Things to do in Managua

Activities, attractions and tours

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Things to do

Las Isletas Boat Tour

Las Isletas Boat Tour

HK$353
per adult
Las Isletas Boat Tour
Nicaragua, Its Architecture

Nicaragua One Day Expedition from Costa Rica

HK$1,820
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Nicaragua One Day Expedition from Costa Rica
Granada: Colonial Granada Horse Carriage & Walking Tour

Granada: Colonial Granada Horse Carriage & Walking Tour

HK$275
per adult
Granada: Colonial Granada Horse Carriage & Walking Tour
Las Isletas: Kayak Tour

Las Isletas: Kayak Tour

HK$306
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Las Isletas: Kayak Tour
Granada Colonial Granada Horse Carriage and Walking Tour

Granada Colonial Granada Horse Carriage and Walking Tour

HK$275
per adult
Granada Colonial Granada Horse Carriage and Walking Tour
Las Isletas: Boat Tour

Las Isletas: Boat Tour

HK$353
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
Las Isletas: Boat Tour
Nicaragua One Day Tour from Costa Rica

Nicaragua One Day Tour from Costa Rica

HK$1,624
per traveller
96% of travellers recommend
Nicaragua One Day Tour from Costa Rica
Nicaragua One Day Experience

Nicaragua One Day Experience

HK$1,726
per adult
Nicaragua One Day Experience
Charming Granada Outdoor "Private Tour"

Charming Granada Outdoor "Private Tour"

HK$724
per adult
Charming Granada Outdoor "Private Tour"
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Top places to visit

1. Puerto Salvador Allende

Packed with dining options, bars and children’s playgrounds, the Puerto Salvador Allende is a primary lakeside harbor of Managua. It is a restored and modern hub of activity that offers spectacular views of the water. Arrive for dinner at sunset to enjoy your meal against the picturesque setting of the darkening sky.
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2. Granada Cathedral

The prominent city landmark of Granada Cathedral stands over Central Plaza. It’s an arresting sight with its bright yellow façade trimmed with white. Destroyed and rebuilt on numerous occasions, the current neoclassical structure was completed in 1915.
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A large yellow church with two towers and a dome, surrounded by residential buildings and palm trees.

3. Carlos Roberto Huembes Market

Haggle for traditional Nicaraguan crafts and furniture, eat tasty local specialties or simply soak up the lively atmosphere of the Mercado Carlos Roberto Huembes.
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A covered outdoor seating area with hammocks and wooden furniture.

4. Managua Cathedral

Survey the ruins of the old Managua Cathedral (Catedral de Santiago) and imagine the building in its glory days, before an earthquake brought much of it to the ground.
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A large, historic church with two domes and a central bell tower.

5. Presidential House

Visit Casa Presidencial to see where the old offices of the Nicaraguan president were once located. The building faces the Plaza de la Revolución, where dramatic events in Nicaragua’s tumultuous history occurred. Stroll around the square to admire the striking colonial architecture of the capital.
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A building with a yellow facade and a sign that reads "La Casa de los Pueblos".

What to do in Managua

Stay near popular Managua attractions

A large yellow church with two towers and a dome, surrounded by residential buildings and palm trees.
Photo by Nicaraguan Tourism Board
Open Photo by Nicaraguan Tourism Board

Granada Cathedral

9.2/10 (279 reviews)
This striking yellow and white neoclassical cathedral dominates Granada's skyline with its distinctive façade. Climb the bell tower for panoramic views of colonial architecture and the surrounding landscape.
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Where to stay in Managua

Find the best Managua areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Managua
Learn more about Managua
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Los Robles

While visiting Los Robles, you might make a stop by sights like Metrocentro and Códice Espacio Cultural.

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Altamira

While Altamira isn't home to many top sights, Carlos Roberto Huembes Market and Metrocentro are some notable places to visit nearby.

An aerial view of a city with dense urban areas, green spaces, and a distant mountain range.

Las Colinas

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Las Colinas and surrounding area, you can visit Galerias Santo Domingo Shopping Center and Carlos Roberto Huembes Market.

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Villa Fontana

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Villa Fontana and surrounding area, you can visit Galerias Santo Domingo Shopping Center and Metrocentro.

A wooden deck overlooking a calm lake, surrounded by lush greenery and mountains in the background.
Photo by AdventureJ
Open Photo by AdventureJ

La Laguna

Travellers like the mountain views in La Laguna, and Laguna de Apoyo is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Frequently asked questions

Is Managua worth visiting?
One of the most common things to do in Managua is visit National Palace. Tick this major attraction off your list, then discover more of this area's festivals and nightlife.
How do I spend a day in Managua?
Kick-start your day with a visit to National Palace and National Zoo. Then, check out other parts of Managua for tasty eats and some retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Managua?
You can't leave without checking out National Palace, rated the top tourist attraction in Managua.
Is three days enough to stay in Managua?
Three days in Managua is plenty of time to enjoy the city's key attractions. Many guests spend four days on average. National Palace, Ruben Dario National Theatre and Managua Metropolitan Cathedral are highly rated sights. Want to experience more? Hang around a little longer to visit nearby hotspots such as Granada.
Is Managua a walkable city?
That comes down to what you plan to see and do in Managua. Several top sights, like National Palace and Ruben Dario National Theatre, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a stroll around some of Managua's best neighbourhoods, Bello Horizonte is 5 kilometres away from downtown, while Barrio Campo Bruce is 2 kilometres away from the city centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Managua with kids?
Whether you're holidaying with young explorers or playful teenagers, an itinerary filled with fun activities takes your trip to the next level. Browse our ideas for what to do in Managua with kids.

What to do in Managua for adults?
Presidential House and Tomb of Carlos Fonseca are just two of the things to do in Managua. With loads of activities available, there's something here for everyone to experience.
Are there free things to do in Managua?
One of the easiest ways to discover free things to do in Managua is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider views on interesting neighbourhoods, parks and other highlights you can visit without opening your wallet. Managua Metropolitan Cathedral is one place that doesn't charge an admission fee.