Things To Do
in Bissau
Bissau, Guinea-Bissau's compact harbor capital, fuses colonial Portuguese architecture with a lively market culture along the riverfront. The city is easy to explore on foot, with colorful streets, cashew vendors, and a strong sense of community. Wooden boats sway in the harbor, and the scent of grilled fish drifts from waterfront eateries.
Beyond the bustle, the region hints at the Bijagos archipelago just off the coast.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a guided walk through the historic center of Bissau, admiring the colorful colonial architecture that dates back to Portuguese rule. Visit the Presidential Palace and the nearby markets to experience the vibrant city life. Enjoy a coffee at a local café while watching the city come to life.
Explore the National Ethnographic Museum to learn about the diverse cultures and traditions of Guinea-Bissau’s ethnic groups. Wander through the local artisan shops where you can find handcrafted goods and textiles. Have lunch at a traditional restaurant serving regional dishes like jollof rice and grilled seafood.
Take a leisurely stroll along the Bissau waterfront, enjoying the sunset over the Geba River. Dine at a riverside eatery where fresh fish is the specialty. Finish the evening with some live music at a local bar, experiencing the infectious rhythms of West African percussion.
Catch an early ferry to the Bijagós Archipelago, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve known for its rich biodiversity. Spend the morning birdwatching in the mangroves and pristine beaches with a local guide who can point out rare species like the African fish eagle and the red-knobbed coot. Feel the tranquility of the untouched natural landscapes surrounding you.
Enjoy a picnic lunch on one of the islands before embarking on a boat tour to observe marine wildlife such as dolphins and sea turtles. Visit traditional villages to interact with the Bijagó people and learn about their unique customs and eco-friendly lifestyle. Relax on quiet beaches and soak in the serene atmosphere.
Return to Bissau and freshen up before heading out for dinner at a popular local restaurant featuring fresh seafood and tropical fruits. Reflect on the day’s wildlife encounters while enjoying a calm evening by the river. Consider a night walk near the shoreline to glimpse nocturnal creatures and listen to the sounds of the archipelago’s wilderness.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| 💧Bottle of water (1.5L) | $0.50-1 |
| 🚍Local transit fare | $0.25-0.75 |
| 🚕Taxi ride (short city trip) | $2-6 |
| 🥘Meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $25-40 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Welcoming people and a compact city that is easy to explore
- Excellent seafood and lively markets with vibrant street life
- Limited infrastructure in some areas
- Seasonal tropical rains and occasional travel disruptions
- "Olá" - Hello
- "Bom dia" - Good morning
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Obrigado/Obrigada" - Thank you
- "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Voce fala ingles?" - Do you speak English?
- "Onde fica o banheiro?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Eu nao entendo criolo" - I do not understand Crioulo
Places to Visit in Bissau
Visit one of these nice places.
A historic fortress overlooking the river with commanding views of the city and harbor, perfect for dramatic sunrise shots.
Colorful colonial streets, stairways, and markets with vibrant doorways and activity to capture lively street scenes.
Inside the market: a maze of stalls selling fruit, fish, and crafts; great for candid portraits and texture shots.
Golden-hour reflections off boats and logs along the river make for atmospheric harbor photography.
Food in Bissau
Bissau Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Fish rice cooked in a tomato-spiked sauce with fresh herbs, typically served with a side of cassava flour or plantains.
Must-Try!
A hearty fish stew with tomatoes, peppers, onions, and herbs, often prepared with local white fish and served with rice.
Light or thick fish soup brimming with herbs, peppers, and chunks of fish, eaten with bread or cassava flour.
Cassava-based porridge or dough served with a flavorful fish stew or sauce for dipping.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Vibrant market where you can taste fresh fish, tropical fruits, and street bites while watching daily life unfold.
A bustling market district offering produce, spices, and snacks; great for affordable, authentic bites.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a smile and a handshake; address elders with respect and use polite language.
Ask for permission before photographing people or homes; avoid taking pictures of sensitive sites without consent.
Dress modestly in public spaces; avoid loud public displays of affection and loud confrontations.
In mosques and churches, observe local norms and dress modestly; remove shoes where appropriate when entering homes or sacred spaces.
Safety
Tipping in Bissau
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; 5-10% at restaurants or rounding up fares for taxis is common practice.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
November through May brings sunny, relatively dry weather with lower humidity and pleasant evenings; ideal for outdoor exploration and photography.
June to October brings high humidity and frequent tropical downpours; plan for rain gear, occasional flooding in low-lying streets, and lush landscapes.
Bissau at Night
Hiking in Bissau
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Rugged coastal trails on Canhabaque with beaches, mangroves, and viewpoints.
Forest trails and coastal viewpoints offering seabird and wildlife viewing.
Airports
How to reach Bissau by plane.
Main international gateway to Guinea-Bissau; flights to Lisbon, sub-Saharan destinations, and domestic connections; taxis and local transport available to the city center.
Small regional airport serving Bijagos islands; primarily used for domestic flights and island-to-mainland connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A mix of coastal Creoles with substantial Lusophone and West African cultural influences.
Several ethnic groups represented in coastal cities and the Bijagos archipelago with distinct languages and traditions.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport, followed by local leagues and community tournaments.
Growing interest, with local teams and pickup games in urban areas.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Bissau.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarians can rely on bean dishes, fritters, plantains, yams, and vegetable stews; request dishes without fish or meat and ask for rice or funge as a base.