Panoramic view at the Trees of Life in Malecon Park of Managua

Things to do in  Managua

Ancient nature and modern nightlife

Perched on the southern shore of Lake Xolotlán, Managua offers an authentic glimpse into local Nicaraguan life. Gritty, bold, and bustling, the capital boasts a cultural heritage evidenced by its modern architecture, burgeoning food-and-drink scene, and poignant ruins of the Old Cathedral of Managua (Antigua Catedral de Managua)—partially destroyed in a 1972 earthquake. The city serves as a gateway to popular things to do in Managua: the lava-swollen Masaya volcano, one of the most active in the world, and the 6,000-year-old Ancient Footprints of Acahualinca (Huellas de Acahualinca).

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Top 9 attractions in Managua

#1

Masaya Volcano

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Skip the hike and drive right up to the lava-spitting rim of Masaya Volcano (Volcan Masaya), perched between Managua and Granada. The active volcano’s famous lava shows at the Santiago Crater, combined with ridiculously easy access, have made it one of the most popular attractions in all of Nicaragua.More
Tours & Tickets
#2

Ruben Dario National Theatre (Teatro Nacional Ruben Dario)

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A humble exterior conceals an elegant, velvet-swathed concert hall at the Rubén Darío National Theatre (Teatro Nacional Rubén Darío), Nicaragua’s premier exhibition space. The hall is a true homage to Managua’s cosmopolitan roots with Spanish chandeliers, American design inspiration, and the best of Latin American and other cultural performances.More
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#3

Tiscapa Lagoon Natural Reserve (Reserva Natural Laguna de Tiscapa)

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Combine a bit of nature, a sprinkle of history, and the best view of Managua on a trip to the Tiscapa Lagoon—a crater lake, park, and nature reserve right in Nicaragua’s capital. The area is perhaps best known for its massive Augusto Sandino statue, an iconic symbol of the city.More
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#4

Old Cathedral of Managua (Antigua Catedral de Managua)

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The Old Cathedral of Managua (Catedral de Managua) is a spectacular ruin whose gilded neoclassical facade still stands but insides were devastated in a 1972 earthquake that shook Nicaragua. Though visitors are not allowed inside, the cathedral’s striking beauty and historical significance make a visit worthwhile.More
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#5

National Palace of Culture (Palacio Nacional de la Cultura)

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In a city infamous for a lacking cultural center, Managua’s National Palace of Culture stands as a testament to Nicaragua’s rich history. The complex houses the National Museum (Museo Nacional Dioclesiano Chávez), the National Archives, and the National Library (Biblioteca Nacional Rubén Darío) all under one stunning neoclassical roof.More
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#6

Somoto Canyon

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A deep and narrow canyon formed by the powerful Rio Coco, Central America’s longest river, Somoto Canyon National Monument offers thrilling excursions for adrenaline junkies and scenic views of northern Nicaragua’s remote territory. The protected area covers 420 acres (170 hectares), including a 2-mile (3.2-kilometer) stretch of canyon.More
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#7
Managua Metropolitan Cathedral (Catedral Metropolitana de Managua)

Managua Metropolitan Cathedral (Catedral Metropolitana de Managua)

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Don’t let the lack of spires and bell towers fool you—Managua’s modern Metropolitan Cathedral (New Cathedral, or La Nueva Catedral) is intended as Nicaragua’s preeminent church. A unique structure of a square base topped by 63 translucent domes built in 1993, the then-controversial cathedral is now an unforgettable sight.More
#8
Lake Managua (Lake Xolotlán)

Lake Managua (Lake Xolotlán)

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A trip to Lake Managua (Lake Xolotlán, or Lago Xolotlán) is more about lakeside vistas than the (polluted) water. A quick jaunt from Managua’s city center rewards visitors with views of the towering Momotombo Volcano, as well as a glimpse into Nicaragua’s efforts to clean up and revamp its environmental attractions.More
#9
Ancient Footprints of Acahualinca (Huellas de Acahualinca)

Ancient Footprints of Acahualinca (Huellas de Acahualinca)

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A series of human footprints preserved by volcanic ash, the Footprints of Acahualinca serve as reminder of the early civilizations that lived in what today is Nicaragua’s capital, Managua. The Acahualinca archaeological site and museum showcases these fossilized footprints and teaches us about the people who left them behind.More

Explore Managua by interest

Top activities in Managua

SANDBOARDING Cerro Negro Volcano, León NIcaragua.

SANDBOARDING Cerro Negro Volcano, León NIcaragua.

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$205.00
Private -Full day tour: Granada City + Boat ride+Handicraft Market+Lava Tour

Private -Full day tour: Granada City + Boat ride+Handicraft Market+Lava Tour

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From
$100.00
3 full day tour at Granada, Masaya and Leon area from Managua

3 full day tour at Granada, Masaya and Leon area from Managua

From
$210.00
Matagalpa Tour, White Waterfall and Black Forest.
Special Offer

Matagalpa Tour, White Waterfall and Black Forest.

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$166.50
$185.00  $18.50 savings
Private Daytrip In Leon And Ruins Of Leon From Managua

Private Daytrip In Leon And Ruins Of Leon From Managua

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$85.00
PRIVATE Boat tour + Granada City +Masaya Volcano Night Tour

PRIVATE Boat tour + Granada City +Masaya Volcano Night Tour

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4
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$85.00
Managua’s Historic Gems: A Cultural Walking Tour

Managua’s Historic Gems: A Cultural Walking Tour

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$164.64
PRIVATE San Juan Del Sur Transfer

PRIVATE San Juan Del Sur Transfer

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$56.28
PRIVATE Day trip Granada Isletas +Colonial City tour from Managua

PRIVATE Day trip Granada Isletas +Colonial City tour from Managua

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$80.00
Private Full Day Granada city +lake +handicraft market +catarina

Private Full Day Granada city +lake +handicraft market +catarina

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7
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$79.92
Private lava tour-Masaya Volcano from Managua

Private lava tour-Masaya Volcano from Managua

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$49.00
full tour Somoto Canyon Nicaragua

full tour Somoto Canyon Nicaragua

From
$85.80
Amazing Masaya Volcano at Night "Private Tour"

Amazing Masaya Volcano at Night "Private Tour"

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$88.32
Masaya Volcano Night Tour

Masaya Volcano Night Tour

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$53.00
Transfer From Managua International Airport

Transfer From Managua International Airport

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$90.00
Managua City Tour

Managua City Tour

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$88.00
Between Volcanoes Tours; Granada-Masaya.

Between Volcanoes Tours; Granada-Masaya.

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$155.00
Nicaragua Private driver and Transportation
Special Offer

Nicaragua Private driver and Transportation

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$39.88
$46.92  $7.04 savings
Laguna de Apoyo Day pass plus Masaya Volcano Night Tour

Laguna de Apoyo Day pass plus Masaya Volcano Night Tour

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$60.33
Nature reserves and panoramic views

Nature reserves and panoramic views

From
$150.14
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All about Managua

When to visit

For temperatures ideal for exploring inner city Managua and its natural surroundings, visit Nicaragua’s capital between December and March, before temperatures reach their peak and a cloud of humidity settles over the city. The wettest month is September, when downpours dominate the forecast. For a colorful spectacle, visit Managua at the start of August for the Equestrians of Managua festival, where you’ll see elaborately costumed horses and riders parading through the center.

Getting around

Even though the city is prone to traffic jams, the easiest way to explore Managua is by taxi—they’re extremely cheap, but make sure the car is displaying a registered taxi license. There are six different bus terminals in Managua, each serviced by different private bus lines traveling to other Central America destinations. From the UCA Terminal, you can catch a microbus to some of the country’s major cities, such as León and Granada—these buses tend to leave when they’re full and make ad-hoc stops throughout their journey.

Traveler tips

Once you’ve seen Managia’s inner city sights, take advantage of the city’s lakeside location on a trip to Tiscapa Lagoon Natural Reserve (Reserva Natural Laguna de Tiscapa). In this city-side natural reserve, you can visit Managua’s most famous landmark—the massive statue of Augusto Sandino, the assassinated Nicaraguan revolutionary—and soak up views of both a crater lake and the highly active Masaya volcano.

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Tours
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People Also Ask

What is Managua known for?

Managua is known for being the capital and largest city in Nicaragua. It’s also famous for being on the banks of one of the largest freshwater lakes in Central America—Lake Managua (Lake Xolotlán)—and for being the gateway to Masaya volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in the world.

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Why visit Managua Nicaragua?

Managua offers insight into urban life in Nicaragua that you’re unlikely to get elsewhere in the country. It’s home to some interesting architecture, including the ruins of the Old Cathedral and the National Palace of Culture, as well as being near some of the oldest fossilized footprints in the world.

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Is it safe to travel to Managua?

Managua is a generally safe place to visit—but exercise caution. Street crime such as pickpocketing is common, especially on buses and around bus terminals. Do not go out late at night and avoid high-crime neighborhoods such as Altamira and Avenida Bolivar. Check government travel advisories for further details.

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What are the top attractions in Managua?

The top attractions to visit in Managua are Puerto Salvador Allende, a lakeside dining and entertainment hub; the ruins of the Old Cathedral of Managua (Antigua Catedral de Managua); and Plaza de la Revolution, home to Managua’s Palace of Culture (Palacio de la Cultura).

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How long should I spend in Managua?

You don’t need to spend long in Managua to visit the main highlights of Nicaragua’s capital. One day gives you a chance to see the popular architectural attractions and sample street food, while adding an extra day lets you take a day trip to a lake or active volcano.

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How should I spend a day in Managua?

Start your day in Plaza de la Revolution learning about Nicaragua’s turbulent past and visiting the ruins of the Old Cathedral and the Palace of Culture. Spent the afternoon at Tiscapa Lagoon Natural Reserve (Reserva Natural Laguna de Tiscapa) before heading to Puerto Salvador Allende to wine and dine.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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