Freetown

27 hand-picked places in 9 lists. Tick the categories you want to see on the map.

8 places on the map

Free things to do

Opens Google Maps with these places, ready to save to your own list.

Cross to Lungi carefully: Lungi International Airport is across the Sierra Leone River from Freetown; book a water taxi in advance or use the ferry from Tagrin to Kissy.
Use kekes and poda-podas: Three-wheeled kekes and minibuses called poda-podas are cheap ways around town, but agree fares first and expect crowded rides.
Allow for gridlock: Traffic on the main roads into central Freetown can be slow, so leave early for meetings, boats or beach trips along the Peninsula.

Follow travel advisories: Check your government's advice before visiting Sierra Leone and stay updated on local conditions during your stay.
Mind beach currents: Some Peninsula beaches have strong currents, so swim where lifeguards or locals do and avoid swimming alone or after drinking.
Avoid hillside areas in storms: Heavy rains can cause landslides on Freetown's steep hillsides, so stay alert to warnings and avoid travelling in storms.

Know the new leone: Sierra Leone dropped three zeros from its currency in 2022, and some people still quote old leone prices, so confirm which one is meant before you pay.
Eat at cookery shops: Local cookery shops across Freetown serve big plates of rice with cassava leaf, potato leaf or groundnut soup for far less than Aberdeen or Lumley restaurants.
Share taxis on fixed routes: Shared taxis run set routes between areas like Lumley, Congo Cross and the city centre, costing far less than a private charter; ask locals which to flag.

Expect torrential rains: From about May to October, Freetown gets some of the heaviest rain in West Africa, peaking in July and August, so pack a sturdy rain jacket and quick-dry shoes.
Pack light, modest clothing: Freetown is hot and humid year round, so breathable cotton or linen works best, with a hat and sunscreen for Lumley Beach and the Peninsula.
Plan for the harmattan: From roughly December to February the dry harmattan wind brings dusty, hazy skies over Freetown, so pack sunglasses, lip balm and eye drops.

Greet in Krio: A friendly kushe for hello or aw di bodi for how are you is warmly received in Freetown, and greeting before asking anything is considered good manners.
Learn the Cotton Tree story: The famous Cotton Tree, linked to the founding of Freetown by freed slaves, fell in a 2023 storm, but its site near the Law Courts remains a city landmark.
Try poyo and ginger beer: Palm wine called poyo and fiery homemade ginger beer are Sierra Leonean favourites, sold from roadside stalls and beach bars along Lumley.

Visit Tacugama: The Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary in the forested hills above Regent rescues orphaned chimps and runs guided tours; book ahead and go in the cooler morning.
Head down the Peninsula: River Number Two, Tokeh and Bureh beaches lie south of the city along the Peninsula road; go on a weekday by hired car for empty sand and fresh grilled fish.
Shop at Big Market: The Big Market on Wallace Johnson Street sells gara tie-dye cloth, carvings and baskets; bargain politely and compare a few stalls before buying.

Only have a day? Each one keeps you in one area, from morning to late afternoon, with lunch nearby.

Day 1 of 1

🕘 9:30–17:30📍 5 stops