Madagascar · 2026 itinerary
Antananarivo 3-Day Itinerary
A day-by-day plan for Antananarivo: the best attractions in order, where to eat, how to get around — with free hotel briefings for your stay.
Arrive & Explore the Highlights
Open-air craft market selling local textiles, wood carvings, and jewellery. Haggling expected and normal.
🕐 Daily 08:00-18:00
Free entry💡 Go in the morning for best selection. Don't pay more than half the initial price. Bring small notes.
Hotels near Marché d'Artisanat (La Digue) →Artificial lake ringed by jacaranda trees, with the war memorial island at centre. Popular for walks and picnics.
🕐 Always open
Free entry💡 In November the trees bloom purple - spectacular for photos. Avoid dusk when mosquitoes are active.
Hotels near Tana Waterfront (Lac Anosy) →Café d'Ampasimbe · ££
Crémerie · ££
Deeper Into Antananarivo
Hilltop royal palace complex with panoramic city views. Rebuilt after 1995 fire, now a museum with historical exhibits.
🕐 Tue-Sun 09:00-17:00
💡 Go early morning to avoid midday heat and crowds. The path up via Analakely market is steep but scenic.
Former prime minister's residence turned museum with royal artefacts, including original items from the Rova fire.
🕐 Mon-Fri 09:00-16:00, Sat 09:00-12:00
💡 Entry is about 10000 ariary (£2). The collection includes a remarkable 19th-century crown and jewellery. Quiet on weekday afternoons.
Final Favourites & Departure
Modest zoo with lemurs, chameleons, and native plants. Small botanical section with labelled species.
💡 Entry costs about 4000 ariary (under £1). The lemur enclosure is best visited at feeding time, around 10:00.
Getting Around Antananarivo
Not good with luggage. Sit window-side to pay the collector; hand your fare in small bills. Get off at 'Jumbo Score' and walk five minutes east to Ankorondrano.
Download 'Beb' (B.e.b) before landing—it's the only ride-hail that works reliably here. Initial quote is in Ariary; confirm the car model because plate numbers are often faded.
Ignore touts inside arrivals. Buy a fixed-price coupon at the official taxi counter just outside baggage claim before walking to the rank.
Only reliable if you have a local SIM (takes cash only, no change given). Stand at the front to signal the driver. From Jovena it's a 10-minute walk west to Le Grenat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 3 days enough for Antananarivo?
Three days covers the main highlights well. You can see the key attractions like Marché d'Artisanat (La Digue) and get a genuine feel for the city. For a more leisurely pace or to explore neighbourhoods in depth, a 5-day trip is better.
What is the best time to visit Antananarivo?
See our full best time to visit Antananarivo guide — it covers weather month by month, peak vs. shoulder seasons and how to avoid the crowds.
Where should I stay for this itinerary?
A central location saves transit time between sites. Top options include Relais des Pistards, Ny Riandrano, Soava Dia. See the full ranked list with free briefings for each.