Must-see attractions in Managua

  • Museo Arqueológico Huellas de Acahualinca

    Managua

    Discovered by miners in 1874, these fossilized tracks record the passage of perhaps 10 people – men, women and children – as well as birds, raccoons, deer…

  • Antigua Catedral

    Managua

    The hollow shell of Managua’s Old Cathedral remains Managua’s most poignant metaphor, shattered by the 1972 earthquake – and slowly undergoing restoration…

  • A Cinnamon Hummingbird (Amazilia rutila) is seen at the National Arboretum in Managua, on March 28, 2012. Created in 1992, this woodland with over 200 species, became an ecological laboratory and oasis for those that want to escape from the heat of the Nicaraguan capital. It receives 15000 students, tourists, and public in general per year. AFP PHOTO / ELMER MARTINEZ (Photo credit should read ELMER MARTINEZ/AFP/Getty Images)

    Arboretum Nacional Juan Batista Salas

    Managua

    These modest gardens, inconveniently located halfway between Barrio Bolonia and the Plaza Monumental on Av Bolívar (well, it’s convenient if you’re making…

  • Fountain and ruben dario national theatre

    Monumento a Rubén Darío

    Managua

    On the lake side of Plaza de la Revolución, this monument was refurbished after the original 1933 statue fell into graffitied disrepair. A group of…

  • Managua, Nicaragua:  Old Cathedral and Nicaraguan flag

    Plaza de la Revolución

    Managua

    Inaugurated in 1899 by national hero and original anti-American General José Santos Zelaya, this open plaza has been the scene of countless protests,…

  • Museo Nacional

    Managua

    Inside the Palacio de la Cultura y Biblioteca Nacional, the beautiful national museum is an enjoyable romp through the country's history – from Nicaragua…

  • Catedral Metropolitana

    Managua

    Just north of the Metrocentro mall is an unforgettable Managua landmark that's practically new (the doors opened in 1993). It's an architectural marvel…

  • Paseo Salvador Allende

    Managua

    The malecón (pier) has been perked up by the Puerto Salvador Allende tourist complex at its base, and comes alive in the evenings (particularly on…

  • Casa del Pueblo

    Managua

    This was rebuilt during the Alemán years with the help of the Taiwanese government, and is now home to the controversial Consejos de Poder Ciudadano (CPCs…

  • Parque El Carmén

    Managua

    A couple of blocks from Barrio Bolonia’s concrete jungle, this surprisingly pretty park is a little slice of suburbia, with kids' riding bikes, a…

  • National Assembly Pedestrian Walk

    Managua

    East of the National Assembly along Av Central is a pedestrian walk with open-air exhibits on Nicaragua's history, featuring everything from historic…

  • UCA

    Managua

    Founded in 1960 as a Jesuit school, this is one of Nicaragua’s premier universities, with a curriculum heavy on science and alternative technologies, Che…

  • Casa de Ben Linder

    Managua

    This cultural center that formally served the English-speaking volunteer community, has been taken over by the Jubilee House Community and turned into a…

  • Parque Luis Velásquez

    Managua

    This park is a prime spot for observing local life. It really comes alive on weekends and in the evenings, when it seems like all of Managua's families…

  • Galería Casa Los Tres Mundos

    Managua

    This gallery is the workshop of former Catholic priest, politician, poet, artist and sculptor Ernesto Cardenal, who founded the primitivist art community…

  • Monumento Roosevelt

    Managua

    Acsending Loma de Tiscapa from Crowne Plaza, you'll pass Monumento Roosevelt, constructed in 1939 and offering lovely lake views over the Laguna de…

  • Parque Japon

    Managua

    This not-particularly Japanese park, nestled in the back blocks of the Metrocentro area, is a great place for a bit of time out. There are plenty of trees…

  • Tomb of Carlos Fonseca

    Managua

    The tomb of Carlos Fonseca, founder of the Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN). He was killed fighting Nicaraguan National Guard forces loyal to…

  • UNAN

    Managua

    The Managua branch of Nicaragua’s oldest university (the original is in León, the former capital) was founded in 1958 and has more than 24,000 students.

  • La Vicky

    Managua

    The grocery store called 'La Vicky' doesn't stand here anymore, but locals still use it as a point of reference for navigating the town.

  • Parque Las Palmas

    Managua

    A cute and shady little neighborhood park with the requisite benches, snack kiosks and even a laid-back bar in the middle.

  • Estatua de Montoya

    Managua

    A statue dedicated to national hero Ramón Montoya, a Nicaraguan soldier who died (at the age of 14) in 1907.

  • Star City

    Managua

    A former casino (now closed) and current landmark that locals use to give directions in the area.

  • Galería Solentiname

    Managua

    Appealing art gallery specializing in paintings and carvings from the Solentiname Islands.

  • Casa del Obrero

    Managua

    A downtown landmark originally dedicated to the Nicaraguan worker.

  • Casino Pharaoh

    Managua

    A landmark locals use to give directions in the neighborhood.

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