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Antananarivo

Antananarivo, also known by its colonial shorthand as Tana, is the capital and largest city of Madagascar. Serving as the administrative hub of the Analamanga region, this vibrant city offers a unique blend of history and culture.

Quick facts

Population
1,391,433 (city, 2022)
Currency
Malagasy ariary (MGA)
Language
French, Malagasy
Timezone
EAT (UTC+3)
Local time now
22:07:29

Hotels in Antananarivo

Antananarivo offers a range of hotel options for visitors to Madagascar's capital city. From established properties like Hôtel du Louvre and Colbert to boutique choices such as Le Pavé and La Ribaudière, you'll find accommodation to suit your stay in this vibrant highland city. See all hotels →

Le Pavé
76 m from centre
La Ribaudière
80 m from centre
Hôtel du Louvre
87 m from centre

Airports in Antananarivo

Antananarivo is served by Aéroport International d'Ivato, the main gateway for visitors arriving in Madagascar's capital city. This airport connects Antananarivo to domestic and international destinations. See all airports →

Aéroport International d'Ivato
13.6 km from centre

Car Hire in Antananarivo

Antananarivo offers several car hire options for visitors and residents looking to explore the city and beyond. Major providers like Budget and local agencies such as Trans Denis are available to help you arrange vehicle rental during your stay. See all car hire →

Budget
766 m from centre
Trans Denis
1.1 km from centre
holy nirina
2.1 km from centre
fenosoa rajaona
2.1 km from centre

Things to Do in Antananarivo

Antananarivo offers visitors a rich blend of cultural and historical attractions. From the Musée d'art et d'archéologie to historic monuments like the Stèle MDRM 29 mars 1947, there are plenty of ways to experience the character and heritage of Madagascar's capital city. See all things to do →

Stèle MDRM 29 mars 1947
338 m from centre
Musée d'art et d'archéologie
531 m from centre
I Love Antananarivo Sign
563 m from centre
Société Tsara Anjara
696 m from centre
Anjely Mainty
740 m from centre
Musée des Pirates Antananarivo
814 m from centre

Restaurants in Antananarivo

Antananarivo offers a variety of dining experiences across the city. Popular restaurants include Le Buffet du Jardin, La Ribaudière, Le Saint Germain, Restaurant Kanana, and Le SteakHouse, providing visitors and locals with diverse culinary options to explore. See all restaurants →

Le Buffet du Jardin
31 m from centre
La Ribaudière
80 m from centre
Le Saint Germain
101 m from centre

Swimming Pools in Antananarivo

Antananarivo offers several swimming pool facilities for residents and visitors looking to cool off and enjoy aquatic recreation. Options include Piscine Betongolo, Piscine du Lycée Français de Tananarive, Piscine privée Enceinte COMINOR, and Piscine Antsaha. See all swimming pools →

Piscine privée Enceinte COMINOR
1.3 km from centre
Piscine Betongolo
1.8 km from centre
Piscine
3.2 km from centre

Spas in Antananarivo

We're still gathering spas listings for Antananarivo — check back soon.

Nightlife in Antananarivo

Antananarivo offers a variety of nightlife venues where you can experience the city's evening entertainment. From clubs like Le Six and Palmó Night-Club to intimate bars such as Le Caveau and Suite 101, there are options to suit different tastes and moods throughout the capital. See all nightlife →

Le Six
101 m from centre
Le Caveau
185 m from centre
Suite 101
211 m from centre

Bars in Antananarivo

Antananarivo offers a selection of bars where visitors can relax and enjoy local and international beverages. Whether you're looking for casual venues like Le bistrot and Le Garage or more specialized options such as La Bonne Cave and Madagascar Underground, the city has options to suit different tastes. See all bars →

Le bistrot
172 m from centre
La Bonne Cave
204 m from centre
Madagascar Underground
218 m from centre

Cafes in Antananarivo

Antananarivo offers a variety of cafes where visitors and locals can enjoy refreshments and relax. Popular spots include Noir et Blanc, Café de la Gare, Librairie café Cannelle, Le Café du Coin, and COOKIE SHOP, each providing a unique cafe experience in Madagascar's capital. See all cafes →

Noir et Blanc
coffee_shop · 792 m from centre
Café de la Gare
879 m from centre
Librairie café Cannelle
987 m from centre

Shopping in Antananarivo

Antananarivo offers a variety of shopping options for visitors and locals alike. From the bustling City Center to specialized retailers like COSMOS Megastore, L'Arcadian, Gallerie Hermes, and Maison Monlou, the city provides diverse shopping experiences across different neighborhoods. See all shopping →

City Center
264 m from centre
COSMOS Megastore
327 m from centre
L'Arcadian
373 m from centre

Nature & Wildlife in Antananarivo

Antananarivo offers several natural spaces where visitors can experience local flora and green areas. Notable locations include Jardin d'Ambohijatovo, Jardin d'Andohalo, and Palmeraie, providing opportunities to connect with the city's botanical heritage. See all nature & wildlife →

Jardin d'Ambohijatovo
516 m from centre
Jardin d'Andohalo
1.1 km from centre
Kianja Maitsoririnina CUA
1.4 km from centre
Zaridainan'Antanimena
1.5 km from centre
Palmeraie
2.1 km from centre
Karahobato
2.2 km from centre

Climate snapshot

Antananarivo experiences a tropical highland climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The city enjoys cooler temperatures than lowland areas due to its elevated location, with moisture-laden winds bringing rainfall during the warmer months.

Interesting Facts About Antananarivo — Weird & Wonderful

  • Antananarivo is commonly known as 'Tana', a colonial-era shorthand name still widely used today
  • The city serves as the capital of both Madagascar and the Analamanga region
  • Antananarivo is the largest city in Madagascar

Frequently Asked Questions About Antananarivo

What is the local currency in Antananarivo?

The currency used in Antananarivo is the Malagasy Ariary (MGA), the official currency of Madagascar.

What language is spoken in Antananarivo?

Malagasy is the primary language spoken in Antananarivo, though French is also widely used.

What is Antananarivo also called?

Antananarivo is commonly known as 'Tana', a shorthand name from the colonial period that remains in popular use.

What region is Antananarivo the capital of?

Antananarivo-Renivohitra is the capital of the Analamanga region in Madagascar.

Is Antananarivo the largest city in Madagascar?

Yes, Antananarivo is both the capital and the largest city in Madagascar.

Map of Antananarivo

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