How many days do you need in São Tomé?

The top 6 places in the centre take about 1 day at a normal pace on a walking route from your hotel.

What are the top things to do in São Tomé?

Highlights: São Sebastião Museum, Our Lady of Grace Cathedral, Presidential Palace of São Tomé e Príncipe, Our Lady of Conception Church, São Tomé and Forte de São Jerónimo. The map has 7 things to do in total.

Do you tip in São Tomé?

Tipping is optional; small amounts are appreciated.

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São Tomé Things to do and walking itinerary

São Tomé and Príncipe

São Tomé travel guide

7 things to do in São Tomé. 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 São Tomé

São Sebastião Museum — national museum in São Tomé Island, São Tomé and Príncipe (visit ≈ 120 min)
Our Lady of Grace Cathedral — building in São Tomé and Príncipe (visit ≈ 35 min)
Presidential Palace of São Tomé e Príncipe — building in Africa (visit ≈ 90 min)
Our Lady of Conception Church, São Tomé — building in São Tomé and Príncipe (visit ≈ 30 min)
Forte de São Jerónimo — building in São Tomé and Príncipe (visit ≈ 60 min)
Igreja do Bom Jesus, São Tomé — building in São Tomé and Príncipe (visit ≈ 30 min)
Igreja de Nossa Senhora de Guadalupe — church in Lobato, São Tomé e Príncipe (visit ≈ 30 min)

1-day São Tomé walking itinerary

Starting point: City centre. The top 6 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 (≈ 6.8 km · 9,220 steps · 1 h 31 min on the way): Our Lady of Conception Church, São Tomé → Our Lady of Grace Cathedral → Presidential Palace of São Tomé e Príncipe → Igreja do Bom Jesus, São Tomé → São Sebastião Museum → Forte de São Jerónimo

Good to know before visiting São Tomé

Fine: Photographing military sites, airports, bridges and government buildings is prohibited.
Warning: Cards rarely work; bring cash (dobra or euros).
Warning: Malaria is a risk; ask your doctor about prevention and use repellent.
Warning: Roads can be narrow and rough; take care in rain.
Embrace the slow "leve-leve" pace.
Visa and entry rules depend on your nationality and change often; check official government sources before you travel.

Emergency: 112
Plugs: C/F, 220V
Tap water: Don't drink tap water; use bottled.
Tipping: Tipping is optional; small amounts are appreciated.

Sources: UK FCDO — Foreign travel advice: São Tomé and Príncipe, Wikivoyage — São Tomé and Príncipe, 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

São Tomé travel FAQ

How many days do you need in São Tomé?: The top 6 places in the centre take about 1 day at a normal pace on a walking route from your hotel.
What are the top things to do in São Tomé?: Highlights: São Sebastião Museum, Our Lady of Grace Cathedral, Presidential Palace of São Tomé e Príncipe, Our Lady of Conception Church, São Tomé and Forte de São Jerónimo. The map has 7 things to do in total.
What is the emergency number in São Tomé?: Emergency: 112.
Do you tip in São Tomé?: Tipping is optional; small amounts are appreciated.

Nearby cities

Libreville · Yaoundé · Porto-Novo · Cotonou · Lomé · Accra · Abuja · Brazzaville

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