In central Windhoek, high-rise hotels vie for the best sunset views from their rooftop bars. Universities and national institutions hold court in brightly painted German and Dutch colonial buildings. On the north side of town, buzzing Katutura, “the place where no one wants to live,” reinvents itself as the most happening spot around for grilled meats, chilled drinks, and connecting with the community. And at night, sexy, slickly dressed artists, entrepreneurs, and expats of all colors dance and drink at a handful of fun, raucous live music venues and clubs.
Windhoek is not a big city. In a valley guarded by three triangular peaks that form the “wind corner” from which the town takes its name live a little less than 400,000 people. But the city’s location at a permanent spring in the geographical center of an otherwise arid land has always made it a point of attraction, by choice or by force, for the various populations in the area. Being independent Namibia’s capital since 1990, housing the headquarters of most national and multinational corporations, and the country’s sole international air hub, Windhoek has been called to punch well above its weight class in terms of cultural development and urbane offerings.
Stop through the Windy Little City for a few days. It just might blow you away.
Have you ever been to Windhoek?
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Sleep at the chic Hilton Windhoek, the slick and central Avani, or the romantic Olive Grove guesthouse.
Eat at Joe’s Beerhouse for the ambiance, Nimms for the views (and the marathon chicken!), and in Katutura for the kapana (traditional Namibian barbecue).
Dance with the young and beautiful at Warehouse Theatre, with a live music and DJs every night of the week.
Do the powerful National Independence Memorial Museum and the Katutura township tour or volunteer experience with incredible guide Anna.
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Image by erdbeernaut via Flickr.
Yup, I’ve been to Windhoek and took almost this very same picture from the museum tower :-).
I like the city and the fact that it’s in the middle of well, no where.
People are friendly and nice food and I even stayed at the Hilton which is a very nice property.