Antananarivo Travel Guide — Things to Do, Food & Hotels
capital and largest city of Madagascar
About Antananarivo
A city of some 1.6 million people at 1280 m, Antananarivo became established by Merina King Andrianjaka around 1610, when he drove out the Vazimba people to create the Kingdom of Imerina. First called Analamanga, the city was renamed Antananarivo, meaning city of the thousand, later by King Andriamasinavalona, in honor of his soldiers. After a period of French rule starting in 1897 and a failed armed rebellion in 1947–1948, the city and country emerged as independent in 1960. Merina and other Malagasy people along with Chinese, Indian, and Europeans live in the city today. Antananarivo has a mountainous temperate climate, despite being situated in the tropics, due to its high elevation of 1,300–1,400m (4,265 to 4,593ft) above sea level. Antananarivo receives practically all of its average
Top Attractions in Antananarivo
Explore the best things to see and do in Antananarivo:
- ★Botanical and Zoological Garden of Tsimbazaza
- ★Cathedrale catholique d Andohalo
- ★Croc Farm
- ★Independence Avenue
- ★Jean Be Tours
- ★Lemurs' Park
- ★Mada-Liberté Off Road Motorcycle Tours in Madagascar (4WD Off Road Tours)
- ★Museum of Art and Archaeology
Where to Eat in Antananarivo
Must-try local food and restaurants:
- 🍴Grill De Rova
- 🍴Ile Bourbon
- 🍴Jasmin
- 🍴KudeTa
- 🍴La Brasserie at the France Hotel
- 🍴La Table de Mariette
Where to Stay in Antananarivo
- 🏨Aina Hotel
- 🏨A L'Hotel
- 🏨Andravoahangy hotel
- 🏨El Mundo Hotel
- 🏨Hotel Carlton Madagascar
- 🏨Hotel Chez Francis
Antananarivo Travel Guide Sections
Our comprehensive guide covers 12 sections including: