Opened in 2014 on the site of the old colonial Reiterdenkmal, the Independence Memorial Museum is a striking glass tower next to Christuskirche that traces Namibia's history from pre-colonial society through the German occupation, South African rule, and the SWAPO-led liberation struggle. Three floors of dioramas, photographs, and weapons spell out the official narrative — heavily slanted toward the ruling party, but informative.
A glass elevator climbs to a top-floor restaurant with the best panoramic view in Windhoek. The exhibits are free to enter; the rooftop coffee runs about 40 Namibian dollars. Start here on your first morning in the country.