Things To Do
in Buchanan
Buchanan is Liberia's third-largest city and a historic Atlantic port on the country’s southern coast. The town blends an industrial heritage with a lively fishing community and coastal beaches. Markets, seafood stalls, and a warm, welcoming culture invite visitors to slow down and soak up the sea breeze.
While smaller than Monrovia, Buchanan offers an authentic Liberian experience with easy access to nearby river and forest landscapes.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Buchanan and check into your hotel. After settling in, take a leisurely stroll along the beautiful beaches of Buchanan, soaking in the serene environment. Enjoy a local breakfast at a nearby café, where you can sample traditional Liberian dishes.
Visit the Buchanan Surf Beach, where you can engage in water activities or simply relax by the shore. Explore the local markets, interacting with vendors and discovering unique handcrafted goods. Grab lunch at a local eatery, savoring the rich flavors of Liberian cuisine.
Enjoy a sunset walk along the beach, capturing stunning views as the sky changes colors. Dinner at a local restaurant, featuring fresh seafood and vibrant spices, will enrich your dining experience. End the night enjoying live music from local artists, immersing yourself in the culture.
After breakfast, visit the colonial relics around Buchanan, including old churches and government buildings. Engage with local historians or guides to gain insights into Liberia's colonial past. Take photographs of the beautiful architecture and landscapes.
Participate in a cultural workshop where you learn traditional Liberian crafts or participate in drumming sessions. Enjoy lunch in a community setting, sharing stories with locals to understand their daily lives better. Explore nearby historical sites, including former plantation areas that highlight Liberia’s historical significance.
Experience the local nightlife by visiting a popular bar or lounge in the city. Enjoy your evening with friends, trying local drinks and snacks while listening to stories shared by the locals. End the night under the stars, experiencing the warmth of Liberian hospitality.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| 🥤Soft drink or bottled water | $1-2 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride within town | $3-6 |
| 🧭Local SIM card with data | $5-20 |
| ☕Coffee at a café | $2-4 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Charming coastal town with a friendly, welcoming vibe
- Fresh seafood and authentic Liberian cuisine
- Compact layout makes exploration easy on foot
- Access to nearby estuaries, beaches, and nature areas
- Limited nightlife and nightlife options compared to Monrovia
- Healthcare facilities are basic in town; major care requires travel to Monrovia
- Road conditions can be rough, especially in the rainy season
- Fewer international dining and shopping choices than larger cities
- "How you dey?" - How are you?
- "Tenki" - Thank you
- "Wetin be dis?" - What is this?
- "I dey go" - I am going
- "Make we go" - Let's go
- "No problem" - No problem
Places to Visit in Buchanan
Visit one of these nice places.
Sunrise and sunset shoots along the Atlantic coast with fishing boats, nets, and lively market scenes.
Coastal vantage point near the harbor offering dramatic maritime silhouettes and harbor life.
Colorful stalls, street food prep, and locals in daily activity providing vibrant documentary photography opportunities.
Food in Buchanan
Buchanan Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A hearty spinach and palm nut sauce often served with rice or fufu. Rich, savory, and a Liberian staple.
Must-Try!
A tomato-based, one-pot rice dish shared across West Africa, typically paired with meat, fish, or vegetables.
Freshly caught fish seasoned and grilled, served with a spicy pepper sauce and rice or boiled plantains.
A creamy peanut-based soup often enjoyed with dumplings, rice, or fufu—comforting and flavorful.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Bustling stalls offering fresh produce, spices, cassava, and ready-to-eat snacks, perfect for a quick, authentic lunch.
Lively stalls along the harbor where you can choose grilled or fried fish right off the boat, with hot pepper sauces on the side.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a warm handshake; address elders as Sir or Ma and use polite language. It’s customary to show respect in conversations and avoid confrontational topics in casual settings.
Safety
Tipping in Buchanan
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated in restaurants and for guides; a 10-15% tip is common when service is not included.
Cash is widely used; USD is commonly accepted, and Liberian dollars (LRD) are familiar locally. Credit cards are not widely accepted in Buchanan; ATMs are limited outside Monrovia, so carry cash and small denominations.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Generally sunny with lower rainfall; comfortable daytime heat and cooler evenings. Great for beach visits and outdoor exploration, but bring sun protection and hydration.
Frequent brief to heavy showers and high humidity; landscapes turn lush and green, birdlife increases, and some roads can be muddy. Pack a lightweight rain jacket and waterproof footwear.
Buchanan at Night
Hiking in Buchanan
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Easy, scenic trails along tidal creeks and mangroves offering opportunities to observe birds and coastal ecosystems.
Airports
How to reach Buchanan by plane.
Liberia’s main international gateway near Monrovia; drive or take a transfer to Buchanan. Wider flight options, long-distance connections, and customs facilities are here.
Domestic and regional flights to Monrovia; primarily used for short-hop travel within Liberia and neighboring countries when operational.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The area is home to multiple groups, including Kpelle, Bassa, Mano, Kru, and Grebo communities, alongside urban Liberians who speak English and local languages.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport in Liberia; local matches and school teams are common across towns, including Buchanan.
Widely played by youth and community groups; pickup games are common in schools and neighborhoods.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Buchanan.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Look for vegetable stews like palava without meat, rice, beans, plantains, and cassava-based dishes. Ask for palm oil to be used in place of meat stock and confirm no fish sauce if vegetarian.