The largest in Somalia is the city’s Bakaara Market, where you’ll find stalls selling local crafts, fresh food and textiles. The Fish Market is famous for its freshly caught seafood and authentic atmosphere.
The city’s malls offer air-conditioned relief from the midday heat as well as an excellent modern shopping experience. Bin Arif is packed with busy shops including the country’s first Korean retail outlet, while LC Waikiki mall is another popular mall with locals. For the best mall shopping experience, Banaadir Mall offers plenty of shops, a food court and easy parking.
If you want to go street shopping, it’s wise to book a guide who can lead you through the labyrinthine side streets and squares to avoid getting lost!
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