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Antananarivo

Antananarivo is the capital and largest city of Madagascar, a vibrant hub located on the island nation off the east coast of Africa. Home to nearly 1.4 million people, it serves as the cultural, political, and economic centre of this unique island nation.

Photo: Sascha Grabow www.saschagrabow.com (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Quick facts

Population
1,391,433 (city, 2022)
Currency
Malagasy ariary (MGA)
Language
French, Malagasy
Timezone
EAT (UTC+3)
Local time now
20:15:23

Hotels in Antananarivo

We're still gathering hotels listings for Antananarivo — check back soon.

Airports in Antananarivo

Antananarivo's main airport is Aéroport International d'Ivato, which serves as the primary gateway for visitors arriving in Madagascar's capital city. This international airport connects Antananarivo to destinations across the region and beyond. See all airports →

Aéroport International d'Ivato
13.6 km from centre

Car Hire in Antananarivo

Antananarivo offers several car hire options for visitors looking to explore the city and surrounding regions. Major rental companies including Budget and local providers like Trans Denis are available to suit different travel needs and budgets. See all car hire →

Budget
766 m from centre
Trans Denis
1.1 km from centre
holy nirina
2.1 km from centre
fenosoa rajaona
2.1 km from centre

Things to Do in Antananarivo

Antananarivo offers visitors a range of cultural and historical attractions to explore. From the Musée d'art et d'archéologie showcasing local heritage to iconic landmarks like the Stèle MDRM 29 mars 1947 and the I Love Antananarivo Sign, the city provides diverse experiences for travelers interested in art, history, and Malagasy culture. See all things to do →

Stèle MDRM 29 mars 1947
338 m from centre
Musée d'art et d'archéologie
531 m from centre
I Love Antananarivo Sign
563 m from centre
Société Tsara Anjara
696 m from centre
Anjely Mainty
740 m from centre
Musée des Pirates Antananarivo
814 m from centre

Restaurants in Antananarivo

Antananarivo offers a variety of dining establishments to suit different tastes and preferences. From casual eateries to more formal dining venues like Le Buffet du Jardin, La Ribaudière, Le Saint Germain, Restaurant Kanana, and Le SteakHouse, visitors and locals can explore the city's restaurant scene. See all restaurants →

Le Buffet du Jardin
31 m from centre
La Ribaudière
80 m from centre
Le Saint Germain
101 m from centre

Swimming Pools in Antananarivo

Antananarivo offers several swimming pool facilities for residents and visitors. Options include Piscine privée Enceinte COMINOR, Piscine Betongolo, Piscine Antsaha, and Piscine du Lycée Français de Tananarive. See all swimming pools →

Piscine privée Enceinte COMINOR
1.3 km from centre
Piscine Betongolo
1.8 km from centre
Piscine
3.2 km from centre

Spas in Antananarivo

We're still gathering spas listings for Antananarivo — check back soon.

Nightlife in Antananarivo

Antananarivo offers a variety of nightlife venues for visitors and locals alike. From clubs like Le Six, Le Caveau, Suite 101, Palladium, and Palmó Night-Club, there are options to enjoy an evening out in the capital. See all nightlife →

Le Six
101 m from centre
Le Caveau
185 m from centre
Suite 101
211 m from centre

Bars in Antananarivo

Antananarivo offers a selection of bars for locals and visitors alike. Popular venues in the city include Le bistrot, La Bonne Cave, Madagascar Underground, Le Garage, and Le Glacier, each providing distinct atmospheres for dining and socializing. See all bars →

Le bistrot
172 m from centre
La Bonne Cave
204 m from centre
Madagascar Underground
218 m from centre

Cafes in Antananarivo

Antananarivo offers a selection of cafes where visitors and locals can enjoy refreshments and relax. Popular spots include Noir et Blanc, Café de la Gare, Librairie café Cannelle, Le Café du Coin, and COOKIE SHOP, each providing a welcoming atmosphere in the capital. See all cafes →

Noir et Blanc
coffee_shop · 792 m from centre
Café de la Gare
879 m from centre
Librairie café Cannelle
987 m from centre

Shopping in Antananarivo

Antananarivo offers a variety of shopping options for visitors and locals alike. From the bustling City Center to established retailers like COSMOS Megastore, L'Arcadian, Gallerie Hermes, and Maison Monlou, the capital provides diverse shopping experiences across different areas of the city. See all shopping →

City Center
264 m from centre
COSMOS Megastore
327 m from centre
L'Arcadian
373 m from centre

Nature & Wildlife in Antananarivo

We're still gathering nature & wildlife listings for Antananarivo — check back soon.

Climate snapshot

Antananarivo experiences a tropical highland climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The city enjoys cooler temperatures due to its elevated location, with moisture-laden winds bringing seasonal rains and variability in weather patterns throughout the year.

Frequently Asked Questions About Antananarivo

What is the currency used in Antananarivo?

The currency used in Antananarivo is the Malagasy Ariary, the official currency of Madagascar.

What language is spoken in Antananarivo?

Malagasy is the primary language spoken in Antananarivo, though French is also widely used in business and education.

What timezone is Antananarivo in?

Antananarivo operates on Indian/Antananarivo time (GMT+3), keeping it synchronized with East African time.

How many people live in Antananarivo?

Antananarivo has a population of approximately 1,391,433 within the city itself, making it Madagascar's largest urban centre.

Which region of Africa is Madagascar in?

Madagascar is located off the southeast coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean, distinct from mainland Africa.

Map of Antananarivo

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