What to do in Windhoek: Half Day
Windhoek is the charming capital of Namibia with enough to do for a half day while on a road trip in Namibia. The name “Windhoek” translates to “wind corner” or “windy corner” in Afrikaans and German.
Park your car at the Independence Museum and then you can visit the below destinations on foot, as we did, to follow along on the Namibia 5-day itinerary to the dunes.
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A little about Windhoek
Jonker Afrikaner founded Windhoek in 1840. The indigenous Damara people originally inhabited the area where Windhoek is today. Afrikaner chose the site due to its central location and natural resources, such as water from nearby springs.
During the late 19th century, the German Empire established control over Namibia. Windhoek grew into the administrative capital of German South-West Africa. The Germans invested in infrastructure, including the construction of buildings, roads, and railways, which helped shape the city’s early development. Even today, in Windhoek you will get the feeling of a German town.
Following the end of World War I, Namibia fell under South African administration. Windhoek continued to grow and flourish, becoming an important economic and cultural hub in the region.
Namibia eventually gained independence from South Africa in 1990. Windhoek retained its status as the capital of the newly established Republic of Namibia.
Sites to see in Windhoek
Christuskirche
The Christuskirche is likely the most recognizable building in Namibia. The church was built by German colonial authorities between 1907 and 1910, while Namibia was a German colony. The architecture of the church is known for its ornate spires and stained-glass windows, reflecting the Gothic Revival style that was popular in Germany at the time.
The church is only open to the public Wednesdays and Friday from 8am to 12pm.
It’s right next to the Independence Museum, which you can visit next.
Independence Museum
Oddly built by the North Koreans, the Independence Museum will catch your attention in Windhoek just by the structure alone. It tops the list of what to do in Windhoek. Image a cylinder inside a triangle and you’ll kinda get the picture. It was built by North Korean workers as part of an aid program established between North Korea and Namibia in the 1980s.
The museum is free and will take about an hour to walk through the different exhibits.
The museum commemorates the country’s journey towards independence from South Africa in 1990 and offers insight into Namibia’s struggle for freedom and showcases the country’s rich cultural heritage, in pure North Korean Communist style. Some of the exhibits look more like memorials as they do not provide much explanation. However, I still think the museum is worth the visit because it’s so odd.
On the top floor, there is a restaurant with great views over the city.
National Art Gallery of Namibia
Unfortunately, this museum was closed when we visited due to a public holiday but I’d recommend visiting while you’re in Windhoek. It’s typically open 8am-5pm and closed on Sundays.
Go on a Tour
If you want to go on a tour instead of walking around yourself, check out this popular half-day trip around Windhoek and the local township.
Shopping
Namibia Craft Center
For unique crafts and gifts, visit the Namibia Craft Center. The center is organized like an indoor market, though there is no bargaining! There is also a cute cafe inside as well as a post office so you can send postcards all over the world.
Uncle Spike’s Book Exchange
Uncle Spike’s Book Exchange is a nice little bookstore with new and old reads. It’s just a 3-minute walk from the Namibia Craft Center.
Where to get Food
Joe’s Beerhouse
Joe’s Beerhouse is a super funky restaurant and bar that can accommodate literally everyone. It’s huge! The menu is vast and there are veg and meat dishes. I got the Namibian oysters and it was delishhh.
Vinyl’s Music Cafe
Get lunch at Vinyls Music Cafe. Unfortunately, our veggie options were pretty bad so I’d suggest opting for a burger instead. That said, the vibe of the place was cool, and it made up for the bad veg food. It also prompted me to forgo my veggie ways and just eat meat for the rest of the trip.
Slowtown Coffee
Get a cup of coffee from Namibia’s most popular coffee chain, Slowtown, before you start your drive to Barkhan Dune Retreat. I was immediately obsessed with the cute snail branding and ended up buying a branded coffee mug, which I’ve literally never done in my life before. Highly recommend. Plus, the coffee is good!
