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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

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Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Guinea-Bissau.

  • National Park

    Parque Nacional das Ilhas de Orango

    Though it consists of several other islands (Ilha de Imbone, Ilha de Orangozinho, Ilha de Canogo and Ilha de Meneque), the heart of Parque Nacional das…

  • Nature Reserve

    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…

  • Arts Centre

    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…

  • Museum

    Bubaque Museum

    Houses a collection of masks, sculptures and other ritual objects collected by an Italian missionary

  • Fortress

    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…

  • Palace

    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…

  • Monument

    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…

  • Museum

    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…