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Banjul, Gambia - Things to Do in Banjul

Banjul

Banjul, Gambia - Complete Travel Guide

Banjul, the compact capital of Gambia, sits on St. Mary's Island at the mouth of the Gambia River, offering visitors a fascinating blend of colonial history and busy West African culture. Despite being one of Africa's smallest capitals, this charming city serves as the perfect gateway to explore Gambia's rich heritage, from its role in the trans-Atlantic slave trade to its colorful markets and traditional architecture. The city's strategic location makes it an ideal base for river excursions and cultural immersion. While Banjul itself can be explored in a day, its proximity to other attractions like the Kachikally Crocodile Pool in nearby Bakau and the bustling Serrekunda market makes it a convenient hub for discovering the essence of Gambian life. The city's laid-back atmosphere, friendly locals, and historical significance create an authentic West African experience away from the typical tourist crowds.

Top Banjul

Arch 22 and National Museum

Visit Banjul's most iconic landmark, Arch 22, which commemorates the 1994 military coup and offers panoramic views of the city and river. The nearby National Museum provides excellent context about Gambian history, culture, and the country's role in the slave trade through well-curated exhibits and artifacts.

Booking Tip: Entry to Arch 22 costs around 25-50 dalasi ($0.50-1), while the museum charges about 50 dalasi. Visit in the morning for better lighting and cooler temperatures. No advance booking required, but bring a camera for the views.

Wander Through Albert Market

spend time in local life at Banjul, Banjul's bustling central marketplace where vendors sell everything from colorful textiles and traditional crafts to fresh produce and spices. This busy market offers an authentic glimpse into daily Gambian commerce and culture, with opportunities to practice your bargaining skills and interact with friendly locals.

Booking Tip: No entry fee required, but bring small denominations of dalasi for purchases. Visit early morning (8-10 AM) for the best selection and cooler weather. Expect to bargain - start at 30-40% of the asking price.

Take a Gambia River Cruise

Experience the natural beauty of the Gambia River with a boat cruise that often includes bird watching, mangrove exploration, and visits to traditional fishing villages. These excursions provide excellent opportunities to spot various bird species, including kingfishers and herons, while learning about the river's ecological and historical importance.

Booking Tip: Half-day cruises typically cost $25-40 per person, while full-day trips range from $50-80. Book through reputable operators at hotels or tourist offices. Best during dry season (November-May) for wildlife viewing.

Colonial Architecture and Government Buildings

Take a walking tour through Banjul's colonial quarter to admire well-preserved British colonial architecture, including the Banjul, Law Courts, and various administrative buildings. These structures tell the story of Gambia's colonial past and provide excellent photo opportunities with their distinctive architectural features and historical significance.

Booking Tip: Self-guided tours are free, but hiring a local guide costs 200-500 dalasi ($4-10) and provides valuable historical context. Photography may be restricted near Government Buildings - always ask permission first.

Local Food and Culture

Discover authentic Gambian cuisine by visiting local restaurants and street food vendors serving traditional dishes like benachin (jollof rice), domoda (peanut stew), and fresh grilled fish. Many establishments also offer cultural performances featuring traditional music and dance, providing a complete sensory experience of Gambian culture.

Booking Tip: Street food costs 20-50 dalasi ($0.40-1) per meal, while restaurant meals range from 100-300 dalasi ($2-6). Look for busy local spots for the freshest food. Some cultural centers charge 100-200 dalasi for performances.

Getting There

Banjul International Airport is located about 24 kilometers from the city center, with taxis and shuttle services providing connections for approximately 500-800 dalasi ($10-16). Many visitors arrive via charter flights from Europe, particularly during the dry season. Overland travel from Senegal is possible through the Transgambia Highway, though border crossings can be time-consuming. Ferry services connect Banjul to Barra on the north bank, offering a scenic approach to the capital.

Getting Around

Banjul's compact size makes it easily walkable, with most attractions within a 2-kilometer radius of each other. Local taxis are abundant and inexpensive, typically charging 50-100 dalasi ($1-2) for short trips within the city. Shared taxis and minibuses (called 'gele-geles') connect Banjul to surrounding areas like Serrekunda and coastal resort areas for 10-25 dalasi per journey. For longer excursions, hiring a private taxi for the day costs 1,500-2,500 dalasi ($30-50).

Where to Stay

Banjul City Center
Pipeline Area
Banjul
Wellington Street
Independence Drive
Marina Parade

Food & Dining

Banjul's dining scene reflects its position as a cultural crossroads, offering everything from street-side grills serving fresh catch-of-the-day to restaurants specializing in traditional West African cuisine. Local favorites include benachin (Gambian jollof rice), yassa (marinated chicken or fish), and domoda (rich peanut stew), often accompanied by attaya (sweet mint tea). The city's proximity to the Atlantic ensures excellent fresh seafood, while Lebanese and Indian influences add international flavors to the local culinary landscape. Most restaurants are casual and affordable, with meals typically costing between 100-400 dalasi ($2-8).

Top-Rated Restaurants in Gambia

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

Ganbei Japanese Restaurant & Bar

4.5 /5
(972 reviews) 2

Delicious Indian Cuisine & Bar

4.7 /5
(900 reviews) 2

Nepali Chulo

4.9 /5
(200 reviews) 2

Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

The ideal time to visit Banjul is during the dry season from November to May, when temperatures are more comfortable (24-32°C/75-90°F) and rainfall is minimal. December through February offers the coolest and most pleasant weather, making it peak tourist season. The wet season (June-October) brings heavy rains and high humidity, though it's also when the landscape is most lush and green. Bird watching is excellent during the dry season, while the wet season offers lower accommodation prices and fewer crowds.

Insider Tips

Exchange money at banks or official bureaus rather than street vendors for better rates and security - the dalasi is the local currency and US dollars are widely accepted
Respect local customs by dressing modestly, especially when visiting government areas or religious sites, and always ask permission before photographing people
Learn basic Wolof or Mandinka greetings like 'Salaam aleikum' - locals appreciate the effort and it often leads to warmer interactions and better prices at markets

Activities in Banjul