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Madagascar Antananarivo travel guide
12 things to do in Antananarivo. Pick places on the map and get a day-by-day walking route from your hotel with steps, kilometres and minutes.
Top things to do in Antananarivo
- Rova of Antananarivo — royal complex in Madagascar (visit ≈ 90 min)
- Andafiavaratra Palace — museum of Antananarivo (visit ≈ 90 min)
- Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Antananarivo — building in Madagascar (visit ≈ 35 min)
- Botanical and Zoological Garden of Tsimbazaza — Zoological and botanical garden in the neighbourhood of Tsimbazaza in Antananarivo, Madagascar (visit ≈ 150 min)
- University of Madagascar's Museum of Art and Archaeology — ethnology museum, Paleontology museum in Isoraka, Antananarivo (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Iavoloha Palace — official residence and workplace of the president of Madagascar (visit ≈ 90 min)
- Saint Laurent's Cathedral, Ambohimanoro — Anglican cathedral in Antananarivo (visit ≈ 35 min)
- FJKM Rasalama Maritiora Ambohipotsy (visit ≈ 30 min)
- FJKM Tranovato Ambatonakanga — Historic Protestant church in Madagascar, located in Antananarivo (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Ilafy Hill — one of the twelve sacred hills of Imerina, Analamanga Region, Madagascar (visit ≈ 15 min)
- EKAR Faravohitra (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Analakely — market square in Antananarivo, Madagascar (visit ≈ 15 min)
2-day Antananarivo walking itinerary
Starting point: City centre. The top 8 places at a normal pace (up to ~10 km of walking a day), in this order. Change places or your hotel on the map and the route is recalculated; distances are estimates with a street allowance.
- Day 1 (≈ 7.5 km · 10,100 steps · 1 h 39 min on the way): University of Madagascar's Museum of Art and Archaeology → Botanical and Zoological Garden of Tsimbazaza → FJKM Rasalama Maritiora Ambohipotsy → Rova of Antananarivo
- Day 2 (≈ 4.0 km · 5,370 steps · 52 min on the way): Andafiavaratra Palace → Saint Laurent's Cathedral, Ambohimanoro → Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Antananarivo → FJKM Tranovato Ambatonakanga
Day trips
- Ambohimanga — 17 km from the centre
Good to know before visiting Antananarivo
- Fine: Exporting endemic plants and animals (tortoises, lemurs etc.) is illegal.
- Warning: January to March is cyclone season.
- Warning: Malaria is a risk; ask your doctor about prevention and use repellent.
- Respect local "fady" taboos; ask your guide.
- The currency is the ariary; cash is needed outside cities.
- Visa and entry rules depend on your nationality and change often; check official government sources before you travel.
- Emergency: police 117, ambulance 124, fire 118
- Plugs: C/D/E/J/K, 220V
- Tap water: Don't drink tap water; use bottled.
- Tipping: About 10% is customary.
Sources: UK FCDO — Foreign travel advice: Madagascar, Wikivoyage — Madagascar, T.C. Dışişleri Bakanlığı — Türk vatandaşlarının tabi olduğu vize uygulamaları · For information only; rules change, check official sources before you go. Last checked: 2026-10
Antananarivo travel FAQ
- How many days do you need in Antananarivo?
- The top 8 places in the centre take about 2 days at a normal pace on a walking route from your hotel. Add extra days for day trips (Ambohimanga).
- What are the top things to do in Antananarivo?
- Highlights: Rova of Antananarivo, Andafiavaratra Palace, Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Antananarivo, Botanical and Zoological Garden of Tsimbazaza and University of Madagascar's Museum of Art and Archaeology. The map has 12 things to do in total.
- What is the emergency number in Antananarivo?
- Emergency: police 117, ambulance 124, fire 118.
- Do you tip in Antananarivo?
- About 10% is customary.
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