Things to Do in Malabo

The central square of Malabo, lined with Spanish colonial buildings including the old governor's palace and the city hall. A statue of independence stands in the middle.

🕐 Always accessible; buildings closed to public

💡 Look up at the balcony of the palace – the original ironwork is intact from the 1890s.

A neo-Gothic cathedral built by the Spanish in the early 20th century, with twin spires and a stained-glass rose window. The interior is plain but striking.

🕐 Open daily, 7 am–6 pm; services at 7 am and 6 pm

💡 Visit during a Sunday morning mass (around 9 am) to hear the choir sing in Fang and Spanish.

A bustling covered market where locals buy fresh produce, fish, spices, and cloth. The smoky fish section near the back is particularly lively.

🕐 Mon–Sat, 6 am–6 pm; Sun, 6 am–noon

💡 Buy a bag of roasted plantain chips from the old woman at stall 34 – she’s been there for 20 years and her recipe is the best in town.

A small museum showcasing contemporary Equatoguinean art, including paintings, wood carvings, and masks. Rotating exhibitions every few months.

🕐 Tue–Sat, 10 am–5 pm; closed Sun–Mon

💡 Ask the attendant to unlock the back room – it holds older, more interesting pieces not on public display.

A small but well-maintained public park with tropical trees, benches, and a central fountain. Locals gather here in the evenings to chat and kids play football on the grass.

🕐 Open daily, dawn to dusk

💡 Go just before sunset for cooler air and better light for photos of the colonial-era buildings nearby.