19 Best Things to Do in Windhoek, Namibia in 2026

Looking for the best things to do in Windhoek, Namibia? Namibia’s capital may not be as famous as the country’s epic deserts or safari parks, but Windhoek is where almost every Namibia adventure begins. From colonial landmarks and fascinating museums to lively markets, township tours and unique wildlife encounters, there are plenty of interesting places to visit in Windhoek.

I have visited Namibia several times and always start or end my trip in Windhoek. Over the years this city slowly grew on me.

While Windhoek may not be the most spectacular capital in Africa, it actually has a surprisingly cool mix of history, culture and local experiences. Spend a day exploring and you will discover German colonial architecture, colorful street markets, great local food spots and some unique things to do before continuing your trip across Namibia.

Most travelers only stay one night before heading off on a road trip through the country. If you are planning a Namibia trip, check my 7-day Namibia itinerary that includes Etosha, Skeleton Coast and Sossusvlei.

And before arriving in Namibia make sure you arrange mobile data for your trip. In my guide about the best eSIMs for Namibia I compare the easiest ways to stay connected while traveling around the country.

In this 2026 Windhoek travel guide I share the 19 best things to do in Windhoek, including the city’s top attractions, local experiences, cultural highlights and a few hidden gems most travelers miss. Whether you are visiting for just one day in Windhoek before a Namibia road trip or planning to stay longer, this guide will help you decide what to do in Windhoek.

What are the best things to do in Windhoek?

The best things to do in Windhoek include visiting the Christuskirche, exploring the Independence Memorial Museum, joining a free walking tour, trying Kapana street food in Katutura and enjoying sunset views from rooftop bars like the Hilton Sky Bar.

For a more unique experience, head out to Voigtland Guesthouse just outside the city where you can enjoy breakfast, lunch or high tea with giraffes.

Is Windhoek worth visiting?

Yes, Windhoek is worth visiting for at least one day, especially if you are starting or ending a road trip through Namibia. While the city is not the main reason most travelers visit the country, there are enough interesting places to visit in Windhoek to make a short stay worthwhile.

The city gives you a good first introduction to Namibia through its colonial history, museums, local food scene, township culture and a couple unique experiences that you won't find anywhere else.

Most travelers only stay one night, but if you use your time well you can easily turn Windhoek into a worthwhile stop before continuing on a Namibia road trip itinerary towards Etosha, Sossusvlei and the Skeleton Coast.

19 best things to do in Windhoek, Namibia

1. Visit the Christuskirche

The most iconic landmark of the city is also one of the main tourist attractions in Windhoek, Namibia. This German Lutheran Church is located in the middle of a roundabout next to the Independence Memorial Museum, the Alte Feste and the North Korea building, as I name it… more about that later.

The church dates back to 1910, but construction started already in 1907. The Christuskirche is made from local sandstone. It is easy to find in the city center and tourists are welcome to visit.

2. Visit the Independence Memorial Museum

Opposite the German Lutheran Church you will see one of the most remarkable buildings in the city, a golden skyscraper with in front a statue of the first president of Namibia in 1990: Sam Nujoma. Yes that is correct, Namibia is a very young country and only gained independence from South Africa in 1990. Before the South Africans ruled in Namibia, it was a German colony.

Funny fact the Independence Memorial Museum building is completely funded and constructed by North Korea as a gift to Namibia.

Visiting the Independence Memorial Museum in Windhoek is the best way to learn about the history of Namibia. Visiting the museum is free of charge and it is open from 9am to 5pm. Closed on Sunday.

3. Alte Feste / Former National Museum of Namibia

Next to the Independence Memorial Museum you will find a white low-rise colonial building that once housed the National Museum of Namibia. It is the oldest still standing building in Windhoek and served as a German Fort in the time of the colonisation. Hence the name Alte Feste.

Unfortunately the Alte Feste is (temporarily) closed, however it still is a symbolic place to visit in Windhoek. There is a statue outside that reminds of the genocide of the Nama and Herero people back in the early 1900s.

In the courtyard of Alte Fest there is a controversial statue of a German Corporal on a horse reminding of the German oppression called: Reiterdenkmal. Because the National Museum and the Alte Feste are closed the statue can only be seen from the 'Balcony of Love' rooftop bar on top of the Independence Memorial Museum.

4. Free Walking Tour in Windhoek

One of the best things to do in Windhoek is to join a free walking tour. Local guides will take you around the city and tell you some really cool background information and interesting insights about Windhoek and Namibian history.

Sightseeing never was this easy and you will learn all about the connection between North Korea, Cuba, Zimbabwe and Namibia and why some of the busiest streets in Windhoek are called after Fidel Castro and Roberto Mugabe.

Free Walking Tours are tip based and a great way to support locals directly. Tours start mostly around 9am somewhere in central Windhoek. For more information check out Chameleon Safaris and send them a message on their social media.

5. Lunch with Giraffes at Voigtland Guesthouse

My favorite thing to do in Windhoek, Namibia is visiting the Voigtland Guesthouse where you can feed giraffes while having lunch, breakfast or even a high tea. Spaces are limited to 8 visitors daily, so book this amazing Windhoek activity in advanced.

The Voigtland Guesthouse is located about 30 kilometers East of Windhoek city center and you will need a taxi or a rental car to get there. Depending on your negotiation skills you can find a taxi for a return trip between $500 and $800 NAD ($30-$50 USD).

The best way to experience the giraffes is to stay overnight at Voigtland Guesthouse. There are 5 guest rooms on this 7,500 hectare farm. Guests can enjoy mountain biking, hiking, ATV riding and a big pool with views of the giraffes and the nearby mountains. Click on the link for more info and prices.

6. Katutura Township Tour

The best way to learn more about the Namibian people and how locals live in Windhoek is by visiting the Katutura Township. I wouldn't recommend to visit the township on your own, but signing up for one of the Katutura township tours is among one of the best things to do in Windhoek.

A tour guide will guide you through the township where more than 200,000 people live and you will get an inside into the though lives of living in a township. Check with Chameleon Safaris for tours to Katutura Township.

7. Try Kapana at Oshetu Market Single Quarters

Something I didn't find in any Windhoek travel guide but only got to know through the locals is the Oshetu Community Market in Single Quarters. This is a very local thing to do, but a great experience. Kapana is grilled meat and it is the most famous Namibian street food dish in Windhoek.

The Oshetu Community Market in Single Quarters is definitely one of the best places to visit in Windhoek and should be included in your sightseeing tour. At the market you find local delicacies like dried spinach, fish and the famous Mopane Worms.

I tried the Mopane Worms somewhere in the countryside of Namibia, check out my video on Instagram.

The main tourist attraction at the market is the grilled meat (Kapana). Lots of stalls are lined up next to each other and red meat is grilled on an open wood fire, like barbecue. Every stall will offer you to grab some of their meat strips to try. Mostly beef and some liver. Find the one you like the most and order a bowl of meat strips for around $40 NAD. Then get a little fresh cut salad bowl with the typical Kapana spices and eat it the local way with some deep fried dough balls called 'vetkoek'. It actually tastes pretty damn good!

To get to the Open Market grab a taxi and tell them to drop you at Single Quarters for Kapana. They know where to go! Thank me later for this local experience in Windhoek.

8. Visit the Parliament Gardens

The parliament building is an old building from the German colonisation era and pretty nice to have a look at when walking around the city. It is located just behind the Christuskirche and the Independence Memorial Museum.

In front of the parliament building there are the presidential gardens with some large statues of some key figures that fought for the independence of Namibia. One of them is Hosea Kutako, a Namibia nationalist leader and national hero. The International Airport in Windhoek is named after him.

9. Have at drink at the Balcony of Love rooftop bar

On top of the Independence Memorial Museum there is a bar with 3 large balconies with amazing views over the city, each in a different direction.

Sorry to say, but I would not recommend you to have food up here, I didn't like it. Views are amazing though and the Balcony of Love gives you the best view of the German Lutheran Church, the most iconic landmark of Windhoek. Worth coming for a drink in the afternoon.

10. Carnivore Feeding Tour at Naankuse Wildlife Sanctuary

A 35 minute drive outside of Windhoek there is the Naankuse Wildlife Sanctuary. It became a famous tourist attraction in Namibia after Brad Pitt & Angelina Jolie decided to become a partner of the Naankuse Foundation. You can also spend the night in the Naankuse lodge for about $250 per night. The carnivore feeding activity is included in that price.

There are a couple wildlife activities that can be taken at Naankuse on a day trip like a Cheetah walk ($100 USD p.p.) as well as the carnivore feeding tour which is a little cheaper ($50 USD p.p.). Getting to Naankuse is a little complicated if you don't have a car. But transportation to go and come back from Windhoek can be arranged for around $60 USD.

11. Am Weinberg - Trendy Restaurants and Cafes in Windhoek

Looking for a hip coffee shop, trendy barber shop, a bakery, a gallery, a nice restaurant or the Soulstice Day Spa wellness center then you must visit Am Weinberg. There is a tiny upscale mall with the most hipster coffee cafe in Windhoek: Olivia's Kitchen. They serve good coffee and fresh juices.

This place does NOT have any Africa vibes, it looks more like Dubai. However, if you want to escape the chaos of the city a little this is a great place to visit in Windhoek.

12. Plant D Restaurant – One of the Best Restaurants in Windhoek

A former Vegan restaurant that now also serves meat. Regardless… the food is great! Try their vegan mushroom burger and their detox fresh juices. I am not even a vegetarian, but when you are looking for a restaurant in Windhoek that goes the extra mile this is your best bet

Plant D is located in the Liliencron Street alongside a couple other popular restaurants in Windhoek like the Lemontree Restaurant, Isabel's Table and Francesco. When looking for good restaurants in Windhoek, the Liliencron Street is worth going.

The owners of Plant D are always around and will come for a little chat to welcome you, such nice people!

13. Sunset at the Hilton Sky Bar

One of the best places to watch the sunset over the city is at the rooftop of the Hilton Hotel in Windhoek. Non-guests are more than welcome and drinks are reasonable priced with $3,5 USD for a pint (0.5L) beer. Cocktails are around $7 each.

Watching the sunset from the Hilton Sky Bar is something I would highly recommend. It is a great place to start or end your trip to Namibia, views are incredible. There is also a rooftop pool and when ordering drinks you are allowed to use the pool as well.

14. Dinner at the Avani Stratos Restaurant

Another rooftop bar that I recommend visiting is on top of the Avani Windhoek Hotel. Although the Hilton Sky Bar also serves food, the dining experience at the Avani Hotel is much better. When looking for sunset drinks go to the Hilton Sky Bar, when having dinner I recommend the Avani Stratos Restaurant on the top floor.

My favorite rooftop bar in Windhoek is the much more laid-back Hilton, it also is much bigger than the Avani rooftop bar. But the food at the Hilton Windhoek isn't great.

15. Dining experience at Joe's Beerhouse

Looking for your last game steak before you go home? Joe's Brewhouse is an all time favorite. Especially if you are with a group of people this is a cool place to visit in Windhoek. This German orientated restaurant/bar/pub is partially outdoors and boasts a great vibe.

Joe's Brewhouse is not only a place where tourists go, you will also find many locals here. Also when looking for a place to watch football or other live sports events, Joe's Brewhouse is a great alternative to any sports bar in Windhoek.

16. Party at Brewer's Market

Those that are willing to party definitely have to go to the Brewers Market in the city center. This is the number one place in Windhoek to go out. There is a lot of nightlife in Windhoek, but Brewers Market is a place where tourists and locals mingle. There is often Live Music or a DJ and there is a sky deck bar, etc.

When looking for things to do in Windhoek at night I can highly recommend visiting Brewers Market.

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17. Get your hair braided

If you are just like me not someone who buys a lot of souvenirs and you still want to contribute to the local economy then get your hair braided. Why not? You are in Africa, no better place to try something new like that.

I got my hair braided twice and actually quite liked it. There are two places that I highly recommend and they are both located in the Fidel Castro Street opposite the Wernhil Park Mall, or 1,5 block down from the Zoo Park.

Braiding my hair takes the ladies around 1 hour and costs $100 NAD ($7 USD) excluding a nice tip.

18. Gamble at the Casino

For those who like gambling there is a casino located in the basement of the Hilton Hotel and also at the Avani hotel. The casinos are fairly small but there are a bunch of slot machines as well as roulette and poker tables.

19. Visit the Mall

If you are looking to get groceries for your self drive trip to Namibia or wanna do some shopping there are 3 malls in Windhoek: Maerua Mall, The Grove Mall of Namibia and the Wernhil Park.

Some other things to do in Windhoek that are often recommend in travel guides are a stroll through Zoo Park or the Avis Dam Nature Reserve. Well, let's be honest these are nice places to visit for locals, but definitely NOT a Windhoek tourist attraction.

The Zoo Park is like the central park of Windhoek with a playground and a little pond, when there is even water in it. Within 2 minutes you have seen the Zoo Park, it is definitely not something special.

Avis Dam Nature Reserve is a much nicer area to go for a walk, but it is a little outside the city center and you will need a taxi to get there. It surely is a nice area but I wouldn't say it is a must see when visiting Windhoek.

More Windhoek Travel Tips

When planning a trip to Namibia, I totally understand that visiting Windhoek is usually not the main priority. With so many incredible places to visit in Namibia like Sossusvlei, Etosha National Park, the Skeleton Coast and Swakopmund, most travelers are eager to get on the road as soon as possible.

Planning to explore more of the country? Check out my 7-day Namibia itinerary for a classic road trip route. If you still need mobile data for your trip, read my guides for the best eSIMs for Namibia and buying a prepaid SIM card in Namibia.

That said, most travelers use Windhoek as their port of entry and exit, flying in and out of Hosea Kutako International Airport. So even if you only stay for one night, it is worth knowing how to make the most of your time in Namibia’s capital.

Here are some practical Windhoek travel tips before your trip.

How to get around Windhoek

The best way to get around Windhoek is by taxi. Don't get intimidated by all the taxis honking at you, they are just looking for clients.

Officially, the price for a taxi ride in Windhoek is around $24 NAD from door to door, which is a little over $1.5 USD, but taxis are usually shared. Along the route the driver may pick up more people. Don't panic, this is normal.

There are also taxi apps that you can use in Windhoek. LEFA and TaxiConnect are two recommended options. There is no Uber in Windhoek.

Want to see a funny story from one of my first Namibia trips? Then check out my article about hitchhiking in Namibia.

Is Windhoek safe for tourists?

Based on my own trips and the experiences of other travelers I met in Namibia, Windhoek generally feels safe for tourists as long as you use common sense. I have personally never felt unsafe anywhere in the city during my visits.

That said, normal precautions still apply. Avoid walking alone at night, only visit townships with a guide, take taxis after dark and don't flash valuables. Trust your gut and stay aware of your surroundings.

The people in Namibia are generally very friendly and helpful, and I found Windhoek an easy city to navigate as a traveler.

How many days do you need in Windhoek?

Most travelers only need one or two days in Windhoek. Namibia is such an incredible country to explore that I would not recommend spending too many vacation days in the capital, especially if you only have a limited itinerary.

That said, Windhoek is the travel hub for trips around Namibia because it is close to the international airport. Most people spend their first and last night here, and with one full day you can already see most of the main tourist attractions in Windhoek.

Buses to and from Windhoek

Are you a solo traveler, an adventurous couple or traveling overland through southern Africa? Then Windhoek can also be a useful transport hub.

Depending on your next destination, you can find buses to Cape Town in South Africa with Intercape and to Livingstone in Zambia with Oasis.

Finding transport to Botswana is a bit more complicated and usually involves shared taxis and crossing the border on your own.

Windhoek Travel FAQ

Is Windhoek worth visiting?

Yes, Windhoek is worth visiting for at least one day. While Namibia’s capital is not as spectacular as destinations like Sossusvlei or Etosha National Park, it offers interesting colonial landmarks, local markets, rooftop bars and unique experiences like giraffe lunches just outside the city.

What are the best things to do in Windhoek?

The best things to do in Windhoek include visiting the Christuskirche, exploring the Independence Memorial Museum, joining a free walking tour, trying Kapana street food at Single Quarters Market and enjoying sunset views from the Hilton Sky Bar. For a unique experience you can also have lunch with giraffes at Voigtland Guesthouse.

How many days do you need in Windhoek?

Most travelers only need one or two days in Windhoek. In one day you can visit the main attractions in the city center such as Christuskirche and the Independence Memorial Museum, explore Katutura township and finish the day with sunset drinks at one of the rooftop bars.

Is Windhoek safe for tourists?

Windhoek is generally considered a relatively safe capital for tourists, but travelers should still take normal precautions. Avoid walking alone at night, take taxis instead of walking after dark and keep valuables out of sight. During the day the city center is usually easy to explore.

What can you do in Windhoek in one day?

If you only have one day in Windhoek you can easily visit the main highlights. Start with Christuskirche and the Independence Memorial Museum, join a walking tour of the city center, try Kapana street food in Katutura and finish your day with sunset views from a rooftop bar.

Where do most tourists stay in Windhoek?

Most tourists stay in central Windhoek or in nearby neighborhoods like Klein Windhoek. Many travelers only spend their first and last night in the city before starting a Namibia road trip to places like Etosha National Park, the Skeleton Coast or Sossusvlei.

What is Windhoek famous for?

Windhoek is famous for its German colonial architecture, landmarks like the Christuskirche and its role as the main gateway to Namibia. The city is also known for lively markets, rooftop bars and being the starting point for most Namibia road trips.

Watch My Windhoek Travel Vlog

Still planning your Namibia trip? In the video below I show many of the places and experiences mentioned in this Windhoek travel guide, so you can get a better feel for the city before you go.

Final Thoughts on Visiting Windhoek

Windhoek may not be the most spectacular capital city in Africa, but over the years it really grew on me. The city has an interesting mix of history, local culture, good food spots and a couple genuinely unique experiences that make it worth at least a short stop.

For most travelers, Windhoek is the start or end point of a much bigger Namibia adventure. But instead of treating it as just a place to sleep before your flight or road trip, I would recommend giving yourself at least one day to explore. You may end up enjoying it more than expected.

If you are continuing your trip, make sure to check my Namibia itinerary, compare the best eSIMs for Namibia and read my guide on buying a prepaid SIM card in Namibia before you go.

I hope this Windhoek travel guide helped you plan your trip. If you have any questions, leave me a comment below and I will do my best to help you out.

Curious what it looks like trying to visit every country in the world? Go check out my Instagram account @traveltomtom and follow along.

Enjoy your trip to Windhoek!

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