Antananarivo Attractions

As the capital of Madagascar, Antananarivo features both historical and cultural sites and natural attractions. Merina, the first kingdom of Madagascar, was established in Antananarivo in about 1787, leaving fascinating cultural attractions including the Queen’s Palace and the Royal Hill of Ambohimanga which is a World Heritage selected by UNESCO. Traveling here, you definitely cannot miss lemurs, the typical animal in Madagascar. The Lemurs’ Park provides you with an opportunity to enjoy close interactions with lemurs. Besides, more species of plants and animals including crocodiles and lizards await you in Antananarivo.

Antananarivo Top Attractions

Royal Hill of Ambohimanga

The Royal Hill of Ambohimanga, 20 kilometers (12 miles) north of Antananarivo, is the palace of the first king in the history of the Merina Kingdom (c. 1787-1896) and is called the King’s Palace by local people. In 2001, the Royal Hill of Ambohimanga was selected as a World Heritage by UNESCO. As the most ancient and complete palace in Madagascar, a royal city, royal mausoleums, and a sacrificial building complex are gathered here. With a profound history and a sacred atmosphere, the King’s Palace has attracted tourists worldwide to make pilgrimages. Moreover, you can find firm defense facilities around the Palace.

Front Door of The Royal Hill of Ambohimanga

Rova - Queen's Palace

Rova, or the Queen’s Palace, is located on the summit of the highest mountain in Antananarivo, providing a panoramic view of the city for tourists. As the residential place of Ranavalona I (1778-1861), the first queen in the history of Madagascar, the palace is seen as a symbol of royal power and has become a must-go attraction in Antananarivo. Inner furnishings and ornaments of the palace were ruined in a fire in 1995. After renovation, the Queen’s Palace reopened in June 2023 and has become a museum that displays abundant personal belongings of kings and queens in Madagascar’s history. Besides, the back garden and the newly-built theater in the Colosseum style are also unmissable.

The Rova-Queen's Palace

Lemurs’ Park

The Lemurs’ Park offers a home for Madagascar’s typical animal, lemurs. With a distance of about 20 kilometers (12 miles) away from Antananarivo downtown, the park is the most suitable place for you to view lemurs in Antananarivo. More than 70 lemurs of 9 species are living here and they are well protected in this comfortable habitat. Here, you can watch their different appearances in diverse colors, observe their daily activities, feed them in the designated area, and take a canoe to interact with them closely. In addition, more than 70 species of plants and animals including lizards and tortoises can be viewed in the Lemurs’ Park.

Tsimbazaza Zoo and Botanical Gardens

The Tsimbazaza Zoo and Botanical Gardens are located in downtown Antananarivo and feature the most species of typical animals and plants in Madagascar. Here, you can view lemurs of most species and enter a reptile house to view lizards, tortoises, and so on. With a natural lake and a central island, the Zoo has attracted more than 100 species of water birds to live and multiply in jungles on the island. Plenty of paleontological fossils can be observed in a paleontological fossil house. In addition, the largest herbarium of Madagascar is built in Botanical Gardens, and more than 80,000 kinds of plants are on display.

More Attractions to See in Antananarivo

Croc Farm

Near the Antananarivo Ivato International Airport, the Croc Farm is home to more than 1,000 crocodiles of many species including the Nile crocodile and Croc Mada. You can enjoy crocodile breeding performances and even taste crocodile meat. You can also view other animals including lemurs, chameleons, and water birds here.

Prime Minister's Palace

Not far from the Queen’s Palace, the Prime Minister's Palace was built in 1872 under the order of Madagascar’s first prime minister. With four towers and a conical glass dome, the palace is now a historical museum of Madagascar.

Local Market in Antananarivo

City View of Antananarivo

Tsarasaotra Park

The Tsarasaotra Park is located in downtown Antananarivo, and many species of birds as well as insects including butterflies can be viewed and a sense of tranquility can be gained here.

Analakely Market

As the largest and busiest market in Antananarivo, the Analakely Market is held on a long street. You can buy diverse products including cloth, meat, fruits, and vegetables from neatly arranged stalls.

Madagascar Photography Museum

The Madagascar Photography Museum displays photographic work about Antananarivo and other cities of the country. Its topic changes every half a year and you can enjoy the beautiful scenery from the balcony.