Maianga, Angola

This working-class neighborhood of Luanda has a population of 319,000 and a reputation for musical innovation, but newcomers should brace themselves for a bureaucratic hassle. Maianga's southern and eastern areas are defined by informal construction and dirt roads, lacking consistent access to clean water and electricity. However, the northern district is more formally planned, with paved streets and city services. Despite the rapid growth since Angola's independence, Maianga remains a hub of Angolan culture, home to famous musicians like Calibrados and Tony Mad. For those willing to navigate the persistent bureaucratic headaches, this historic quarter of the capital could be an authentic, if gritty, introduction to Angolan urban life.