Things to see and do on a trip to Managua, Nicaragua

Managua is the capital of Nicaragua, and one of the most important and touristic cities in the country for its great historical and cultural legacy. With a privileged location between lakes, volcanoes and natural parks that allow you to enjoy beautiful hiking trails, wildlife watching and activities such as surfing, diving and much more. Managua is usually the starting point for many travellers who visit Nicaragua and sometimes only spend a few hours there, however, the city has a lot to offer and you will discover that in this post.

Although one day is enough to see the city, it is usually recommended to spend a little more time in order to enjoy the surrounding area. Our goal at Passporter is to tell you everything you need to know to prepare for your trip so that you can make the most of your visit and not miss anything. For example, if you’ve never been to Nicaragua before, we’ll give you some travel tips, recommend some of the best places to stay or restaurants where you can try the exquisite food of the country, etc… What are you waiting for to prepare your trip to Managua?

What are the best places to see in Managua?

1. Cathedral of Santiago Apostle in Managua

The Metropolitan Cathedral of Santiago Apostle of Managua or simply Antigua Catedral de Managua is a neoclassical building in the city of Managua, capital of Nicaragua, which was damaged by the earthquake of 23 December 1972. Its façade resembles that of the Church of Saint-Sulpice in Paris, France. Its towers are consecrated, the north tower to St. Peter and the south tower to St. Paul, and the central front to the Saviour of the World.

This Cathedral, which suffered the onslaught of three earthquakes, in 1931, in 1972 and the most recent one in April 2014, and whose frame was unharmed, was and still is the pride of the inhabitants of the Capital, constituting the distinctive sign of the city.

2. Plaza del 22 de Agosto, the square of the Revolution

It is located in the historic centre of the city, including the Central Park and the old buildings of the National Palace and the Cathedral of Santiago. Today the square is a common meeting place for the city’s inhabitants, as the surrounding streets are lined with bars and restaurants.

In general it is a place full of life, stalls and street musicians that create a unique atmosphere and a relaxed ambience. It is normal to see a show or performance when the sun goes down. One of its curiosities is that it was built on what used to be called the Plaza del Cacique Tipitapa, where ten thousand indigenous flecheros were said to be buried.

3. National Museum of Nicaragua in Managua

Next to the Plaza de la Revolución you will find the National Museum of Nicaragua “Diocleciano Chaves”, one of the most important in Nicaragua. Inside the museum you can discover topics related to Nicaragua, both colonial history and human populations (especially the archaeology of Nicaragua), as well as aspects of the natural history of the area occupied by Nicaragua (palaeontology, fauna, flora and present-day ecosystems). In addition to natural history specimens, the collections include items from pre-Columbian tribes and cultures over 4,000 years old.

Admission to the museum costs 2€ and opening hours are Monday to Friday from 8:00h to 18:00h and Saturdays from 8:00h to 12:00h.

4. Port of Salvador Allende and the pier

The pier is the best place to appreciate the views of Lake Managua. The promenade runs along the entire shore and at one end is the Port of Salvador Allende, which is characterised by its atmosphere as it is full of bars and restaurants. There are also areas set up for outdoor dining, but access costs 29 córdobas. There are also boat trips on the lake from the harbour. This is a great place to get away from the city and get in touch with nature.

5. Huellas de Acahualinca Archaeological Museum

This museum collects evidence of human existence during prehistoric times in Managua Nicaragua. At the end of the 19th century some fossil footprints were found by chance, around which the museum was built. It is a very interesting visit where you will learn how humans lived thousands of years ago.

The entrance fee is 4€ and the visiting hours are from Monday to Saturday from 9:00h to 16:00h. From the Port of Salvador Allende it can be reached on foot in just 30 minutes.

6. Municipal Palace of Culture of Managua

Building of high historical and architectural value, neoclassical style. It was inaugurated in 1935 and converted in 1996 into the National Palace of Culture. It houses the National Museum of Nicaragua “Diocleciano Chaves”, the National Library “Rubén Darío”, the National Archive, the Art Collection “Julio Cortázar” and the National Newspaper Library. In 1999 it was declared Cultural Heritage of the Nation.

It was the scene of the famous “Operación chanchera”, the popular name for the action carried out by a guerrilla commando of the Sandinista National Liberation Front on 22 August 1978, at the time when the Somoza National Congress was in session.

7. Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception of Mary of Managua

The Metropolitan Cathedral of Managua or simply the Cathedral of Managua began construction in 1991 and was completed in September 1993. It is currently the seat of the Archdiocese of Managua and is dedicated to the Immaculate Conception of Mary, patron saint of Nicaragua. The cathedral is characterised by 63 domes, which was the number of parishes in the archdiocese at the time of its construction, and a combination of eclectic, Arabic and Romanesque styles, reminiscent of an Islamic mosque. It was designed and built by Mexican architect Ricardo Legorreta between 1991 and 1993.

Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.

What to see around Managua?

1. El Chocoyero National Park

This park is named for the large number of parrots called chocoyos that inhabit it. This natural paradise is characterised by waterfalls and dense forests that cover everything. There you can go on excursions of varying degrees of difficulty and go camping. Tents can be rented on site.

From the centre of Managua Nicaragua you can go by bus for 90 córdobas. Buses leave from the Huembres Market every weekday every hour from 7:00h to 17:00h and on weekends between 7:00h and 16:00h.

2. Montibelli Private Nature Reserve

This nature reserve is famous in Managua Nicaragua for the great variety of birds that live in it. In fact, it is the perfect place for bird watching. Throughout its 162 hectares of extension you will find different hiking trails that run along the steep slopes riddled with trees.

The park reaches heights of up to 720 metres, so you’ll see different types of scenery depending on altitude. While the upper areas are covered in tropical rainforest, the lower areas still have some cultivated fields of lemons, bananas, pineapples and pitahayas.

3. Masaya, Managua’s volcano Nicaragua

A mere 22km from Managua is the Masaya volcano, one of the 7 volcanoes still active in the country. Its crater is 635 metres high and inside it there is a constant lake of lava that emits gases such as sulphur dioxide. The park where the volcano is located has an area of 54 square kilometres where you can see two volcanoes, five craters and a volcanological museum. At the foot of the Masaya volcano is a lagoon of the same name, which creates a curious contrast with the mountain.

Access by car is very easy, and there is even a road that takes you to one of the craters. It’s perfectly set up for tourists.

What to see in 1 day in Managua, Nicaragua?

Managua is a city you can easily get around in one day, although if you want to see absolutely everything both inside and outside the city, then a week is recommended.

In one day you can see the main sights such as the Plaza de la Revolución, the Cathedral, the Malecón and the port, the National Museum and stroll through the streets without rushing. If you have more time, you should know that there are many other places of interest such as the archaeological museum and the city’s parks and markets.

There are also many places in the surrounding area where you can organise day trips in the countryside. For example in the Chocoyero National Park or in the different lagoons and volcanoes that are located near the city.

Where and what to eat in Managua?

Nicaraguan cuisine is characteristically varied and uses maize as a base, like many other countries in South America. In Managua, it is common to go to the fritangas, places that serve traditional dishes such as tajadas con carne, papas rellenas, enchiladas, tacos or cold drinks such as barley fresco. Nicaragua is also a great place to enjoy a good cup of coffee. Here are some of the best restaurants in the city to try traditional dishes:

• Los Ranchos: is a restaurant with traditional Central American cuisine specialising in top quality meat. The price ranges between 15€ and 30€. They also offer vegan options.
• La Trenza: is a simple, inexpensive restaurant serving traditional cuisine. It’s famous for its delicious breakfasts, but also serves lunch and dinner.
• Cocina de Doña Haydée: is a traditional cuisine restaurant, ideal for tasting the most typical dishes. The dishes, as well as being delicious, are plentiful and the price is very moderate.

Where to stay in Managua?

Due to the city’s tourist appeal, it’s not difficult to find accommodation. However, the problem is where to stay, as the city has tourist attractions in the centre but also in the surrounding areas. The safest and best connected areas to the centre are around the Metrocentro Mall and the Zona Rosa. Here are some recommendations for good accommodation options.

• Managua Backpackers Inn: This cosy hostel is a good option for backpackers. It has common areas such as a lounge, kitchen, garden and swimming pool, and also offers family rooms. A night in a bunk bed costs €13.
• Hotel Globales Camino Real Managua: This is a luxurious 5-star hotel with all the amenities. It has a swimming pool, gym, spa, restaurant and bar. It also offers a fabulous breakfast for €13. The price per night is around €130.
• La Bicicleta Hostal: This cosy hostel is a great place to stay with the family. It has a garden and shared kitchen, and as well as rooms from €50 a night, it also offers the option of a bunk bed for €19.

How to get to Managua?

From Spain there are regular flights to Managua, but all of them with at least one stopover. The journey takes about 16 hours and tickets cost around €1300. Managua’s international airport is called Augusto C. Sandino and offers several options for getting to the centre. The bus is the cheapest, but it can be difficult to find your way around. Taxis aren’t too expensive, but you’ll need to carry cash in local currency. The most convenient and reliable option is to hire a transfer from the hotel, although it’s not the cheapest. If you’re touring the country, you might consider renting a car from the airport.

What should I consider before travelling to Managua, Nicaragua?

• No visa is required to enter Nicaragua, but a passport valid for at least 6 months is required.
• The city is safe, but you are advised to exercise caution and keep an eye on your belongings.
• No vaccinations are required to enter the country if you are travelling from Spain.
• The official language in Nicaragua is Spanish.
• The country’s currency is the córdobas.
• It is best to change money before you start your trip, as there are shops and restaurants that do not accept credit cards.
• The climate is warm all year round, but between June and December is the rainy season.
• Avoid eating at street stalls and drinking tap water.
• Be prepared for medical emergencies – travel with insurance.

How to prepare what to see on your trip to Managua, Nicaragua?

Register or download the Passporter App and discover all its possibilities.

• Get inspired by the experiences of other travellers.
• Create your own itinerary and add the app’s suggestions.
• Add the stops that interest you most, as well as the restaurants and bars where you want to eat (you can use the points of interest listed in this post as a reference).
• Organize your itinerary by route days according to their location on the map (you can get inspiration from the routes we present in the post).
• Check the travel budget that the app calculates according to your travel stops, restaurants, and leisure activities.
• Make the modifications you need, and you’ll be all set for your trip.
• Share your experience. Upload photos of the places you have visited on your trip to the app and recommend other travellers what to see in Managua, Nicaragua.

Frequently asked questions about a trip to Managua Nicaragua