Managua, Nicaragua

Managua, the capital of Nicaragua, located in Central America, is a vibrant city which offers many exciting activities for tourists and locals alike to partake in. Managua offers vibrant nightlife, coupled with many theater performances, and live music which plays in the local bars or sometimes on the streets.

Managua, in the Nahuatl language, means "where there’s an extension of water", due to the many lakes and lagoons which are found in the surrounding area. As the city is only 50 meters above sea level, temperatures vary between 28 and 32 degrees Celsius, which is very comfortable and warm. This allows tourists to bathe in the sea if they wish, or head to one of Managua’s public beaches or just relax in front of the swimming pool of their hotel.

Head down to “ El Malecon” or the waterfront, where you can take in the fantastic views of the sea, and you can taste the local food, as well as dance the night away at one of the discos or karaoke bars that line the shore. Managuans are very friendly and you will feel welcome in their city right away.

The capital also offers many different cultural activities such as visiting museums, going to art galleries and you can admire Spanish architecture which dates back to Colonial times. Many of the churches are large and gothic and the Spanish influence can be seen clearly in the way the churches were constructed. The cathedral also offers a tour of their catacombs and is very interesting indeed.

Located on the shores of Managua lake, you will find La Plaza de la Republica which is famous for the many political events that have taken here over the decades. The Palacio Nacional de la Culura ( the National Cultural Center) and the Museo Nacional ( National Museum) with its natural history and archeological displays, contemporary art and visiting exhibits overlook the square.

A visit to the Rubén Darío National Library is also very fascinating way of diving into Nicaraguan culture as the library was named for one of Nicaragua’s most famous poets and authors in this country’s  national history. If you can read Spanish, I would definitely recommend the library as a stop to visit on your tour.

Whether you are basking in the sun, enjoying a leisurely stroll down the shoreline, or visiting the historic monuments of this fascinating city, Managua’s friendly people and way of life will assure that your visit here is a memorable one.