Must-see attractions in Dili

  • Centro Nacional Chega!

    Dili

    Set in the buildings and cells of a Portuguese-era prison where resistance figures were interned by the Indonesian military, Chega! (chega means 'stop' or…

  • Resistência Timorense Arquivo e Museu

    Dili

    An excellent museum which commemorates in detail Timor-Leste's 24-year struggle against Indonesian occupation. Falintil’s resistance is brought to life…

  • Santa Cruz cemetery and chapel.

    Santa Cruz Cemetery

    Dili

    On 12 November 1991 Indonesian soldiers fired on a peaceful memorial procession for Sebastião Gomes heading from Motael Church to Santa Cruz Cemetery;…

  • Timor, orange vendor on a beach in Dili

    Dili Waterfront

    Dili

    Watch kids kicking soccer balls around on the patches of sandy beach and runners sweating it out while you're strolling the decent walking path that runs…

  • cristo rei landmark statue near dili east timor

    Cristo Rei

    Dili

    The hard-to-miss Cristo Rei, 7km east of town, has 570 steps leading to the statue of Jesus, a gift from the Indonesian government in 1996. It's a popular…

  • Areia Branca

    Dili

    This lovely cove 5.5km east of central Dili is picturesque, with its white sand backed by steep hills and good places to eat and sleep. At the end of the…

  • Xanana Gusmão Reading Room

    Dili

    This complex houses memorabilia of Timor-Leste's first president, Xanana Gusmão, including the former presidential car (he opted for a cheap one at the…

  • Dare Memorial Museum

    Dili

    There are two great things about Dare (pronounced da-ray) Memorial Museum, but you'll have to ask for them. First, ask for a cup of Timorese coffee, then…

  • Igreja de Santo António de Motael

    Dili

    This waterfront Catholic church, fronted by a pretty garden, was one of the most important places in the story of the fight for Timorese independence…

  • Centro Audiovisual Max Stahl Timor-Leste

    Dili

    Opposite the Resistance Museum, this important archive preserves footage from the Indonesian occupation and Timorese independence struggle, including that…

  • Arte Moris

    Dili

    'Quirky' describes this art space in and around Dili’s domed, rundown, Indonesian-era museum. Beyond the oddball outdoor sculptures, you'll find a…

  • Santa Cruz Massacre Memorial Monument

    Dili

    This sizeable monument opposite Motael Church marks where independence supporter Sebastião Gomes was shot by Indonesian forces on 28 October 1991. Built…

  • Palácio do Governo

    Dili

    The grand, white Palácio do Governo dominates the town centre. The grounds here occasionally play host to events, but they're usually just a fancy car…

  • Farol

    Dili

    This photogenic lighthouse beams northwest of Dili's seaport.