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Djibouti City

Djibouti's capital is evolving at a fast pace, and there’s a palpable sense of change in the air. With plenty of good restaurants, clubs, bars and hotels, it's now the place in the Horn of Africa to treat yourself to a fine meal. It’s also the obvious city to organise forays into the fantastic hinterland, or boat excursions. Today's city is vastly different from the battered French outpost to which it was reduced in the 1980s and 1990s. Its geostrategic importance and busy port have turned Djibouti City into a thriving capital where robed Afar tribesmen, stalwart GIs and frazzled businessmen all jostle side by side.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

European Quarter
Djibouti City
The focal point of the European Quarter is Place du 27 Juin 1977 (Place Ménélik). With its whitewashed houses and Moorish arcades, this vast square is a…
Hamoudi Mosque
Djibouti City
The vast and chaotic Place Mahmoud Harbi (Place Rimbaud) is dominated by the minaret of this imposing mosque, Djibouti City’s most iconic building.
African Quarter
Djibouti City
The vast Place Mahmoud Harbi (aka Pl Rimbaud), which is dominated by the minaret of the great Hamoudi Mosque, Djibouti City’s most iconic building, is…
L’Escale
Djibouti City
In the early evening, the walk along the causeway northwest of the centre makes a very pleasant stroll. The Moorish-inspired presidential palace (not open…
Plateau du Serpent & Îlot du Héron
Djibouti City
These adjoining neighbourhoods north of the centre are residential areas where you’ll find many of the foreign embassies and residences, as well as lavish…
Les Caisses Market
Djibouti City
Spreading along Blvd de Bender are the stalls of this popular market. Crammed with every type of souvenir from woodcarvings to clothing, it’s a colourful…
Cathedral
Djibouti City
The cathedral has been recently restored and is one of the most eye-catching buildings along Blvd de la République.
Église Éthiopienne Orthodoxe Tewahido St Gabriel du Soleil
Djibouti City
In a street running parallel to Blvd de la République, this Orthodox church, which is popular with the Ethiopian community, is well worth a peek.