What are the best things to do in Windhoek?
Explore local landmarks, neighbourhoods and day trips around Windhoek, Namibia. This guide covers attractions, food and where to stay.
Photo: Christoph Strässler · CC BY-SA 2.0
Why visit Windhoek
Travel guide for Windhoek, Namibia — practical tips, places to visit, and planning help.
Windhoek is a stop in Namibia, not a country-in-a-weekend. Most people stay 2–4 days. Mid-range ground costs are about 50–130 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
Budget
Windhoek trip cost
Budget
USD 25–45
per person / day
Mid-range
USD 50–130
per person / day
Luxury
USD 150–245+
per person / day
Typical on-the-ground spend in Windhoek, Namibia. 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 Windhoek
Estimated total (USD)
$2,145
≈ $1,073 per person · $306 per day group total
Ground costs ≈ $90/person/day (lodging + food + transport + activities)
Defaults match Windhoek mid-range ground costs (budget 25–45 · mid 50–130 · luxury 150–245+ USD/day). Edit freely — flights vary by origin.
Where to eat
Local favourites
- $$
Old Location Ohungi and Restaurant
Close to university and a popular spot for students and staff. One of the few watering holes that are neither shabby nor extravagant. Outsid
Luigi and the Fish
A nice restaurant and bar, many foreigners here. It describes itself as having the biggest menu in Namibia, with a mix of game, beef, pork,
- $
Old Continental Cafe
Small city centre cafe for breakfast and lunch. Lebanese-style cooking, dishes are somewhat spicy. Try the soup of the day.
PepperCorn
Sardinia
Italian restaurant with great pizzas, hot dishes and excellent ice cream.
The Stellenbosch Wine Bar & Bistro
The Stellenbosch Wine Bar & Bistro and the adjacent Stellenbosch Tasting Room share the same address. Beautiful setting, very friendly staff
Where to stay
Tourist favourites & top-rated
Hotel Casa Blanca
Protea Hotel Furstenhof
Luxury city centre hotel with a pool and beautiful view of the city.
Jan Jonker Accommodation
Okavango Guesthouse
Klein Windhoek Guest House
Shopping
- Cafe le Pain
- Checkers
- Shoprite
- Spar
- Pick n Pay
Nightlife
- Chez Ntemba
- J&J Gambling House
- Boiler Room
Museums & culture
- Independence Museum
In pictures
Windhoek gallery
Photos: Christoph Strässler, Zairon, Laika ac from USA, Lonelyplanet — via Wikimedia Commons
Good to know
Windhoek travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit Windhoek?
The dry season for the most comfortable travel.
How many days do I need in Windhoek?
Most travellers spend 2–4 days in Windhoek, depending on how many day trips you want in Namibia.
Where should I stay in Windhoek?
Popular stays in Windhoek include Hotel Casa Blanca, Protea Hotel Furstenhof, Jan Jonker Accommodation. Book central areas if you want to walk to major sights.
How much does a trip to Windhoek cost?
On the ground in Windhoek (excluding international flights), budget travellers often spend about 25–45 per person per day, mid-range about 50–130, and luxury about 150–245+ (USD). Typical on-the-ground spend in Windhoek, Namibia. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury.
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