Things To Do
in Bensonville
Bensonville is a growing town in Liberia's Montserrado County located just west of Monrovia. It blends rural charm with evolving commerce, thanks to busy markets, roadside stalls, and easy road links to the capital. The community is known for friendly locals and a steady mix of everyday life, from market trades to family neighborhoods.
Expect a warm, tropical climate, with vibrant street life and a gateway feel to Liberia's capital region.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to a local market where you can immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and flavors of Bensonville. Engage with local vendors and sample fresh tropical fruits and traditional Liberian dishes. Take notes of the unique ingredients that define your meals here.
Join a cooking class where you will learn to prepare signature Liberian dishes using the fresh ingredients you picked in the morning. Enjoy the camaraderie as you learn about the historical and cultural significance of these recipes. Take part in a communal meal with your fellow participants, sharing stories and laughter.
Wind down with a stroll through the town, savoring the rich aromas from street food vendors. Find a cozy spot to enjoy a local beverage and reflect on your culinary adventures. Connect with locals and learn about their favorite spots and stories from Bensonville.
Begin your day by visiting the local museum to gain insight into the history and cultural evolution of Bensonville and Liberia as a whole. Engage in conversations with the knowledgeable staff who can share fascinating tales of the region. Take your time to explore the exhibits that showcase traditional crafts and artifacts.
Head to the historic sites around town, including colonial-era buildings and monuments that illustrate Bensonville's past. Take photographs and jot down your thoughts as you witness the blend of influences that shape local architecture. Consider stopping at a nearby café for a refreshing drink and reflection.
In the evening, join a traditional music and dance performance that celebrates local customs and folklore. Allow the rhythm to sweep you off your feet as you witness vibrant costumes and the enthusiasm of performers. Interact with the artists to learn more about the significance of their art.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-8 |
| 🚖Short taxi or local ride | $3-6 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $40-70 |
| 🥤Bottle of water (1.5L) | $0.50-1 |
| ☕Coffee or tea at cafe | $1-3 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Friendly communities and welcoming locals
- Rich market culture with affordable, flavorful food
- Proximity to Monrovia provides easy access to capital-city amenities
- Limited high-end dining and nightlife within Bensonville itself
- Infrastructure can be uneven and roads may be affected by the rainy season
- Healthcare facilities in Bensonville are more limited than in Monrovia
- "How you dey?" - How are you?
- "Tenki" - Thank you
- "Ples" - Please
- "Wetin be dis?" - What is this?
- "I no sabi" - I don't know / I don't understand
Places to Visit in Bensonville
Visit one of these nice places.
Colorful market scenes with early light, vendors arranging produce, and locals starting their day; great for candid street photography.
River views, boats, and palm-shaded banks offering reflective water shots and evening silhouettes.
Bustling lanes with traders, bicycles, and pedestrians; good for vibrant, everyday-life portraits.
Open farmland and village edges where the sun lowers behind palm groves for warm, golden-hour photography.
Food in Bensonville
Bensonville Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A rich greens-and-palm-oil stew usually served with rice or fufu, enhanced with fish or meat. Find it at many local eateries and market-side stalls.
Must-Try!
A flavorful one-pot tomato-based rice dish, commonly found at street stalls and sit-down eateries throughout Bensonville.
Freshly caught fish grilled and served with fried plantains; a popular choice at waterfront and market-side spots.
Starchy fufu paired with a hearty sauce made from peanuts or greens, commonly available at local restaurants.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Primary local market where you can sample fresh fruit, greens, cassava products, and small snacks cooked on-site.
Along main thoroughfares you’ll find stalls offering roasted corn, fried fish, plantains, and quick Liberian staples.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet people with a warm hello or 'How you dey?'; a handshake and a smile are common social norms.
Dress modestly in public spaces; remove hats indoors in many establishments and show respect to elders.
Ask for permission before photographing people, especially children; some may prefer not to be photographed.
Conversations are usually friendly and direct; maintain politeness and patience in busy markets.
Safety
Tipping in Bensonville
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not always expected. In restaurants, a 10–15% tip for good service is common; small tips to street vendors are appreciated but not required.
Cash (Liberian dollars or US dollars) is widely accepted. Credit cards are less common outside Monrovia, and mobile money usage varies by vendor. Carry some cash for markets and smaller establishments.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm and generally sunny days with lower humidity; pleasant for outdoor walking, market visits, and photography, though evenings can be cooler near the coast.
Frequent heavy rains and high humidity; plan for afternoon showers, muddy streets, and lush green landscapes ideal for nature photography but require waterproof gear.
Transitional weather with variable rainfall; comfortable temperatures but potential showers—great for flexible itineraries and river views.
Bensonville at Night
Hiking in Bensonville
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Riverside trails with shaded paths ideal for a light hike, birdwatching, and photography near Bensonville.
Elevated route near the Mount Coffee area offering viewpoints over the river valley; moderate difficulty and rewarding scenery.
Airports
How to reach Bensonville by plane.
Liberia’s main international gateway, located near Harbel and about an hour or two from Bensonville by road depending on traffic and road conditions. From ROB, you can hire a taxi or arrange a private transfer to Bensonville.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Liberia is home to multiple ethnic groups, including Kpelle, Bassa, Vai, Gio, Kru, and others; communities in and around Bensonville reflect this diversity.
Bensonville combines urban market life with surrounding rural-style communities and farming areas.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport in Liberia, widely watched and played across communities, including Bensonville.
Common in schools and local leagues; informal courts are common in towns and neighborhoods.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Bensonville.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Liberian vegetarian options include bean stews, leafy greens dishes, rice with vegetables, plantains, and tofu where available. When dining out, request vegetables with palm-oil-light preparations and confirm there’s no meat stock.