São Tomé town

São Tomé and Príncipe, São Tomé and Príncipe

The capital, concentrating most of the country's premium hotels and restaurants around a colonial-era core.

Places in São Tomé town

Papa-Figos Elegant and modern, the reference point for international cuisine with a Santomean twist.
São Tomé central market cafes Cafes around the vibrant central market, a good spot to sample local favourites.
The Blue Lagoon A favourite with locals and tourists alike, sometimes hosting live music nights.
Restaurant late-night bars Restaurants that keep their doors open later than usual so locals and travellers can have a few drinks.

Best time to visit: June to September and December to February offer the driest weather, though the islands are warm and green year-round.
Getting around: Domestic flights connect São Tomé and Príncipe islands; a rental car or driver is needed to explore the plantations and rainforest roads on São Tomé itself.
Currency: São Tomé Dobra (STN)
Language: Portuguese. Forro creole is widely spoken.
Timezone: GMT (UTC+0)
Current trends: A wave of boutique hotels reinterpreting former cocoa estates (roças) into design-led properties is repositioning the islands as a heritage and eco-tourism destination, following Príncipe's designation as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Roça São João dos Angolares — A former cocoa plantation turned boutique restaurant and stay, led by celebrated chef João Carlos Silva.
Príncipe island — A smaller, greener, more remote island and UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, home to Roça Sundy and Belo Monte.