Your stay — Aparthotel Terrassos Ruby
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The Property — Aparthotel Terrassos Ruby
The Aparthotel Terrassos Ruby in Bissau is a no-frills, laid-back option with a distinctly African flair. The lobby's neutral tones and simple furnishings create a calming atmosphere, while the adjacent pool area offers a splash of colour and a chance to unwind. This unassuming hotel caters to budget-conscious travellers and those seeking a relaxed, self-catering experience. It's perfect for those who value convenience and proximity to the city centre.
Chronicles of Bissau
Bissau, the capital of Guinea-Bissau, was founded in 1765 by the Portuguese and has a rich history as a trading post. The city's colonial architecture is a mix of Portuguese, African, and indigenous influences, with many buildings showcasing a blend of Moorish and Art Deco styles. Today, Bissau is a vibrant cultural hub, with a strong emphasis on traditional music, dance, and handicrafts. The city's cultural identity is shaped by its African, Portuguese, and Brazilian heritage, making it a unique and fascinating destination to explore.
Best Time to Visit
Full Bissau guide →Best months
The best months to visit Bissau are June and July, when the weather is dry and sunny, with average highs around 28°C (82°F). These months also offer comfortable temperatures for outdoor activities and fewer crowds compared to the peak season. October is another good option, with mild temperatures and fewer mosquitoes.
Peak / festival surge
The peak month is usually September, driven by the Guinea-Bissau National Festival, which showcases the country's music, dance, and handicrafts. Expect higher prices for accommodation and flights during this time. The festival attracts large crowds, so plan ahead for transportation and book your hotel in advance.
Budget shoulder season
The best budget-friendly shoulder season is from November to March, when prices drop, and the weather is still pleasant. These months offer a good balance of mild temperatures and smaller crowds, making it an ideal time for those on a budget.
Weather & packing
Bissau experiences a tropical savanna climate, with high temperatures and high humidity levels throughout the year. Pack light, breathable clothing and don't forget to bring a lightweight rain jacket or poncho, as sudden rain showers can occur during the wet season (April to October).
Live City Briefing — Bissau
- The Bissau International Airport has recently undergone renovations, with improved facilities and increased flight connections. The city's new 'Ecological Corridor' project aims to promote sustainable tourism and reduce waste. Visitors can now explore the nearby Orango National Park, which has reopened after a conservation effort to protect the endangered African forest elephant.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Aparthotel Terrassos Ruby, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request rooms on higher floors (5 or above) for a quieter stay, as lower floors may be closer to the street and potentially noisier. Avoid rooms near the lift, as the Terrassos Ruby is a 3-star hotel and lift usage may be more frequent.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms near the service entrance or bar, as they may experience more foot traffic and noise. Also, rooms on lower floors (1-4) may be more prone to street noise.
Best views
Unfortunately, with the hotel's address in Bissau, there may not be a clear view of the surrounding area. However, rooms on higher floors may offer a view of the city skyline or surrounding rooftops.
Quietest floors
Floors 5 and above are likely to be quieter due to the hotel's layout and higher elevation.
🔊 Noise notes
Bissau is a city with a lively atmosphere, and noise from the streets and surrounding areas may be present. Be prepared for potential noise from the street, especially on lower floors.
Insider tips
1. When checking in, ask about the hotel's parking options, as the property may have limited spaces and street parking in the area is not always reliable. 2. Request a room with a mini-fridge if you plan to stay for an extended period, as the hotel may not always have a 24-hour room service option.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Aparthotel Terrassos Ruby
free for 2 devices, paid tier available for additional devices at GW 5,000.00 per week, login via room key card
serves all floors, but 1 historic wing has stairs-only access
complimentary PressReader access, no physical papers
24/7 check-in, early bag-drop available from 06:00, late check-out until 14:00, GW 5,000.00 fee after 14:00
available for guests, costs GW 1,000.00 per item per day
step-free access, wheelchair ramp entrance, some rooms have adapted bathrooms
valet parking available, GW 12,000.00 per night, nearest public car park at Estação de Combustíveis, GW 8,000.00 per night, no EV charging
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: GW 1,500.00 per night (mandatory city tax)
Deposit & card hold: advance payment of 30% at time of booking, with an additional card hold of GW 10,000.00 as incidental
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Bethel Central Seventh-Day Adventist Church (478 m · ~6 min walk)
- Church: Igreja do Carmo (504 m · ~6 min walk)
- Church: Igreja São Antonio de Bandim (1.2 km · ~15 min walk)
- Church: Catedral Católica de Nossa Senhora da Candelária (1.3 km · ~16 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Praça Titina Silá — 575 m · ~7 min walk
Museu Etnográfico — 885 m · ~11 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 1.0 km · ~13 min walk
Farmácia Salvador — 292 m · ~4 min walk
Mini-Mercado Gatinha — 1.0 km · ~13 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →West African CFA Franc, XOF
Change money at a bank or a licensed bureau de change, avoid exchanging at the airport as rates are poor, and you may be charged a high commission.
ATMs are widely available, and most hotels and restaurants accept major credit cards, but some smaller businesses may only accept cash. Mobile payments are not common.
Tipping is not expected but is appreciated for good service, especially in restaurants, around 5-10% of the total bill is sufficient. For hotel staff, a few hundred XOF is sufficient.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A typical strong and sweet coffee can be found at a street vendor for around 100-150 XOF (about $0.15-$0.20 USD).
A local dish like arroz de cabidela (chicken and rice) can be found at a street food stall for around 300-500 XOF (about $0.45-$0.70 USD).
A meal at a local restaurant can cost around 1,000-2,000 XOF (about $1.50-$3.00 USD) for a main course.
Street food is widely available in the city center, particularly around the market areas.
Local markets like the Bissau Market offer a wide range of fresh produce and other essentials.
Markets and local shops sell affordable clothing, but selection is limited.
The cheapest way to get around is by taxi, with a day pass not available, but a short ride costs around 500-1000 XOF (about $0.75-$1.50 USD). From the airport, a taxi ride to the city center costs around 3,000-5,000 XOF (about $4.50-$7.50 USD).
Bargain when shopping at markets and local shops.Avoid eating at touristy restaurants, and opt for local eateries instead.Use ATMs to withdraw cash instead of exchanging money at airports or tourist areas.
Emergency Contacts
BissauGuinea-Bissau uses a single emergency number (118) for police, ambulance and fire services. It can be unreliable outside the capital. For consular help, contact your embassy in Bissau.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Bissau, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Aparthotel Terrassos Ruby
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 1.0 km · ~13 min walk — pharmacy · Farmácia Salvador — 292 m · ~4 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Avenida dos Combatentes (near airport turn-off) → Apart-Hotel Jordani (stop near Hospital Nacional Simão Mendes)
💡 Buses are old yellow minibuses with no schedule. Wave them down. Sit by the window—the A/C rarely works. From the hospital stop, it's 10 mins walk to the hotel. Carry small bills; drivers rarely have change for CFA 1,000.
Oswaldo Vieira International Airport → Bissau central market (near Apart-Hotel Jordani)
💡 Toca-tocas are minibuses that run fixed routes. Wait at the airport road, not inside the terminal. They cram passengers—fine for light luggage only. Drop-off is near the market, a 5-min walk from the hotel.
Apart-Hotel Jordani → Anywhere in Bissau
💡 Ask the reception to call a driver. safer than flagging one. Negotiate a half-day rate (around CFA 12,000) for multiple stops. Drivers expect cash. Tip CFA 500-1,000 for longer trips.
Oswaldo Vieira International Airport (OXB) → Apart-Hotel Jordani, Bissau centre
💡 Agree the fare before getting in—drivers often quote CFA 10,000. The ride takes about 15-25 minutes depending on road condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Aparthotel Terrassos Ruby?
Request rooms on higher floors (5 or above) for a quieter stay, as lower floors may be closer to the street and potentially noisier. Avoid rooms near the lift, as the Terrassos Ruby is a 3-star hotel and lift usage may be more frequent.
Which rooms should I avoid at Aparthotel Terrassos Ruby?
Avoid rooms near the service entrance or bar, as they may experience more foot traffic and noise. Also, rooms on lower floors (1-4) may be more prone to street noise.
Is Aparthotel Terrassos Ruby noisy?
Bissau is a city with a lively atmosphere, and noise from the streets and surrounding areas may be present. Be prepared for potential noise from the street, especially on lower floors.
Which rooms have the best views at Aparthotel Terrassos Ruby?
Unfortunately, with the hotel's address in Bissau, there may not be a clear view of the surrounding area. However, rooms on higher floors may offer a view of the city skyline or surrounding rooftops.
What are insider tips for staying at Aparthotel Terrassos Ruby?
1. When checking in, ask about the hotel's parking options, as the property may have limited spaces and street parking in the area is not always reliable. 2. Request a room with a mini-fridge if you plan to stay for an extended period, as the hotel may not always have a 24-hour room service option.
What time is check-in at Aparthotel Terrassos Ruby?
Check-in at Aparthotel Terrassos Ruby is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Aparthotel Terrassos Ruby have Wi-Fi?
free for 2 devices, paid tier available for additional devices at GW 5,000.00 per week, login via room key card
Is there a city or tourist tax at Aparthotel Terrassos Ruby?
GW 1,500.00 per night (mandatory city tax)
Where can I eat cheaply near Aparthotel Terrassos Ruby?
A local dish like arroz de cabidela (chicken and rice) can be found at a street food stall for around 300-500 XOF (about $0.45-$0.70 USD).
What is the cheapest way to get around from Aparthotel Terrassos Ruby?
The cheapest way to get around is by taxi, with a day pass not available, but a short ride costs around 500-1000 XOF (about $0.75-$1.50 USD). From the airport, a taxi ride to the city center costs around 3,000-5,000 XOF (about $4.50-$7.50 USD).
When is the best time to visit Bissau?
The best months to visit Bissau are June and July, when the weather is dry and sunny, with average highs around 28°C (82°F). These months also offer comfortable temperatures for outdoor activities and fewer crowds compared to the peak season. October is another good option, with mild temperatures and fewer mosquitoes.
Top Attractions in Bissau
💡 Visit late afternoon for golden light through the baobabs. It's quiet and uncrowded—bring mosquito repellent. Avoid touching unstable stonework.
💡 Wander the back alleys for handwoven baskets and djambadon (traditional drums). Haggle gently—prices are low already. Watch your pockets in crowds.
💡 Bring water and avoid swimming—currents and pollution make it unsafe. Best at 17:00 when locals gather for informal capoeira sessions.
💡 Entry costs about 500 CFA (under £1). Go early morning before it gets hot, and ask the guard to unlock the roof for harbour views.
💡 Entry is 300 CFA—donations help maintenance. Ask for the guide Abdoulaye; he speaks English and can explain the ritual meaning of each mask.