São Tomé and Príncipe
São Tomé
São Tomé is the capital and largest city of São Tomé and Príncipe, set on a volcanic island in the Gulf of Guinea. Lying just south of the equator, it offers views of plantations growing cocoa and coconut.
Updated August 15, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors
- Gateway airport
- São Tomé International Airport (TMS)
- Best season
- Jun–Jul
- Time zone
- Africa/Sao_Tome
- Sights covered
- 9 places
Sights worth seeing
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Nature
Ilhéu das Cabras
An uninhabited island off the coast of São Tomé, marked by two low hills and a lighthouse. Built in 1890, the lighthouse still guides ships along the coast today.
Temples & religious sites
Roman Catholic Diocese of São Tomé and Príncipe
The Roman Catholic Diocese of São Tomé and Príncipe has its seat in São Tomé city. With more than half the population Catholic, it offers a close look at local religious life.
Museums & galleries
São Sebastião Museum
The São Sebastião Museum sits inside a 16th-century fort in São Tomé city. Housed in the old Portuguese fort built to guard the harbor, it displays religious artworks and colonial-era artifacts.
Temples & religious sites
Our Lady of Grace Cathedral
A Catholic cathedral on Praça do Povo in central São Tomé, close to the Presidential Palace. It also serves as the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of São Tomé and Príncipe.
Nature
Ana Chaves Bay
A bay on the northeastern coast of São Tomé Island, with the capital São Tomé and its port lining the shore. At the bay's southern end stands the Fort of São Sebastião, now a museum well worth visiting together.
Nature
Ilhéu de Santana
An uninhabited islet about 50 meters high, just off the eastern coast of São Tomé. It has served as a landmark for sailors for centuries, appearing even on 17th-century maps.
Views & landmarks
São Sebastião Lighthouse
São Sebastião Lighthouse is a white, circular lighthouse inside the fort at Ana Chaves Bay in southeastern São Tomé. Built in 1928, its simple form topped with a red lantern makes a striking impression.
Castles & palaces
Presidential Palace of São Tomé e Príncipe
The Presidential Palace of São Tomé and Príncipe stands in São Tomé city and is a 19th-century Portuguese colonial-style building. Until independence in 1975, it served as the governor's residence.
How many days do you need?
Routes grouped by travel distance so each day stays comfortable.
Average temperature by month
5-year average
Getting there
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Getting around the city
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Where to stay
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Guides by theme
Best value
Where to find the best value accommodation in São Tomé
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5-star & luxury
Where to find luxury accommodations in São Tomé
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Pool villas & resorts
Where to find pool villas and resorts in São Tomé
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Family travel
Where to stay in São Tomé for a family trip
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Couples & honeymoon
Where to stay in São Tomé for couples and honeymooners
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Central & near stations
Where to stay in São Tomé city center for easy transport access
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Best time to visit
When is the best time to visit São Tomé?
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First-time guide
How to visit São Tomé city for the first time
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Getting around
How to get around São Tomé city and the surrounding island
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