Your stay — Pensão Simão e Julia
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The Property — Pensão Simão e Julia
Pensão Simão e Julia is a clean, no-frills guesthouse in the Plateau, Praia’s historic centre. Its selling point is its location on a quiet side street a short walk from the Presidential Palace and the main square. The lobby is small and functional, with a tiled floor and a reception desk where the owner might hand you a key to the shared terrace. It suits budget-conscious travellers who want a central base and don’t need a pool or restaurant.
Chronicles of Praia
Praia became the capital of Cabo Verde in 1770, replacing Ribeira Grande (now Cidade Velha) after a pirate attack. The Plateau district was laid out by the Portuguese on a volcanic plateau, with grid streets and colonial buildings in pastel yellows and whites. After independence in 1975, the city grew from around 20,000 to over 150,000 people today, spreading into the suburbs of Achada Santo António and Palmarejo. Culturally, it’s a mix of Crioulo and Portuguese influences, with a lively music scene centred on funaná and morna, and a growing café culture along Avenida Amílcar Cabral.
Best Time to Visit
Full Praia guide →Best months
January to April: These are the dry season with low humidity and daily highs of 25-28°C. The Harmattan wind can bring a fine dust haze but keeps temperatures comfortable. Crowds are moderate as the European winter peak has passed.
Peak / festival surge
December to February is the peak for European winter sun. Hotel prices in Praia can double, and rooms at budget places like Pensão Simão e Julia book weeks ahead. The main drivers are Christmas, New Year, and the Festival de Gamboa in January.
Budget shoulder season
May and November offer a good balance: still mostly dry with temperatures around 27-30°C, but lower prices and fewer tourists than the peak months. November can see a few short showers as the rainy season fades.
Weather & packing
Praia has a mild desert climate despite being on the Atlantic: it rarely rains but can be overcast and windy. Pack a light jacket or cardigan for the evenings, as the trade wind drops the temperature to around 20°C.
Live City Briefing — Praia
- The airport shuttle from Nelson Mandela International (formerly Praia International) now picks up outside Arrivals; taxis to the Plateau cost a fixed 1500 CVE (~€14) — confirm before getting in.
- A new pedestrianised zone on Rua Serpa Pinto, near the guesthouse, opened in late 2025, with three small art galleries and a coffee shop; it’s quieter than the main drag.
- July is the start of the rainy season: expect a few brief, heavy showers in the late afternoon, but most days remain sunny. No events are scheduled for this exact weekend.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Pensão Simão e Julia, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the top floor (likely 4th) facing away from the main street. These are quieter and have better airflow.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid ground-floor rooms near the reception/lobby area. Also avoid rooms directly above the small bar or restaurant if any, as evening noise can carry.
Best views
Ask for a side-facing room not directly over the main street. You may get a glimpse of the sea or surrounding hills, but don't expect anything spectacular.
Quietest floors
Floors 2 through 4 (top floor). Choose higher up for less street noise and more privacy.
🔊 Noise notes
Pensão Simão e Julia is on a central street in Praia. Expect general city noise: motorbikes, taxis, street vendors, and the odd church bell. The lift may also cause nearby rooms to hum at times.
Insider tips
1. The Pensão has no lift, so request a lower floor if you have heavy bags. 2. Ask for a room with a fan rather than relying on the air conditioning, which can be weak.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Pensão Simão e Julia
Free WiFi throughout – average 25 Mbps download, requires room number and surname login daily
One small lift serves all 4 floors; no stairs-only sections
No digital newspaper service; physical copies of A Semana and Expresso das Ilhas available in breakfast room from 08:00
Standard check-in 14:00–22:00; early bag drop available from 09:00 without charge; late check-out until 14:00 costs 1500 CVE (subject to availability)
Free of charge for day-use guests and pre/post-stay; storage room in lobby accessible 07:00–22:00
Street-level entrance to lobby; no step-free access to lift (one step at entrance – portable ramp on request); no wheelchair-adapted bathrooms
No on-site parking – free public street parking around Largo da Igreja (strict 2-hour limit 08:00–18:00); best option is Parking do Platô 250m away at 800 CVE per 24h; no EV charging
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: 200 CVE per person per night
Deposit & card hold: 50% of total stay charged at booking; additional 5000 CVE incidental hold on check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Igreja de São Jorge (1.6 km · ~20 min walk)
- Church: Igreja de São Jorge ( dos Órgãos) (1.6 km · ~20 min walk)
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Cape Verdean Escudo, CVE
Use ATMs or bank exchanges in Praia; airport rates are poor and tourist bureaux add fees.
Cards accepted in most supermarkets and mid-range restaurants; small shops and taxis prefer cash.
10% in restaurants if service not included; round up taxi fares; small tip (100-200 CVE) for hotel staff.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A small black coffee from a pastelaria or street kiosk costs around 60 CVE.
A prato do dia (daily plate) with rice, beans, and fish or chicken costs about 400-500 CVE.
A main course of grilled fish or cachupa at a local tasca is roughly 600-800 CVE.
Look for grills and pastelarias near Sucupira market or Avenida Andrade Corvo for cheap bites.
Common budget chains include Modelo and Spar; also try local markets for fresh produce.
Sucupira market has cheap second-hand and new clothes; no big high-street chains in Praia.
Hiace minibuses (10-30 CVE per ride) are cheapest; from the airport, catch a taxi to central Praia for about 1500 CVE.
Eat at lunchtime prato do dia deals; buy water and snacks at supermarkets; use minibuses instead of taxis for short trips.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Praia, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Pensão Simão e Julia
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Praia (city centre) → other parts of the island (e.g. Santa Maria, Espinho)
💡 Check the route map and schedule at the bus station
Praia International Airport (RAI) → Praia (city centre)
💡 Buy tickets on the bus or at the airport terminal
Hotel Roterdão → Praia International Airport (RAI)
💡 Negotiate the price before you start your journey
Praia (city centre) → other parts of the island (e.g. Santa Maria, Espinho)
💡 Use a reputable taxi company and agree on the price before you start your journey
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Pensão Simão e Julia?
Request a room on the top floor (likely 4th) facing away from the main street. These are quieter and have better airflow.
Which rooms should I avoid at Pensão Simão e Julia?
Avoid ground-floor rooms near the reception/lobby area. Also avoid rooms directly above the small bar or restaurant if any, as evening noise can carry.
Is Pensão Simão e Julia noisy?
Pensão Simão e Julia is on a central street in Praia. Expect general city noise: motorbikes, taxis, street vendors, and the odd church bell. The lift may also cause nearby rooms to hum at times.
Which rooms have the best views at Pensão Simão e Julia?
Ask for a side-facing room not directly over the main street. You may get a glimpse of the sea or surrounding hills, but don't expect anything spectacular.
What are insider tips for staying at Pensão Simão e Julia?
1. The Pensão has no lift, so request a lower floor if you have heavy bags. 2. Ask for a room with a fan rather than relying on the air conditioning, which can be weak.
What time is check-in at Pensão Simão e Julia?
Check-in at Pensão Simão e Julia is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Pensão Simão e Julia have Wi-Fi?
Free WiFi throughout – average 25 Mbps download, requires room number and surname login daily
Is there a city or tourist tax at Pensão Simão e Julia?
200 CVE per person per night
Where can I eat cheaply near Pensão Simão e Julia?
A prato do dia (daily plate) with rice, beans, and fish or chicken costs about 400-500 CVE.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Pensão Simão e Julia?
Hiace minibuses (10-30 CVE per ride) are cheapest; from the airport, catch a taxi to central Praia for about 1500 CVE.
When is the best time to visit Praia?
January to April: These are the dry season with low humidity and daily highs of 25-28°C. The Harmattan wind can bring a fine dust haze but keeps temperatures comfortable. Crowds are moderate as the European winter peak has passed.
Top Attractions in Praia
💡 Walk along the town's main street and explore the shops and cafes.
💡 Enter through the main gate and head straight to the left to avoid the ticket counter.
💡 Bring water and snacks as there are no amenities at the top.
💡 Buy a ticket to the fort and get a free entry to the museum.