Where to stay in Windhoek – A guide to the capital of Namibia
Windhoek (which means “corner of the wind”) is the capital, largest city and financial centre of the Republic of Namibia. Also known as Windhuk, the city is located in the centre of Namibia, in the area of the plateau of Khomas Highland. In this post, we will explore the best areas to stay in Windhoek.
Windhoek is a natural paradise on the west coast of southern Africa. It is surrounded by great mountains and plateaus and it’s home to Namibia’s most important historical monuments and treasures.
The architecture in the city displays its German influence in buildings such as the Alta Feste (Old Fort), the Christuskirche Tinte Palast (the parliament buildings), the Festefort Alte (National Museum of the Independence of Namibia), the Reiter Denkmal, and the Turnhalle Building.
Windhoek offers direct contact with its nature through green areas such as Daan Viljoen Game Park and Zoo Park, two of the most famous and visited recreational centres in the country.
Windhoek is a city with a semi-arid climate, with more than 300 sunny days a year and few rainy days, due to its proximity to the Kalahari desert.
The Hosea Kutako International Airport has a large number of foreign airlines operating to and from Windhoek. Eros Airport, designed for smaller aircraft, is located in the city centre.
When it comes to public transport, the best (and safest) way to move around in Windhoek is by taxi. You may also consider renting a car during your stay in Windhoek.
The best area to stay in Windhoek is East Windoek. This modern and cosmopolitan area is home to the best shopping centres and hotels. See accommodation in East Windhoek.
Here’s a guide with the best areas to stay in Windhoek, Namibia.
Best Location in Windhoek, Namibia: A Quick Guide
Below, you’ll find a list of the best areas to stay in Windhoek depending on your travel style. Keep reading this post to find all the information you need about each particular area.
- Best location in Windhoek for sightseeing: East End & Klein Windhoek
- Best location in Windhoek for nightlife: East End & Klein Windhoek | Madeira Beach
- Safest area to stay in Windhoek: East End & Klein Windhoek | South Windhoek
- Best location in Windhoek for business travellers: Windhoek City Centre
Best Hotels in Windhoek, Namibia by Theme
Something more specific in mind? Here’s a list of some of the best hotels in Windhoek. No matter your reason for visiting the city or style, you’ll find it here!
- Most unique hotel: Am Weinberg Boutique Hotel
- Best mid-priced hotel: Hotel Thuringerhof
- Best luxury hotel: Hilton Windhoek
- Best boutique hotel: Belvedere Boutique Hotel
- Best inn / B&B: The Windhoek Luxury Suites
- Best aparthotel: The Village Executive Suites
- Best hostel: Chameleon Backpackers & Guesthouse
The Best Areas to Stay in Windhoek, Namibia
1. Recommended area: East End & Klein Windhoek
East Windhoek is the most prosperous area of the city. It is home to upper and upper-middle-class neighbourhoods such as Auasblick, Avis, Klein Windhoek, Ludwigsdorf, Luxury Hill, Olympia and Suiderhof.
The vast majority of Windhoek shopping centres are located in this district, as well as popular attractions such as the busy Arts and Crafts centre of Namibia, the Parliament Gardens and the Adjacent Ink Palace.
The closest bus stop in the area is Klein Windhoek. Therefore, it is recommended to choose to rent a car or a bicycle to easily move around the city.
East Windhoek is the main leisure area in the capital of Namibia, thanks to its natural landscapes.
In East Windhoek, you will find luxury hotels and apartments that make the area one of the best areas to stay in Windhoek.
Why we love this area:
- Safe area to stay
- Best area for foreign visitors
- Shopping centres
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
De Vagebond Hotel-Pension
Offering a garden and terrace, De Vagebond Hotel-Pension is located in Windhoek. The property is close to several famous attractions, about 500 meters from the Hidas centre and about 1.4 km from the Maerua shopping centre.
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Budget
Pension Casa Africana
Offering a pool and barbecue facilities, Hotel Pension Casa Africana is located in Windhoek. It offers free Wi-Fi access in all areas. It has a shared lounge and laundry. It also offers free parking.
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Luxury
Hotel Heinitzburg
Hotel Heinitzburg occupies a renovated castle with unique architecture, located on the top of a hill in Windhoek. It features a swimming pool, well-tended garden, wine cellar and 2 restaurants.
2. South Windhoek
South Windhoek also houses some middle and upper-class districts such as Pioneers Park, Suiderhof, Olympia or Ausblick.
This end of Windhoek showcases a more residential and quiet atmosphere than the east of the city.
Among its landmarks are the iFun family park, the Independence Stadium and the University of Namibia.
It is also one of the favourite places in the city to practice golf and a safe area to stay in Windhoek.
South Windhoek also has a small domestic airport, Windhoek Eros Airport, where some light aircraft tours can be booked.
South Windhoek has accommodations of all kinds, although mid-range category options and luxury hotels predominate.
This area is an excellent option to stay in Windhoek, away from the hustle and bustle of the East End.
Why we love this area:
- Safe area to stay in Windhoek
- Golf courses and shopping centres
- Near Windhoek Eros Airport
3. Windhoek City Centre
Windhoek City Centre is home to the most important university institutions, art galleries and museums, so it is considered the heart of the city.
Besides being the area with the best public transport connections in Windhoek, it is the ideal place to buy souvenirs and try the local cuisine.
Among some of the attractions of Windhoek City Centre, TransNamib railway museum is a fun option when travelling with children.
A few minutes from the museum is the Main Bus Station, from where you can get to any part of Windhoek and other cities in Namibia.
Near the bus station, there are multiple accommodation options, such as three-star hotels and comfortable apartments that make the central area one of the best areas to stay in Windhoek.
Why we love this area:
- Heart of the city
- Great area for sightseeing
- Tourist attractions
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Protea Hotel by Marriott Windhoek Thuringerhof
The Thuringerhof has a central courtyard with a large tree that gives shade. It is located in the financial district of Windhoek. It offers a shuttle service to Eros Airport, located about 5 km away.
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Budget
Pension Rivendell
Rivendell offers cozy accommodation in the city of Windhoek, 2.5 km from the National Botanical Garden. It has a bar, a breakfast buffet and a garden with barbecue facilities.
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Luxury
Hilton Windhoek
The Windhoek Hilton is a 5-star property with a rooftop pool with panoramic views of Windhoek and a spa offering massages with views of the countryside. Most of its spacious rooms and suites have views of the city.
4. Near Windhoek International Airport
Hosea Kutako International Airport is located east of the city, exactly 45 kilometres from the city centre.
This airport has several international flights and it boasts one of the longest airstrips on the African continent and the world.
Some of the airlines that operate in Hosea Kutako are Air Namibia, British Airways, Condor, South Africa Express and Angola Airlines. They offer direct international flights to destinations such as Frankfurt and Johannesburg, among others.
The airport has a bus service to the city centre, as well as a car rental service and several taxi lines.
It is an area of luxurious and comfortable hotels, ideal for a business trip or when making a stopover.
Why we love this area:
- Best area for a stopover
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