10 Unmissable Attractions in Freetown

Freetown is the capital of Sierra Leone, and one of the West African cities with secret unspoilt natural beaches. Guests can see the colourful resettlement houses, reminding the world the days of freed slaves. Making Freetown a historical city in the transatlantic slave trade. This port city is the commercial hub of Sierra Leone, thanks to its busy harbour. Straddling in the Sierra Leone River, one of the world’s largest natural deep–water harbours. There are dozens of attractions and activities enticing for both locals and tourists alike to explore. Here are 10 of the unmissable places and things to do in Freetown, Sierra Leone.

We also recommend our guide to the best things to see and do in Cotonou.

Sierra Leone National Museum

The Sierra Leone National Museum in Freetown houses some collections of photographs and documents with the nation’s colonial past. Located at the junction of Siaka Stevens Street and Pademba Road in central Freetown. Guests are offered guided tours and are taken around by well-trained staff. But you can also wander by self and explore at your own pace. The cultural history they display is really interesting.

Address: Siaka Stevens St, Freetown, Sierra Leone

Lumley Beach

The Lumley Beach it’s a beautiful and unspoilt beach at the heart of the city. One of the busiest beaches on the peninsula, a prime beach destination in Freetown, pulling crowds of both locals and tourists. Extra busy on a Friday and late Sunday after church services. You can indulge in fish catching with the locals. There are plenty of restaurants offering great food. A natural beautiful setting and a heavenly spot is great for swimming. The sunset here is truly stunning!

Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary

Tacugama is Sierra Leone’s primary conservation organization with aim of preserving nation’s remaining wildlife through education, community support and eco-tourism. Make a stopover at the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary and see the wildlife. And also learn more about conservation in Sierra Leone.

Address: Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary, Freetown, Sierra Leone

Freetown Amusement Park – Victoria Park

The Freetown amusement park is the first amusement park in the city, as well in Sierra Leone. Historically important to the city. There’s a nice pool area as well as a good parking area, and restaurant. Neat, calm, and fun – truly a must see for the first time visitors in Freetown. Look out for the holiday periods, it can get a bit crowdy.

Address: Freetown, Sierra Leone

Cotton Tree

This is the oldest Cotton Tree in Freetown, and arguably in the world, dating back to at least 1787. A historic landmark of the city. Situated in central Freetown, and impossible to miss, as it largely looms over the buildings in the city. Amazing to see it in person and learn about its significance.

Address: 32 Walpole St, Freetown, Sierra Leone

National Railway Museum

The National Railway Museum in Freetown bring interesting insight into the colonial Sierra Leone. Learn a thing or two and get refreshing angle of knowledge to understand the history of colonialism of the nation. Usually no entrance fee, but donations are encouraged.

Address: Freetown, Sierra Leone

Quincy’s Bar & Nightclub

When on the road, we do like to find a nice place to get a good food and unwind. This unique spot offers guests a delicious menu at a very reasonable price. Indoor and outdoor seating gives a friendly ambience to it. Usually showing whatever soccer game is on during game days. But the party never stops, the bar stays open till and as visitors club. Put on your dancing shoes and party up!

Address: 63 Sir Samuel Lewis Rd, Freetown, Sierra Leone

Bunce Island

Take a nice boat trip form Aberdeen bridge to go see this museum in nature. The buildings are in ruins, set in a beautiful tropical backdrop. About 40 minutes boat ride offering you spectacular views of the city through the Sierra Leone River. A beautiful but tragic place, historically known for its usage as the slave trading post. No wonder most call it the slave trade ghost town. This is a must see when visiting Sierra Leone.

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Roots – Lest we forget, Bunce Island. One of the major Atlantic slave trade ports along the coast of West Africa. European savages specifically desired men and women from Sierra Leone because they were “scientifically proven to be stronger, faster” etc., bullshit. After our people were ripped from their families and stripped of their wealth, they were captured and trapped on this island. They were forced to perform several fitness tests- which included running around the island in circles all day and starvation. Those who did not pass were tossed into the Atlantic. The rest were shipped by the thousands to the Carolinas and Georgia. It was only just abandoned in 1835.

A post shared by Yema-Juliet, MPH (@yemajuliet) on Jan 2, 2018 at 12:12pm PST

Address: Located by the Sierra Leone River

Sierra Leone Peace Museum

If you want to have an understanding and knowledge of how Sierra Leone has been healing past its horrific past. Then it’s important to visit the Sierra Leone Peace Museum when in Freetown. No entrance fee, but there’s There is a donation box is available. Well informed tour guide is available to take guests around and provide information about the place as well horrors of the war and its issues. Located inside the museum is the Special Court of Sierra Leone.

Address: Jomo Kenyatta Rd, Freetown, Sierra Leone

River No 2 Beach

A relaxing beach within minutes from Freetown giving visitors best beach experiences. Take a swim in the crystal–clear waters as it enters the Atlantic Ocean. Try some water sports, and explore with the locals and tourists. Super clean, warm water and shallow enough just to sit on the sand and feel the water if you don’t want to go in. The food here is excellent and flavourful. Setting at River Number Two Beach is incredible!