Managua has a tropical climate with two main seasons, dry season and rainy season. The dry season, November to April, is hot and sunny. The rainy season, May to October, is humid with frequent afternoon showers.

The official language of Nicaragua is Spanish, which is spoken by the majority of the population. In Managua, English proficiency varies depending on where you are. In places frequented by tourists, such as restaurants, hotels, and tour operators, many staff members speak at least basic English to accommodate international visitors. If you want to immerse yourself in the local culture and be able to talk and interact with local people, you should be able to speak some Spanish. We recommend you get a good guidebook and familiarize yourself with common phrases such as hello, goodbye, please, thank you, excuse me, and numbers 1-10.

While Managua is relatively safe, the majority of the city is in poverty with some areas here and there you’ll want to avoid. At first glance, it might not seem like the best travel destination, but there is still plenty of entertainment in this city.

There are many homeless people in the streets in Managua. However, it is generally safe, but you’ll want to always use precautions. Don’t be flashy, avoid sketchy neighborhoods and don’t walk alone at night and you’ll be fine.

No, it is not recommended to drink tap water directly. While some locals may drink it without issues, visitors are advised to stick to bottled or filtered water to avoid potential stomach discomfort or waterborne illnesses. Bottled water is widely available in Managua. Some hotels and establishments offer filtered water for guests. Ask if it’s safe for drinking.

Nicaragua observes central Standard Time year-round. The country does not adjust to daylight saving time.

The official Nicaraguan currency is the córdoba (it is sometimes referred to as a peso). It is made up of 100 centavos. Money is denominated in notes of 10, 20, 50, 100, and 500 córdobas. Coins are made of 1 and 5 córdobas and 50 centavos.

U.S. dollars are widely accepted, such as in many hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it is always a good idea to carry small denominations, as getting change in USD can sometimes be difficult. To avoid unfavorable exchange rates, consider exchanging some money into córdobas at banks or authorized exchange offices. Always check the current exchange rate before making transactions.

The food in Managua reflects the rich culinary traditions of Nicaragua, with a mix of Spanish, Creole and indigenous influences. A staple in Nicaraguan cuisine, Gallo Pinto, is a mix of rice and red beans cooked with spices and often served with eggs and plantains for breakfast. Nacatamal is a traditional tamale made with corn dough stuffed with pork or chicken, rice, potatoes, and seasonings, wrapped in banana leaves and steamed. Be sure to try vigorón, a local specialty made with cassava, yucca, cabbage, and fried pork. Add some pickled chilies and wash it down with some coyolito, a refreshing drink similar to grape or cherry juice.

Managua’s proximity to Lake Managua and the coastline brings fresh seafood such as ceviche and Sopa de Mariscos, a hearty seafood soup with fish, shrimp, and crab in a coconut milk broth.

Traditional desserts include Tres Leches Cake, a soft sponge cake soaked in three kinds of milk. Pio Quinto is a dessert made of sponge cake soaked in rum syrup, topped with cinnamon and custard. Rosquillas is another popular sweet treat that is a ring-shaped cookie made with cornmeal and cheese.

Restaurants in Managua are a mix of local comedores (small eateries) serving authentic dishes and upscale restaurants offering modern takes on Nicaraguan cuisine.

Zona Viva is a popular area where most visitors stay, known for its lively nightlife. Villa Fontana and Bolonia are quiet, safe residential areas with a variety of hotels.

For emergencies, dial 128.

Many pharmacies in Nicaragua have trained staff who can provide basic medical advice and medications. Private clinics and hospitals provide better care and shorter wait times compared to public hospitals. Public hospitals are free but may have limited resources, longer waits, and language barriers.