Windhoek

Understand

The city was spelled Windhuk during the German colonial time and is sometimes still referred to as such in German. The name is pronounced wind-hook, as "oe" in Dutch and Afrikaans is pronounced like "u" in German.

Get in

thumb|right|upright|Christus Church, a Windhoek landmark

See

thumb|The Tintenpalast, housing the Parliament of Namibia National Gallery of Namibia Dictator street names Although Namibia isn't a dictatorship, there are a few dictators with whom Namibia's first president was quite friendly during the days of the struggle for independence (and still is). There are two in Windhoek, both downtown: Fidel Castro St. and Robert Mugabe Ave. thumb|Christuskirche is a feature of the downtown area

Buy

There is a craft market in Post Street Mall in central Windhoek, though prices are quite high. There is another in Independence Avenue outside the Hilton Hotel. Prices are lower at the craft market in Okahandja, which is about an hour north of Windhoek.

There are a number of arcades and small shopping centres in the centre of Windhoek. Between them you can find pretty much anything you need. There is also a larger mall called Maerua Mall in the south end of the city (Jan Jonker Road), easily accessible by taxi.

For arts and crafts you can visit Jennys Place located at Bougain Villa 78 Sam Nujoma Drive, Klein Windhoek. . It is the largest arts and crafts shop in Namibia. They also provide a variety of art classes such as painting, card making and scrap booking. It has a calm and tranquil atmosphere.

Many places including shops, restaurants and internet cafés included are closed on Sundays or stay open only until 13:00. Alcoholic beverages aren't sold after 19:00 (weekdays) and after 13:00 on Saturday (until Monday morning). On public holidays only restaurants and night clubs are open, all ordinary bars have to close.

Supermarkets and other shops close in the evenings.

Drink

Bump Located in the Southern Industrial section of Windhoek, Bump features a spacious outdoor area, mid-sized dance floor and a large bar. Although the music is often limited to house and rave music, the service is friendly. Popular with the Afrikaner crowd. The Wine Bar Located on a hill overlooking Windhoek with fantastic sunsets, perfect for that romantic occasion. The staff give excellent service and have good knowledge of the wines being served.