Fun things to do in Dili: 10 fun attractions and activities

Worthwhile visit even at $5 per pax, especially if you want to know the history of this young country. Well presented. Not much on 2nd or 3rd floor. Probably easy to spend an hour here taking in all the historical facts.

A fundamental museum for learning about Timorese history. However, the narrative is highly personal and fails to encompass the plurality of stories, nor does it value women's participation in the struggle. I recommend complementing your visit by going to the National Chega Center.

Register and purchase a ticket at the entrance. Tickets are 0.25 for students (including international students), $1 for local adults, and $5 for foreigners. Photography and videography are not permitted in the exhibition halls, and also food and drinks. The exhibition is primarily composed of images, all annotated in Portuguese, Tetum, and English, though the font size in the latter two is a bit jarring. The main exhibition is on the first floor. There are some photos on the second floor, and it seems there was once a cafe in the lobby and balcony. The third floor is empty, just a place for staff to smoke. The visit lasts 1-2 hours and focuses on the museum's main theme, "The East Timor Struggle." This youngest country in Asia was founded not long ago, and most of its citizens have experienced it firsthand. The visit is quite somber, allowing us to overcome our grief while also discovering our country's rich culture and resources, especially its ethnic traditions and natural resources. 🎬2025.9.20

A place to learn more about the past. Information presented was clear and concise. Love the interactive screen which showcased an elder speaking to kids about the significance of the mountains. Truly a dark past for Timor-Leste and I have learned a lot here.

The museum showcases the Timorese struggles for independence during the times of Indonesian occupation. Entry was $5. Everything is mainly on the lower level with not much on 2nd and 3rd levels. The restaurant/cafe was closed. Photography is not allowed in most parts. One of a number of places in Dili that is good to combine and learn the history of Timor Leste.

Has detailed information in English on Timorese history from colonial occupation in 1500s to independence struggle against Indonesia. It’s not large but worth visiting. Entry fee is currently $5 for adults. My kids (2 and 4) were free.

Unknown part of history to most Europeans and Americans. Highly interesting IF you get an English-speaking guide because only a few signs below the exhibits are in English. 5 $ for tourists

The only cultural market in Dili, pretty be small, but it offers a variety of beautiful fabric products! Here, you can find traditional handwoven textiles from Timor-Leste, each with intricate patterns that carry deep cultural significance. Every piece is crafted using techniques passed down through generations, making it more than just fabric—it’s a work of art that reflects the identity and history of the local people. If you’re looking for an authentic souvenir from Dili, this market is definitely worth a visit.

One of the places you need to visit while coming to Dili, Timor-Leste. This is the place where you can get various Tais, hand woven traditional fabrics made in different districts in Timor - Leste. It sells Tais in different sizes, patterns, colors and quality. The bigger the size and the more intricate the patterns, the more expensive it is. Besides Tais the fabrics, they also sell many souvenirs like pouches, bags, earring and accessories, hats, t-shirts, bracelets, keychains and more. The sellers are mostly friendly and they help you find the good one and explain the details of the Tais. Parking is available and you can explore the shops. The market is not too big, making it easy to see many sellers. They use US $ for the transaction. The price varies.. starting from $1 for bracelets, $5 for medium syal, $60-100 or more for more intricate Tais. It's not really that friendly for ♿️. Although it's mostly surface, but it has pebbles of the surfaces. I didn't know whether there's a toilet we can use here as I haven't tried to find and use one.

Timor Awakening 31 Amazing Race "Jogu furak tebes" Hard working locals creating beautiful products for souvenirs

A must-visit for all tourists in Timor-Leste! If you’re in Dili, don’t miss the chance to stop by "Tais Market". It’s the perfect place to find unique, handmade souvenirs crafted by local artisans. You’ll also discover some cultural treasures, including collectible heritage items like old Timorese and foreign currency. A great spot to experience local tradition and bring home something meaningful!

"Market Tais" is small, lovely and trying to keep a traditional craft alive. (Tais traditionally can be woven only by women. Tais can be for women, men, house decor, ceremonial adornment, etc.

I love the local crafts and I especially love traditional textiles. I found the market accidentally on my first morning here. Came back yesterday buy gifts. All the stalls are almost identical in stock. Smaller tais were USD2.50 to 7, not sure about the larger ones. Many other handicrafts too

Wonderful small market where local stitched fabrics are made and sold. Local owners, surrounded by children are friendly, welcoming and not harassing, just need to negotiate the prices, which are lower than the ones found in hotels and airport. Not to be missed

Large church with history. The Santa Cruz cemetry massacre of 1991 group left from here.

Church near Motael Garden, usually crowd at pray or any other church services

The parish community are connected to their faith and support of the parish. I have attended mass at the parish when ever I return to Timor. The current parish priest Fr Guill is a very humble man supporting many people not just from his parish but from Other communities.

Not very big inside, but spacious outside. Unfortunately there's not a lot of shade, so one has to stand up in the hot sun of Dili. Doesn't have proper parking lot; parking is limited to the road, which is a big headache when mass for special occasion is celebrated.

A beautiful church and park

Church of Saint Anthony of Motael is the oldest Roman Catholic church in Dili. Built around 1800. I attended a Sunday evening service here and it was packed with people not just outside in the gardens but also on the footpath and road outside

Historical church and a resistance reference in Timor Leste struggle for independence. Outdoor mass available.

worth the trip. drive is easy and the stairs aren’t bad. pretty cool and simple statue. plaque and a small church as well. good views. a pleasant surprise. free. plenty of parking.

Timorese remember John Paul İİ visit

Lovely views looking out over Tasi Tolu and Dili Rock

Great view, beautiful place to spend time with family

Located on the western end of Dili, this place is built as an honor to the visit of the late Pope John Paul II to Dili. The place has a chapel which is now popular for wedding mass, and the statue of Pope JPII. It is a popular spot for exercises.

Sweet memories, this place was visited by Pope Johanes Paulus II

The statue and the view are beautiful. The wind can cooler the air. I love this place.

very clean and beautiful. I just parked and walked in, no one bothered or asked me anything. nice experience.

Dili cathedral which is the highlight, also the largest in the country. Nice outdoor area for people to sit around or to take photos. The inside is very spacious and service is held in Tetun. Microlets go past this cathedral regularly during the day.

Spacious and clean inside the church. Big fans and windows guarantee air flow and helps with the hot Dili weather. Car parking available inside the church's grounds. Becomes very crowded on special days (e.g. Christmas mass). Green grass gives a fresh and colourful look to the church, differentiating from other churches in town.

The main Roman Catholic Cathedral in the Archdiocese of Dili. It's a fairly modern cathedral which was consecrated in 1988 and it was blest by Pope John Paul II in 1989.

Nice, modern cathedral with attractive glasswork and gardens.

Good service, clean and good environment

Good place to visit

Opposite the Timorese Resistance Archive & Museum, this is an institution dedicated to preserving the audiovisual history of Timor-Leste, and providing educational opportunities. Inside you are likely to find young Timorese using the facilities, and you can watch footage of the Santa Cruz Massacre filmed by British journalist Max Stahl.

Audiovisual Archive Localhost

(Translated by Google) Fine, white sand exposed to the west allows you to admire and photograph beautiful sunsets in the late afternoon. (Original) Areias finas e brancas expostas a poente, permitem em finais de tarde, admirar e fotografar bonitos por do sol.

Fresh air. Large public space. I suggest all people who visit here put garbages in the proper place

A prayer site for those who are Catholic and has a mini garden to walk through it

Best place for a walk at sunset with fresh coconut for 50 cents

Heart of the city, runners, peddlers and street sellers coincide here. No nice bars to enjoy the sunset.

It's a great place to get fresh air. I really love this place.

Comunity's homestay-Jhoky

It's a nice stretch of parkland which is fairly well-maintained. There is a lot more food and drink for sale than their used to be. It's nice and shaded and good for afternoon walks or jogs.

Great atmosphere, delicious food and awesome live music.

This place looks abandoned nowadays. The building used to be the headquarters of the European Commission's delegation, hence the name was changed to “Casa Europa” in 2008. Before that it was known as the “Tranqueira”. It was built by the Portuguese, then occupied by the Japanese, Portuguese again and Indonesians.