Set on the southern coast of Santiago Island, the bustling city of Praia is the capital of the Cape Verde Islands. As the economic, political, and cultural centre of Cape Verde, Praia offers a marvellous combination of heritage, beaches and community activities. Historic buildings worth seeing include the colonial town hall, the classicist cathedral, the grand Presidential Palace, and the old city wall, complete with cannons. The town's fascinating museums include the Sala-Museu Amilcar Cabral, which celebrates the freedom fighter Amilcar Cabral, and the Museu Etnografico de Praia, containing traditional Cabo Verdean artefacts. For those looking to sunbathe, swim and relax, Quebra Canela Beach offers large stretches of white sand beaches and inviting water, fringed by some delightful bars and restaurants. Prainha Beach is clean and close to the city centre. With a distinctly African character, one of the town's main attractions is its excellent market, selling fresh produce and other goods.