ourism in Nicaragua

Managua

Managua is the capital city of Nicaragua and has a population of around 1.7 million. The city is located at the southwestern shore of the Lake of Managua.

Managua has been the capital of Nicaragua since 1852. It has long held a bad reputation for being unsafe and dirty. This has changed in the last few years and Managua has been rated the safest capital in Central America in surveys by INTERPOL, and the United Nations. There are many nice places to stay, good nightlife, great restaurants and a few tourist attractions to see.

Contact Us if you want more information about Managua, Nicaragua.

Tourist Attractions in Managua

The Old Center of Managua - Destroyed by an earthquake in 1972, Managua used to be one of the biggest city in Central America. Managua never really rebuilt the city center and thus can be a confusing city to navigate. Close to the old center there is a bar called La Cavanga (Nostalgia) where you can find pictures of the old Managua while you hear live music on thursdays, fridays and saturdays nights.

La Plaza de la Revolucion (Plaza of the Revolution) is the old historical center of Managua. Here you will find the Catedral de Santiago (Old Cathedral), the Ruben Dario National Theater and the National Palace of Culture. It is worth a spin through this area if only to see the sights from your car window.

Museo Huellas de Acahualinca - Acahualinca footprints museum is an ancient footprints left thousands of years ago at the borders of Lake Managua. Workers found a track of footprints by accident in 1874. Later studies proved that these footprints are 6000 years old, which makes them the oldest human footprints on the American continent.

Rubén Darío National Theater - It was inaugurated in 1969. When the earthquake hit Managua in 1972 the theater was one of the few high buildings that did not collapse. The theater has been maintained in its original style, and this impressive building nowadays serves as the most important theater for shows and concerts. For more info visit www.tnrubendario.gob.ni

Tiscapa Lagoon Historic park - Managua is also home to a 4 lagoons scattered within the city limits. The most centrally located of these lagoons is the Lagoon of Tiscapa. It is a Historic park and it is used for cultural and historical expositions. A couple of years ago some entrepreneurial Nicaraguans installed zip lines running over the lagoon. This is a great way to kill a few hours in the capital.

Contact Us for more information about things to do and places to visit in Managua, Nicaragua.

Bars, discos and restaurants in Managua:

Managua is home to many bars, restaurants, clubs and casinos. There are movie theaters in the major shopping malls playing the not-so-new releases, but it is a great way to escape the heat. Here are a few recommendations for bars and discos:

Zona Hippos

This grouping of a few bars is a good spot to get a burger or the typical American fare. It is usually lively with an after work crowd having a few beers before heading home. Woody’s is a good spot to watch the game.
Address: Km 4 ½ Carretera Masaya 1 cuadra oeste.

Arribas urban bar

Local upbeat lounge where you can find live music a few days a week.
Address: De la Vicky 1 oeste, 2 al sur

Galerias Zona Viva

This grouping of bars and restaurants found at the Galerias shopping mall is a good place to get a bite to eat and have a few drinks with friends. There are always people enjoying the outdoor seating every day of the week. There are restaurants for all tastes and bank accounts.
Address: Zona Viva, Galerias Santo Domingo. Carretera Masaya.

Moods

This club is found at the Galerias shopping mall. People are always dancing and listening to loud music. There is a cover charge at the door and proper dress is required.
Address: Zona Viva, Galerias Santo Domingo. Carretera Masaya

Hipa Hipa

This nightclub has recently been remodeled, and has always been a favorite of Nicaragua’s elite. There is a cover charge at the door which includes a few drinks and proper dress is required.
Address: Plaza Familiar Km 7 ½ Carretera Masaya

El Churrasco Steak House

The Best Steaks in Nicaragua
Address: Contiguo al Hotel Intercontinental Metrocentro
Phone: 248-6511

Casa de Los Nogueras

Gourmet Nicaraguan and International Cuisine.
Address: De Hippos dos cuadras al sur

Tre Fratelli

Great Italian food.
Address: Km 4 ½ Carretera Masaya, Los Robles No. 10
Phone: 278-3334

La Cocina de Dona Haydee

Upscale Traditional Nica food.
Address: Planes de Altamira, Embajada de Mexico 1 cuadra al oeste.
Phone: 249-5494