What are the best things to do in Harare?
Top picks in Harare include National Gallery of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe Museum of Human Sciences, Chapungu Sculpture Park, Sacred Heart Cathedral. See the full list and itinerary on this Harare travel guide.
Why visit Harare
Travel guide for Harare, Zimbabwe — practical tips, places to visit, and planning help.
Harare is a stop in Zimbabwe, not a country-in-a-weekend. Plan about 2 days. If time is short, prioritise National Gallery of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe Museum of Human Sciences, Chapungu Sculpture Park instead of racing the whole list. Mid-range ground costs are about 35–110 USD per person per day, excluding international flights. Best time: The dry season for the most comfortable travel. Rankings, stay length and cost bands on this page come from Global Itinerary’s trip-planning models.
Best time
The dry season for the most comfortable travel
Weather
Largely warm year-round with distinct wet and dry seasons
Experiences
Things to do in Harare
1
National Gallery of Zimbabwe
2
Zimbabwe Museum of Human Sciences
3
Chapungu Sculpture Park
4
Sacred Heart Cathedral
Budget travel
Free things to do in Harare
Chapungu Sculpture Park
Sacred Heart Cathedral
Mostly free or pay-what-you-like — always double-check opening times and any seasonal fees before you go.
Plan your trip
Harare itinerary (2 days)
- 1
Day 1
Icons & landmarks
- Visit National Gallery of Zimbabwe
- Visit Zimbabwe Museum of Human Sciences
- Visit Chapungu Sculpture Park
- Eat at Pick N Pay Supermarkers
- 2
Day 2
Culture & neighborhoods
- Visit Sacred Heart Cathedral
- Eat at Choppies Supermarket
Budget
Harare trip cost
Budget
USD 15–35
per person / day
Mid-range
USD 35–110
per person / day
Luxury
USD 125–210+
per person / day
Typical on-the-ground spend in Harare, Zimbabwe. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury. Figures exclude international flights.
Trip budget estimator
Typical mid-range for Harare
Estimated total (USD)
$1,935
≈ $968 per person · $276 per day group total
Ground costs ≈ $70/person/day (lodging + food + transport + activities)
Defaults match Harare mid-range ground costs (budget 15–35 · mid 35–110 · luxury 125–210+ USD/day). Edit freely — flights vary by origin.
Where to eat
Local favourites
Pick N Pay Supermarkers
There are over 50 TM-Pick N Pay stores all over Zimbabwe.
Choppies Supermarket
big supermarket chian.
Khaya Nyama Wombles
Formerly the highly regarded Amanzi Restaurant, this is a long ($10-15 each way) drive out of town into the upmarket suburbs but worth it. M
- $
Coimbra
This Portuguese restaurant has invested little in the decor but that is no problem. You go for the food, not the wall decorations, and the f
Where to stay
Tourist favourites & top-rated
Bowood Lodge
Gu Bowood Road, Mount Pleasant, North Harare, has 4 double rooms. It is set in beautiful grounds and has internet and a pool. Very peaceful.
- $
Monomotapa Hotel
Backing onto the Harare Gardens park, this moon-shaped hotel provides comfortable accommodation.
- $
Holiday Inn Harare
- $
Meikles Hotel
Despite the problems experienced in Zimbabwe, Meikles has managed to maintain its standards as one of Africa's best hotels. All the usual am
- $
Cresta Oasis
Three-star hotel just to the east of the Central Business District (walkable during the day, not advisable at night).
Shopping
- Eastgate Centre
- Joina City
- Spar Supermarkets
- OK Supermarkets
Nightlife
- On The Roof Bar
- Beverlino Restaurant
Museums & culture
- National Gallery of Zimbabwe
- Zimbabwe Museum of Human Sciences
- Sacred Heart Cathedral
In pictures
Harare gallery
Good to know
Harare travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit Harare?
The dry season for the most comfortable travel.
How many days do I need in Harare?
Plan at least 2 days in Harare for the highlights on our suggested itinerary; add more time for day trips.
Where should I stay in Harare?
Popular stays in Harare include Bowood Lodge, Monomotapa Hotel, Holiday Inn Harare. Book central areas if you want to walk to major sights.
How much does a trip to Harare cost?
On the ground in Harare (excluding international flights), budget travellers often spend about 15–35 per person per day, mid-range about 35–110, and luxury about 125–210+ (USD). Typical on-the-ground spend in Harare, Zimbabwe. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury.
Keep exploring
