Is Antananarivo expensive to visit?
Antananarivo is a smaller destination that draws visitors with a range of travel styles, spending habits, and budget preferences. Budget-conscious travelers will find suitable hotel options, but there are also high-end hotels for those seeking luxury, plus mid-range accommodations for families or couples.
If you choose to make it so, Antananarivo can be very pricey, but you can reduce your expenses by looking for discounts and coupons.
On average, budget travelers spend $36 (MGA170,133) per day, mid-range travelers spend $87 (MGA409,248) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $194 (MGA911,824) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Antananarivo.
Within Africa, Antananarivo is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Ait Ben Haddou or Kruger National Park.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Antananarivo Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Antananarivo?
The average Antananarivo trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Antananarivo travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Antananarivo cost?
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to have realistic expectations for your travel budget. While many people assume they can travel to Antananarivo without spending much money, the reality is that most people are not comfortable traveling on an extremely low "shoestring" budget. Consider what you really enjoy doing when you are on vacation and how you've traveled in the past. Do you prefer resorts, vacation rentals, or hostels? Do you like to experience all of the activities, museums, and sights? Is dining out at delicious restaurants important to you? Your answers to these questions will affect your overall travel budget and itinerary.
Who are Budget Travelers?
Although you may consider yourself a budget traveler, unless you're ready to cut out many creature comforts, you'll likely spend much more than the $36 per day that young budget travelers often get by on.
For backpackers, this tight budget typically involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest eateries or fast food joints, using public transportation, and sticking to free attractions.
Could You Be an Average Traveler?
Couples and families traveling for leisure often prefer mid-range hotels, dine at popular eateries, and visit key museums and attractions that require an entry fee. It's a common desire for visitors to Antananarivo to experience the major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. It's important to remember that most activities will cost you money. Consequently, you should anticipate your daily budget to be closer to $87 per person, per day.
Antananarivo boasts a wide array of hotels and vacation rentals. When traveling with others, you can share accommodations with a partner, friend, or children, thus reducing your expenses. Families should prioritize hotels and restaurants that are geared toward kids. Tamboho Hotels is an excellent family-friendly option, while Hotel Restaurant La Ribaudiere is also superb. You can find additional family and couple-friendly hotels in our hotel guide for Antananarivo here.
What Luxury Travel Looks Like
For those wanting a high-end experience complete with every luxury and high-quality service, expect to spend about $194 each day. To enjoy nicer accommodations, award-winning dining, extravagant adventures, and convenient transport like taxis or private chauffeurs in the destination, prepare for a pricier experience. Many high-end visitors also prefer unique experiences such as Antananarivo : Custom Walking Tour With A Guide - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Antananarivo
The price of hotels in Antananarivo can be quite surprising. Higher-end hotels offer more luxury and amenities, but with much higher price tags, especially during peak season. Off-season averages are around $52, while peak season averages can reach $97. Prices range from $29 to $185, but hostels are usually cheaper. Traveling during the low season and booking early are good ways to save money.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Antananarivo for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $55 (MGA262,261). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $28 (MGA131,130) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Antananarivo? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Antananarivo include:
- Hotel & Spa Palissandre starting at $73
- Relais des Plateaux & Spa - Ivato International Airport starting at $86
- Lokanga Boutique Hotel starting at $103
- Hotel Brajas starting at $23
Traveling in the low or shoulder season (and not in ) means you'll enjoy lower accommodation prices and fewer tourists around.
Transportation Budget in Antananarivo
Antananarivo does not has a good public transit system.
Calculated from travelers like you
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On average, past travelers have spent $13 (MGA62,524) per person, per day, on local transportation in Antananarivo. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Antananarivo is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$13
MGA62,524
A few of the typical transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Cheap Transfer from Airport to your Hotel in Antananarivo for $16 details
- Private Airport Transfert Ivato Antananarivo for $65 details
- Private Airport Transfert Ivato Antananarivo for $50 details
How much does it cost to go to Antananarivo? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Antananarivo will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Antananarivo
Food is a major reason many people explore new destinations, so don't skip the chance to try local delicacies.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Antananarivo can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Antananarivo is $46 (MGA220,395) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
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Food2
Meals for one day
$46
MGA220,395
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Antananarivo is around $47 (MGA220395) per person, with previous travelers spending from $20 to $103. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Antananarivo are as follows:
- Breakfast: $5 to $14
- Lunch: $7 to $19
- Dinner: $14 to $33
- Coffee: $4
- Fast Food or Street Food: $7
Antananarivo encompasses a Malagasy cuisine, which is influenced by Asian, African, Chinese, and European flavors. Usually, meals consist of meat, vegetables, and some type of sauce. To try Malagasy cuisine, visit La Table de Mariettei, which serves the traditional food of Madagascar but is a bit more on the pricey side. La Brasserie is a great place for French food that is tasty and relatively inexpensive. For breakfast, Cookie Soph is a great place that serves coffee and bagels, and the employees speak both French and English.
Many hotels include breakfast in their price, while some add it on as an extra charge. The price and quality can vary depending on the hotel. Knowing ahead of time can help you decide if you need to spend even more money. Maybe it's worth your money for the delicious buffet at the hotel. Or, perhaps you should just go to a nearby bakery or cafe that's much cheaper.
Keep a water bottle handy instead of purchasing drinks everywhere. It's also better for the environment.
If you're planning to take a tour, make sure you know which meals are included beforehand. You might be on the hook to pay for some of the food yourself which can add to your budget.
Taking a food tour or cooking class is a great way to experience the culture in Antananarivo. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Cooking And Cuisine Tasting From Tana-Malagasy Fine Foodie Madagascar Tour for $245 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Antananarivo
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Antananarivo typically cost an average of $22 (MGA105,843) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$22
MGA105,843
The Musee d'art et d'archeologie is a great museum to visit in Antananarivo to learn about the history of Madagascar. Its exhibitions portray the traditions and culture of the people of Madagascar dating back to the first century.
The Queens's Palace, also known as the Rova, is another sight in the city. The Rova was built by the Merina king, Andrianjaka back in the 1600's. Although it has withstood some severe fire damage recently, it offers a great view of the entire city and some of the statues, as well as a large chapel, still stand. This is the highest point of the city and can be seen from all angles. There are usually English-speaking university students that offer tours of the palace and the grounds for a small fee.
Near the palace is the Prime Minister's Rainilaiarivony's Palace. It is uncertain whether this palace is still open for touring, however, when it is, there are tours that offer in-depth accounts of the many historical artifacts that are spread throughout the palace.
In the city center is Lake Anosy, which is shaped like a heart and the entire lake is surrounded by jacaranda trees. A great place to see this from above is from The Rova.
There is a crocodile farm near the Ivato Airport that is a great day activity. Not only does the farm have crocodiles, turtles, lemurs, and snakes, but it also has many plants, flowers, and trees that are native to Madagascar. It is best to visit the farm during the crocodile feeding time. There is a restaurant on site as well where you can actually try a crocodile burger.
There are tons of open-air markets around town that will keep you entertained for the day. These markets sell traditional Malagasy crafts. If you prefer to shop without having to barter, then head to Lisy, which is a shopping area that sells similar products that you will find at the market. There are also rice patties all over town that are great for those looking to get some landscape photographs in Antananarivo.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Antananarivo. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Private Tour Through the Wildlife of Madagascar and the Kingdom of Rova for $131 details
- Full Day Private Tour in Antananarivo for $194 details
- Full Day Tour to Ampefy Village for $293 details
Antananarivo
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.