Banjul
The compact capital on an island at the river mouth. Best as a day trip for most.
- Where
- St Mary's Island, at the mouth of the Gambia River
- Good for
- Day-trippers, Travellers interested in history and markets, Business visitors
Banjul, the capital, occupies an island where the Gambia River meets the Atlantic. It's small and busy by day, with Albert Market, the National Museum and Arch 22 at the entrance to the city.
There are fewer places to stay than on the resort coast, so most visitors base themselves in Bakau or Kololi and come in for the day. The ferry to Barra on the river's north bank leaves from Banjul.
Hotels in Banjul
We do not yet have a verified hotel profile for this area. Most leisure visitors stay on the Atlantic resort coast and visit Banjul as a day trip.
Who this area suits
- Day-trippers
- Travellers interested in history and markets
- Business visitors
Nearby attractions
- Arch 22The monumental arch at the entrance to Banjul, with views over the city.
- Markets and craft marketsAlbert Market in Banjul, Serekunda's market and coastal craft stalls.
- Kunta Kinteh IslandA UNESCO World Heritage island in the Gambia River, central to the history of the slave trade.
Compare other areas
- Kololi and SenegambiaThe liveliest resort strip, with the widest choice of hotels and restaurants.
- KotuA calmer beach base, with a mangrove-lined creek popular with birdwatchers.
- Bakau and Cape PointAn established coastal town with the sacred Kachikally pool and beaches at Cape Point.
- Bijilo and BrufutA quieter stretch of coast south of Kololi, with more space and resort hotels.
Photos on this page: Ikiwaner, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0. Cropped for display. All image credits