Sandwiched between the Buba and Corubal Rivers, this 890-sq-km park is the largest wetlands reserve in Guinea-Bissau. Kayaking across placid waters on an…
Getty Images/Photon RM
Guinea-Bissau
Like a microcosm of Africa, this tiny nation contains multitudes – of landscapes, peoples, cultures and plant and animal life. All of it within reach of the capital, Bissau. The jewel in the country's crown is the labyrinth of tropical islands that make up the Arquipélago dos Bijagós. Long white-sand beaches are lapped by waters brimming with fish. Hippos, monkeys, chimps and buffaloes thrive in protected reserves and hundreds of bird species call its vast mangroves and wetlands home.
The jokes, like the Bissau-Guineans' music, are loud but tender and that bowl of grilled oysters you ordered will be served with a sauce spicy enough to give a kick.
Explore Guinea-Bissau
- PParque Natural das Lagoas de Cufada
Sandwiched between the Buba and Corubal Rivers, this 890-sq-km park is the largest wetlands reserve in Guinea-Bissau. Kayaking across placid waters on an…
- AArtissal
An inspiring community project that introduces visitors to the traditions of the Papel people. Pano de pente, symbolic weavings made by Papel men on large…
- FFortaleza d'Amura
Surrounded by imposing, if decomposing stone walls, this fort, originally built in 1753, is the headquarters of the Guinean military and off-limits to…
- PPresidential Palace
The newly renovated presidential palace dominates Praça dos Heróis Nacionais at the northern end of Av Amílcar Cabral. Damaged during the civil war, its…
- PPidjiguiti Monument
Three separate monuments to martyrs of the 1959 Pidjiguit Massacre when striking dockworkers were killed by the colonial police force. August 3rd, the day…
- HHome Museum of Amílcar Cabral
Not really worth a visit except for its historical value as the birthplace of Guinea-Bissau's independence leader Amílcar Cabral (1924–1973). Might need…
- AAssembleia Ministério da justiça
Greco-Roman-style building housing the Ministry of Justice.
- BBissau Cathedral
Designed by a Portuguese architect and built in 1945.
- GGrande Mesquita de Bissau
Largest mosque in Bisau.
Top attractions
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Guinea-Bissau.
See
Parque Natural das Lagoas de Cufada
Sandwiched between the Buba and Corubal Rivers, this 890-sq-km park is the largest wetlands reserve in Guinea-Bissau. Kayaking across placid waters on an…
See
Artissal
An inspiring community project that introduces visitors to the traditions of the Papel people. Pano de pente, symbolic weavings made by Papel men on large…
See
Fortaleza d'Amura
Surrounded by imposing, if decomposing stone walls, this fort, originally built in 1753, is the headquarters of the Guinean military and off-limits to…
See
Presidential Palace
The newly renovated presidential palace dominates Praça dos Heróis Nacionais at the northern end of Av Amílcar Cabral. Damaged during the civil war, its…
See
Pidjiguiti Monument
Three separate monuments to martyrs of the 1959 Pidjiguit Massacre when striking dockworkers were killed by the colonial police force. August 3rd, the day…
See
Home Museum of Amílcar Cabral
Not really worth a visit except for its historical value as the birthplace of Guinea-Bissau's independence leader Amílcar Cabral (1924–1973). Might need…