Antananarivo City Guide

Local dishes like Romazava and Ravitoto are must-tries. There's French, Chinese, and Indian food too mainly in city center. Vegetarian options exist but limited. Late-night food is rare outside hotels.

Nightlife is mainly bars and some clubs in Antaninarenina and Isoraka. Some places have live music but the scene is modest.

Local coffee is strong and sweet. Specialty coffee shops are starting to appear.

Not mandatory but appreciated for good service. Restaurants usually expect 5-10%; taxis can be rounded up.

SIM cards can be bought at the airport or city stores. Top providers are Orange, Airtel, and Telma. ID needed for activation. eSIMs are rare.

Cleanliness varies; some parts are dirty with visible waste. Waste management is improving but limited.

24/7 services are rare. Some pharmacies and small shops stay open late. Most food and medical services close early.

International products are in big supermarkets; fresh markets sell local produce. Markets expect bargaining, supermarkets do not.

Cash is needed for most things, especially at markets and public transport. Credit cards work mainly in big hotels, some restaurants, and large supermarkets.

ATMs are in central areas and banks like BFV-Société Générale, BNI Madagascar, and BOA. There are withdrawal fees from local and international banks.

International schools include American School of Antananarivo (English) and Lycée Français de Tananarive (French). Check directly for admission details.

Small, emerging community with few meetups. Mostly local business-oriented coworking.

Parks like Parc de Tsarasaotra provide green space. Shaded spots are limited in the city center.

Popular routes are around Lake Anosy and some parks. Traffic and safety can be issues.

Gyms are often in larger hotels or stand-alone fitness centers.

Tennis courts exist at some private clubs and hotels.

Padel is rare but might be at newer sports complexes.

Yoga studios cater to a small expat community.

Traditional Malagasy martial art (Moraingy), judo, and karate are practiced. BJJ and Muay Thai are rare.

No skiing in Madagascar.

Limited water sports on Lake Anosy, like paddle boats.

No surfing spots near Antananarivo. Surfing is coastal, far away from the city.

Diving is on the coast, far from Antananarivo.

Private clinics like Clinique des Soeurs de Fiseha and Polyclinique d'Ilafy have some English staff. Quality is limited compared to Western hospitals. Pharmacies are common but carry basic medicines mainly.

Tap water isn't safe to drink. Buy bottled water instead.

There are some playgrounds and kid-friendly cafes mostly in malls or hotels. Baby supplies can be found in supermarkets. Nearby attractions include Lemur's Park, Croc Farm, and Rova Palace.

Society is generally conservative with low public acceptance. Safe spaces are rare.

Pet policies vary. Vet services available. Pet parks rare and import rules strict.