Located on the south coast of Lake Managua, Managua is a worth-visiting destination and the capital city of beautiful Nicaragua. You can find here a noteworthy cathedral on the Plaza of the Revolution. And, in the vicinity, you can find the tomb of Sandinista leader Carlos Fonseca. If you are a history buff, you should not miss visiting the National Palace of Culture which is home to the National Museum. In addition to this, Loma de Tiscapa National Historical Park on the hilltop is famous for the gigantic statue of revolutionary Augusto Sandino and a crater lake. Thus, Managua being home to various wonderful landmarks, such as museums, churches, and the oldest human footprints in the world, is turning tourist-friendly with the passing time. It also features many Airbnb vacation rentals with great amenities. So, if you are planning to explore this amazing city in Nicaragua, you should not miss enjoying some interesting activities. Read on to find some best things to do in Managua, Nicaragua.
1. Fight other teams to be victorious at Wood Paintball Nic
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Un equipo increíble que tuvimos de visita Agrovet market probando nuestro nuevo producto GEL BLASTER y tu equipo de colaboradores cuando? #woodpaintball #teambuilding #paintball
Posted by Wood Paintball Nic on Monday, April 24, 2023
In the mood for some adrenaline rush? Visit the Wood Paintball Nic and participate in a game of paintball to defend your house from being destroyed by the enemy. Protect your flag, dive, run, and sacrifice lives to save the leader in this game that lets you experience a battle without any damage. Do note that this particular activity might leave you feeling sore if safety gear isn’t properly equipped or if you get too engrossed in the game.
This physical activity is sure to leave you satisfied but famished. To end the exuberating trip to Wood Paintball Inc, visit their on-site restaurant and indulge in some hamburgers and fries.
Wood Paintball Nic
Address: Wood Paintball Ni, Obelisco de Altos de Santo Domingo, Managua, Nicaragua
Website: Wood Paintball Nic
Opening hours: Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun: 8am - 4:30pm; Thu: 8am - 4pm (closed Monday)
2. Take your kids on a play date at Parque Las Madres
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Looking for a fun place to visit with your kids in Managua, Nicaragua? Well, an afternoon at Parque Las Madres is perfect to keep your kids well-entertained and happy. The entire park is decorated in bright colors to attract kids’ attention.
Various rides such as the kid’s slide and a children’s swing are put up in the park. Play a game of catch with your kids on the four-way tube slides. When the adventure leaves you craving carbs, order food at the nearby eateries and end your trip to this fun site with a delicious lunch.
Parque Las Madres
Address: Parque de las Madres, 11 Av Suroeste, Managua 12066, Nicaragua
Website: Parque Las Madres
3. Discover Managua’s cultural history at National Palace of Culture
If you are keen on learning about the cultural aspect of Nicaragua, make sure you visit the National Palace of Culture when holidaying in Managua. It is a significant testament of the rich history of Nicaragua that will acquaint you with the cultural side of the country. This outstanding complex is home to the National Library, the National Museum, and the National Archives under the spectacular neoclassical roof. National Museum here is one of the most beautiful developments of Nicaraguan architecture. It houses a permanent exhibition which helps you learn about the history of the country. Do not miss viewing eye-catching paintings, art, ceramics, and pre-Columbian art here.
National Palace of Culture
Address: Managua, Nicaragua
Website: National Palace of Culture
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 5pm; Sat - Sun: 9am - 4pm
Price: 2 USD
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
4. Delve into the past of Managua at Revolution Square
Situated in the historic heart of its capital, Revolution Square is a famous landmark in Nicaragua, and an attraction worth seeing, especially for history buffs. Learn about the history and struggle to get rid of the chains of oppression here. This was the place where, for establishing democracy, revolutionary fighters resorted to using the arms. Today, Revolution Square houses the Old Cathedral and the National Palace of Culture. Constructed in 1940, the palace is considered as one of the most noteworthy examples of impressive Neoclassical architecture. Opposite to it, you will find the cathedral adorned by Neoclassical markings.
Revolution Square
Address: 2 Av Suroeste, Managua 11001, Nicaragua
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
5. Stroll along the verdant Japón Nicaragua Park
Plan to visit pleasant Japon Nicaragua Park when holidaying with your family in Managua. This sprawling 8,000-square-meter (86,111.28-square-feet) park features a fascinating blend of Nicaraguan and Japanese cultures. It is adorned by traditional Japanese architecture, landscaping features of Japanese parks, and many big bamboo plants. Visit multi-story pagoda-style temple here. This park also features a replica of popular Mt. Fuji of the Empire of the Rising Sun. Explore the walking tracks here and watch your kids play in the multi-hued playscapes and basketball court.
Japón Nicaragua Park
Address: Managua, Nicaragua
Website: Japón Nicaragua Park
Opening hours: Mon: 6am - 9pm; Tue: 7am - 9pm; Wed: 3am - 9pm; Thu: 1am - 9pm; Fri - Sun: 5am - 9pm
6. Marvel at magnificent ruins at Santiago of Managua Cathedral
Santiago of Managua Cathedral, also known as the Old Cathedral of Managua, is one of the famous cathedrals and a popular tourist attraction in the capital of Nicaragua. You can find here amazing ruins whose noteworthy neoclassical façade is still present. However its interior got devastated due to the earthquake of 1972. This amazing cathedral was designed by Belgian architects and it features neoclassical design. The ruins of Santiago of Managua Cathedral must be visited by every history buff and first-time travelers to Managua. You are sure to admire the striking magnificence and historical significance of this site.
Santiago of Managua Cathedral
Address: 2a Avenida N.E, Managua 11001, Nicaragua
Website: Santiago of Managua Cathedral
7. Visit Las Piedrecitas Park
Editor’s note: There’s no photo available at the time of writing
Las Peidrecitas Park is one of the wonderful parks in Managua to visit and enjoy when here. This fabulous park features a statue of Cacique Diriangen. Besides these, majestic construction and excellent architectural work involving high technical and innovative aspects is a noteworthy feature of this park. Spend some time exercising in this pleasant space. Have a wonderful time exploring this beautiful park with your kids.
Las Piedrecitas Park
Address: Carr. Nueva León, Managua, Nicaragua
Website: Las Piedrecitas Park
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
8. Splash in the water at Parque Acuático Salvador Allende
Si #ParaTi esto #NoEs #Diversión, es porque aún no has vivido la #Experiencia de Parque Acuático Salvador Allende
Posted by Parque Acuático Salvador Allende on Friday, 27 May 2016
If your kids are longing to have fun in the water, make sure you visit Parque Acuatico Salvador Allende during your excursion in Managua. This water park offers several fun water activities in Nicaragua for kids to enjoy, such as water slides. So, watch your little ones splashing water and enjoy thrilling water activities. In addition to this, this gated and well-maintained park offers many entertainment features. Visit and enjoy eating on the inside of a plane. You can also find here a fascinating miniature town of prominent buildings in Managua. Stroll through the green space here. Capture sweeping views of Lake Managua and the mountains which surround it.
Parque Acuático Salvador Allende
Address: Puerto Salvador Allende, Managua, Nicaragua
Website: Parque Acuático Salvador Allende
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 8am - 7:30pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 2 USD
9. Browse through the objects at San Juan Pablo II Museum
Posted by Tayler Campos Rojas on Saturday, 27 January 2018
Are you keen on learning about the heritage of Nicaragua when vacationing in its capital city? If yes, plan to visit the San Juan Pablo II Museum, which is a heritage museum dedicated to paying tribute to the Saint of the Catholic Church. Tour through the museum at your ease watching various exhibits showcased here. You get to see interesting relics, photographs, and many other objects related to the two visits–one in 1983 and other in 1996–of the Holy Father to this country. Papal seal, shoes, the homily book, and a medal respecting his stay in the country are among the other displayed objects. Learn about these interesting displays as you explore the museum.
San Juan Pablo II Museum
Address: Managua 12001, Nicaragua
10. Pay a visit to Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Managua
Posted by Percy Rosenberger on Tuesday, 19 March 2019
Famous as the New Cathedral, the Immaculate Conception Cathedral is another prominent cathedral in Managua to visit. It is known to be dedicated to the Virgin Mary’s Immaculate Conception. Initially, the cathedral was constructed in 1991 as a replacement for the Old Cathedral of Managua. However, it was damaged due to the earthquake in 1972 and was unrestorable. So, the new cathedral was constructed in 1991 and inaugurated in 1993. It was designed by Ricardo Legorreta, a Mexican architect. Plan to visit it when holidaying in Nicaraguan capital.
Immaculate Conception Cathedral
Address: 14 Av Sureste, Managua 11129, Nicaragua
11. Catch a glimpse of colorful public art at Seawall Managua
Spend some leisure time exploring Seawall Managua, an upbeat and paved lakeside park featuring multi-hued public art. Have a stroll on the lovely boardwalk which is located by the lake here. The colorful art displayed at Seawall looks amazing at night. Capture photos with the bright art in the backdrop. You can find some great restaurants nearby where you can feast on delicious refreshments. Besides these, you can find here a little train for toddlers, a small water park, little huts with local food and music, and dance shows organized on Sundays. If you have skating shoes, you can enjoy skating in this quaint, clean place as well.
Seawall Managua
Address: Managua 12001, Nicaragua
Opening hours: 9am - 9pm (daily)
12. Shop great finds at Trade National Park
If you are looking for some great food, goods, and leisure time with your family, plan a visit to Trade National Park when holidaying in Managua. You can find here a well-organized farmers market craft fair with amazing goods to buy. From furniture to fruits, you can find all at attractive rates. It offers something for every member of your family. If you are looking to taste typical Nicaraguan street food, please your taste buds at Trade National Park. Do not miss shopping for souvenirs for yourself and your loved ones back home.
Trade National Park
Address: Nicaragua, Managua, 54 Calle Suroeste / Parque Nacional de ferias
Opening hours: Sat: 9am - 7am; Sun: 9am - 7pm (closed from Mon - Fri)
13. See the best of Managua with Servitours Travel Nicaragua
Posted by Servitours Travel Nicaragua on Tuesday, 18 April 2017
Tour through the best tourist spots in Managua by opting for amazing tours organized by Servitours Travel Nicaragua. If you are a nature lover, visit natural attractions in Managua by going for nature tours. If you are keen on exploring cultural attractions, you can find tours enabling you to visit various cultural landmarks in the capital of Nicaragua. Thrill-seekers can find adventure tours, such as one exploring Somoto Canyon, to experience the thrill. So, see the best of Managua by counting on Servitours Travel Nicaragua.
Servitours Travel Nicaragua
Address: KM 9.5 Carretera Vieja a León, del cementerio Nejapa 300 vrs Norte, Managua 13094, Nicaragua
Website: Servitours Travel Nicaragua
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 5pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
Price: Varies depending on the tour you select
14. Taste traditional Nicaraguan food at Cocina de Doña Haydée
Posted by Cocina de Doña Haydée on Thursday, 26 July 2018
Are you looking to relish Nicaraguan traditional delicacies when holidaying in Managua? If yes, make sure you visit Cocina de Doña Haydée when touring through this vibrant capital. The colonial-style setting and savory cuisines at this Nicaraguan restaurant are sure to please you. Order breaded shrimp, fish tacos, scrumptious soups, fresh salads, and other Latin and Nicaraguan delicacies. It also offers you vegetarian and vegan food as per your choice. Top up your meal with lip-smacking desserts.
Cocina de Doña Haydée
Address: Carretera a Masaya km. 4 ½, 71 Paseo de la Unión Europea, Managua, Nicaragua
Website: Cocina de Doña Haydée
Opening hours: 7am - 10pm (daily)
15. Hang out with your friends at Ron Kon Rolas
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Un menú hecho para #Rockstars! Si sos amante del pollo, este plato rockero es para vos! RKR Popcorn Chicken,...
Posted by Ron Kon Rolas on Tuesday, March 17, 2020
If you are looking to hang out with your friends in a lively place full of music, plan to visit Ros Kon Rolas during your stay in Managua. This famous sports bar offers a dark but vibrant ambience where talented local artists play live music. If you love rock music, you get to listen to it here. Also, DJs perform here sometimes. Order your favorite refreshment and listen to the happening live music played here.
Ron Kon Rolas
Address: Avenida Principal Los Robles, Managua 14038, Nicaragua
Website: Ron Kon Rolas
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 2pm - 2:30am; Sun: 2pm - 12am
16. Admire art and culture at PAC Cultural Center
If you are an art lover, PAC Cultural Center is a must-visit attraction for you to view and appreciate exquisite art. Pablo Antonio Cuadra Cultural and Tourist Center (PAC Cultural Center) is born from the exceptional life and work of PAC, the great poet. It is home to vast, beautiful spaces, such as PAC Museum, PAC Auditorium, bookstore, gallery of musical instruments and permanent handicrafts, and Cafeteria El Molino. You can find here outstanding activities, such as craft fairs, seminars, literary gatherings, concerts, book presentations, dance and theater shows, and many more activities, organized here.
PAC Cultural Center
Address: 10 Av Sureste, Managua 14003, Nicaragua
Website: PAC Cultural Center
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 6pm (closed on Sun)
Price: Free
17. Peek into the past at Traces Archaeological Museum Acahualinca
One of the most prominent attractions in Managua is the Traces Archaeological Museum Acahualinca, which is a renowned archaeological site that you should not miss visiting. This archaeological museum is dedicated to this incredible historic find and documents various scientific inferences related to this site. You get to view here interesting artifacts from different localities of this country, such as mammoth footprints, a skull from Leon Viejo, and pre-Colombian tools. Learn about several archaeological discoveries related to the footprints of Acahualinca.
Traces Archaeological Museum Acahualinca
Address: Iglesia Santa Ana 4 calles al Oeste y 1 calle al Norte, Managua, Nicaragua
Website: Traces Archaeological Museum Acahualinca
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 5pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
18. Learn about history at Houses-Museum of Sandino, Blanca Aráuz and Rubén Darío
Discover the historic and cultural side of Managua by visiting Houses-Museum of Sandino, Blanca Aráuz and Rubén Darío, a noteworthy historic museum in the capital of Nicaragua. It is also famous as General Camp, as it is from this place General Augusto C. Sandino was directed to other camps. In 1927, Blanca, the first National Heroine of Nicaragua, took part in planning one of the most significant and difficult military strategies known to carried out by General Sandino. Founded in 2010, the House of Culture Blanca Arauz Culture was adapted as a museum house in 2016. You can find here photographs of the deed of General Sandino, black ceramic pieces, and paintings made by local artists.
Houses-Museum of Sandino, Blanca Aráuz and Rubén Darío
Address: Paseo Xolotlán, Managua 11001, Nicaragua
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 1am - 9pm; Sat - Sun: 9am - 10pm
19. Jaunt to Lake Managua
Nestled in a crater 128 feet (39.01 meters) above the sea levels, Lake Managua is a charming lake adorning the Nicaraguan capital. An excursion to this lovely lake offers you scenic views of soaring Momotombo Volcano and skyline of Managua City. Stroll on the pleasant shores of this water body. Keep an eye for colorful wooden fishing boats sailing on the waters of the lake. Of late, a small ferry company has started organizing sightseeing cruise across the water. Do not miss clicking pictures of unbeatable water and mountain views.
20. Enjoy a wonderful shopping experience at Metrocentro
Won’t you love to shop till you drop when vacationing in Managua? If you nodded along positively, do not miss visiting Metrocentro when touring through this Nicaraguan capital. Metrocentro is a popular shopping center here that is developed and managed by the Salvadorean Grupo Roble. You can find here 120 stores, a supermarket, a movie theater, and a food court. It is home to the stores of top brands, such as Adidas, Bamess, Brandili, Siman stores, AKC, ADOC, and many other brands. Shop your favorite branded items at this center. Watch an entertaining movie at the movie theater here. And, relish scrumptious food at the food court.
Metrocentro
Address: Marginal Av de las Naciones Unidas, Managua 10000, Nicaragua
Website: Metrocentro
Opening hours: 8am - 9pm (daily)
21. Relax at Divina Misericordia Natural Park
Take some time out of your busy travel schedule to spend a relaxing time at enchanting Divina Misericordia Natural Park in Managua. A lot of plants and greenery adorn this fascinating park. It offers you a great calm and beautiful place to unwind. If you are fond of running, you can enjoy exploring the tracks here. Also, you can use the exercise fixtures present here. Hang out with your friends here and have a great time. Click photos with scenic lush green backdrop.
Divina Misericordia Natural Park
Address: Managua, Nicaragua
Opening hours: 5am - 9pm (daily)
22. Walk on the pier at Puerto Salvador Allende
Spend some time exploring the wonderful Puerto Salvador Allende pier at the north of the capital of Nicaragua. It is named so in honor of ex-President Salvador Allende of Chile. This pleasant boulevard adorns the shores of spectacular Lake Managua with a boat dock. You can find many restaurants and food stalls near the pier. Numerous people and families visit this fascinating pier on the weekends. Here, you can also find replicas of two most popular churches of Nicaragua, a scale replica of Av Bolivar before the occurrence of the earthquake of 1972, and a Boeing 737 for kids.
Puerto Salvador Allende
Address: 11177 Paseo Xolotlán, Managua 12001, Nicaragua
Website: Puerto Salvador Allende
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
23. View Monumento a Sandino
General Augusto C. Sandino is honored as the national hero and famous as the favorite son of Nicaragua. At the entrance of the municipality in Managua, you can find a statue positioned in his honor. Make sure you visit the noteworthy monument to General Augusto C. Sandino during your excursion in the capital of Nicaragua. Hiking to the top of Tiscapa Hill will gift you a closer look at the magnificent statue of Monumento a Sandino. You can watch this 59-foot (17.98-meter) high steel statue from various parts of Managua.
Monumento a Sandino
Address: Managua 11118, Nicaragua
Website: Monumento a Sandino
24. Explore National Arboretum Juan Bautista Salas
If plants and trees fascinate you, ensure that you visit National Arboretum Juan Bautista Salas during your excursion in Managua. This lush green garden was inaugurated in 1991 due to Juan Bautista Salas, a Nicaraguan scientist, and his efforts and passion for plants. It is home to more than 200 species of plants from across Nicaragua. You can find here flowers, shrubs, and trees from various ecological zones of the nation, such as Caribbean, Pacific, and Central. This botanical garden also houses a fantastic variety of tropical vegetation, such as fruit-bearing trees like mangoes, jocotes, and others, and a wide range of local plant species, such as strawberry trees, the national flower-bearing plant of sacuanjoches, mangroves, and many others. Learn about the diverse flora of the country.
National Arboretum Juan Bautista Salas
Address: Managua, Nicaragua
Opening hours: 8am - 5pm (daily)
Price: Free; 0.3 USD for a guided tour
25. Snack on chocolates at Fabrica de Chocolate Momotombo
If you love munching on chocolates and chocolate products, do not miss visiting Fabrica de Chocolate Momotombo when touring through the capital of Nicaragua. Established at the end of 2004 in Managua, it is Nicaragua’s first artisan chocolate factory, producing craft chocolate. Discover the amazing cacao culture of Nicaragua at this chocolate shop. You can find here a variety of chocolate preparations, such as chocolate bars, chocolate drinks, cocoa chunks, roasted cocoa, and fresh chocolate bonbons. Sample your favorite chocolates and buy some of them for your loved ones back home.
Fabrica de Chocolate Momotombo
Address: 4P9Q+22, Managua 14034, Nicaragua
Website: Fabrica de Chocolate Momotombo
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 8am - 7pm (closed on Sun)
26. Spend a day out at Luis Alfonso Velásquez Flores Park
Plan to visit Luis Alfonso Velásquez Flores Park with your family for a refreshing break during your excursion in Managua. This sprawling public amusement park is a kid-friendly space offering kids’ play equipment, fun-filled rides, and sports courts and fields ensuring your children have a great time exploring it. Trees and pleasant open space grace the environment of the park. Watch your kids play as you unwind here.
Luis Alfonso Velásquez Flores Park
Address: Managua, Nicaragua
Opening hours: 9am - 10pm (daily)
27. Hang out at Old Managua Promenade
Breathe in the fresh air and drive away your stress by strolling on the clean and pleasant Old Managua Promenade in Nicaragua’s capital. Walking along the banks of charming Lake Managua, you get to watch sweeping views of the sunset. This lakeside promenade is a favorite spot of many families in Managua. Feel the soothing, friendly vibe with the lake in the vicinity as you walk on the promenade.
28. Let your kids have fun at Las Palmas Park
Take your kids to fabulous Las Palmas Park when you are holidaying in Managua. This wonderful park in the Nicaraguan capital is well-maintained, clean, and tidy and offers green, open spaces, kids’ play equipment, and wide tracks for walking and cycling. Watch your kids play cheerfully in this park. If you or your child are fond of cycling, get a bike and explore the tracks of this beautiful park.
Las Palmas Park
Address: 19 19 Av Suroeste, Managua, Nicaragua
Opening hours: 5am - 9pm (daily)
29. Be awed by the illuminated lava at Masaya Volcano National Park (from USD 95.0)
If you long to view lava rolling down the crater rim, ensure that you visit Masaya Volcano National Park when holidaying in the capital of Nicaragua. Visiting this volcano park at night will gift you breathtaking views of illuminated lava against the backdrop of the dark sky. If you are fond of hiking, you can enjoy the fun of hiking in this fascinating national park.
Volcano Masaya by Night
Duration: 2 to 3 hours
30. Sip on a cup of coffee at Coffee House
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Para un desayuno completo nuestro delicioso croissant-wich con croissant hecho en casa a base de masa madre y un...
Posted by Casa del Cafe Nicaragua on Wednesday, April 7, 2021
Are you looking for a pleasant coffee café to have a cup of coffee when vacationing in Managua? If yes, go to Coffee House in Metrocentro. It offers you a great ambience and perfect place to hang out with friends and enjoy a cup of coffee. Besides coffee, it also offers you other refreshments, such as tortillas soup. Rejuvenate your mind and body by having some delicious coffee here.
Coffee House
Address: 2 piso, PA-28 PA-29 Paseo de la Unión Europea, Managua, Nicaragua
Website: Coffee House
Opening hours: 10am - 8pm (daily)
31. Roam in the wilderness at Tiscapa Lagoon Natural Reserve (from USD 87.0)
If you long to experience the wilderness during your excursion in Managua, plan a trip to Tiscapa Lagoon Nature Reserve. Tiscapa Lagoon is famous lagoon of volcanic origin in the capital of Nicaragua. It was formed over 10,000 years ago and is now protected as a nature reserve. Learn about amazing local plants and animals here when you visit this natural attraction. While exploring this nature reserve, you can get access to the private waterfront villa where you can enjoy swimming, kayaking, and unwinding on the shore. Relish a savory, traditional Nicaraguan lunch.
Managua to Laguna de Apoyo Natural Reserve Day Trip with Lunch
Duration: 4 to 6 hours
Exploring the wonderful Nicaraguan capital
Managua is a pleasant destination to explore. Visiting its historic landmarks, cathedrals, verdant parks, botanical garden, pleasant neighborhoods, and restaurants will make your excursion here all the more enjoyable and interesting. So, pack your bags, set out to spend holidays in this Nicaraguan capital, and enjoy all these best things to do in Managua, Nicaragua.
Frequently asked questions about top things to do in Managua, Nicaragua
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
-
-
-
Top 8 Islands In NicaraguaRyan Joshua -
-
-
-
-
-
Create an account to