Windhoek City Tour

Perhaps by accident, or due to a stroke of meticulous German planning, Windhoek—the capital of Namibia—is located at the geographic center of the country, surrounded by rolling mountains. It’s not only the perfect place to start or finish your holiday, but also well worth a visit in its own right.

The influence of German colonization is still present in the language, architecture, and restaurants, where one can savor traditional dishes, bread, and beer, and even celebrate Oktoberfest if the timing is right. During the day, the city center has a European café-culture feel—laid-back and eclectic—with a pedestrian precinct, bustling shops, and market stalls.

It all makes for great people-watching, and due to Namibia’s complex and intertwined history, you will see people of all colors and cultures. Away from the cafés, guided tours are available for many of Windhoek’s main attractions, such as:

1. Hero's Acre

This modern, state-of-the-art national monument was inaugurated by His Excellency Dr. Sam Nujoma, President of the Republic of Namibia, on 26 August 2002. It is situated on the outskirts of Windhoek on the road to Rehoboth. Its construction was motivated by the need to foster a spirit of patriotism and nationalism and to pass this legacy on to future generations.

Heroes' Acre took 13 months to construct and covers a total area of 732.9212 hectares. It houses 174 graves, is 286.70 meters long, and 134.20 meters wide. It also features a parking area of 9,824.34 square meters, while a three-kilometre palisade fence protects the monument.

2. Parliament Building and Garden

Also referred to as the Tintenpalast, it is situated on Robert Mugabe Avenue. The name derives from the German words “Tinte” (ink) and “Palast” (palace), due to the high amounts of ink used. It has been the seat of the Namibian Parliament since independence in 1990.

The Parliament Garden is one of the most beautiful and well-kept park areas in Windhoek. It was designed in 1931 and built in 1934.

3. Katutura

This suburb, built under South Africa’s apartheid policy in the 1950s, is now a crowded mix of people from different cultures living together in peace and harmony. The same can be said for the entire city.

4. National Botanic Gardens

This green lung is located on a hill between Klein Windhoek and the city center. The National Botanical Garden of Windhoek has been a conservation area since 1969 and represents the diversity of Namibia’s floral kingdom. Take note of the mountain aloe, characteristic of Namibia’s capital; the quiver tree, which inhabits the arid south; and the poisonous candelabra euphorbia, which grows in the northwest of the country.

5. Alte Feste

This old fort was built in 1890 to protect early settlers in Windhoek and once served as the home of the German Schutztruppe. The building was declared a National Monument in 1957 and has housed the historical section of the Windhoek State Museum since 1962. The Alte Feste now exhibits historical artifacts and offers fascinating information about Namibia—from its earliest inhabitants and tribal cultures to independence.

6. Independence Museum

The grand triangular building that houses the Independence Museum is the newest addition to Windhoek’s skyline. This museum and monument, dedicated to Namibia’s struggle for independence, is situated in the historical district on Robert Mugabe Avenue. The 40-meter, gleaming structure stands in stark contrast to its neighbor, the Alte Feste. The museum includes a sky-high restaurant, historical displays, and the Independence Collection.

7. Namibia Craft Centre

Located in the Old Breweries Building, the Namibia Craft Centre is the country’s largest hub for arts and crafts. This market on Tal Street is not only the best place to buy crafts, traditional clothing, and jewelry, but also offers a variety of refreshments and snacks for hungry shoppers.

8. Windhoek Railway Station

Railway enthusiasts will love this historic building. In front of the 1913 station stands a narrow-gauge locomotive from 1900 that once ran on the Windhoek–Swakopmund line. The first floor houses the TransNamib Railway Museum, a treasure trove of information and memorabilia.

9. National Art Gallery of Namibia

Situated in one of the newer buildings on Robert Mugabe Avenue, the gallery’s permanent collection finds “Unity in Diversity” by exhibiting historical and contemporary Namibian artworks. The collection features artists such as John Muafangejo, Joseph Madisia, Pedro Vorster, Susan Mitchinson, and Inatu Indongo.

Alternating exhibitions take visitors through the Namibian art landscape. Don’t miss the Sculpture Garden and the Garlic & Flowers Restaurant, which serves delicious breakfasts, lunches, and dinners.

10. Owela Museum

Located between Robert Mugabe Avenue and Lüderitz Street, the Owela Museum focuses on natural history and anthropology. “Owela” is the name of a traditional African game displayed in front of the building. The museum features exhibits from Namibia’s natural history and educational displays on Africa’s earliest inhabitants. Entrance is free, though a donation toward AIDS charities is appreciated.

11. Turnhalle

The historic building on the corner of Robert Mugabe Avenue and Bahnhof Street has a fascinating history. The Turnhalle (German for “gymnasium”) was built in 1909 and extended in 1913. Originally used for gymnastic competitions and school sports, it gained major historical significance in 1975 when it housed the first session of the Constitutional Conference of South West Africa/Namibia. Renovated in 2003, it now houses the SADC Tribunal.

12. Zoo Park

This public park is a popular hangout for both locals and visitors. Located along Independence Avenue, Zoo Park is a centrally positioned green space. Tall palm trees offer shade on hot Namibian days, and a tranquil pond adds to the peaceful environment. The park also features a children’s playground and an open-air theater.

13. Post Street Mall and Town Square

The heart of Windhoek’s shopping district, where vendors and craftspeople line the pavement. A wide variety of restaurants makes it a great place to relax and refuel. A favorite spot is the Kaiserkrone Shopping Centre, with its beer garden and lively atmosphere.

14. Christuskirche

Situated at the corner of Fidel Castro Street and Robert Mugabe Avenue, this iconic landmark was built by Tünscher and Wilke to accommodate the Lutheran congregation. Drecker laid the original sandstone in 1886. Today, the Christuskirche is a protected historical monument.

15. St. George’s Cathedral

Located on the corner of Love and Sinclair Streets, this is the smallest functional cathedral in Southern Africa. The bell in the tower was originally cast as part of a set for St. Mary’s Church in Northwall, Canterbury. On the same grounds stands St. George’s School, recognized for its unique Mansard roof and now used as a kindergarten.

16. Joe’s Beerhouse

Probably the most famous restaurant in the Southern Hemisphere. The atmosphere resembles an old inn filled with hunting trophies and antiques. Although Joe’s is technically a bar, the braai (barbecue) is excellent, and the selection of beers is impressive. A must-visit!

17. UNAM

Visit the University of Namibia and other higher educational institutions in the city.

18. Diamond Works

Enjoy a sparkling tour and learn how Namibia’s number-one export—the diamond—is cut and polished, transforming a rough stone into a brilliant gem.