Weekend in Bissau

Old colonial cemetery in the Bissau Velho district, with weathered Portuguese tombstones, crumbling mausoleums, and striking mature baobab trees growing through graves.

Tip: Visit late afternoon for golden light through the baobabs. It's quiet and uncrowded—bring mosquito repellent. Avoid touching unstable stonework.

Bissau's largest open-air market, spilling with fabric stalls, dried fish, colourful plasticware, and local snacks like grilled cashews.

Tip: Wander the back alleys for handwoven baskets and djambadon (traditional drums). Haggle gently—prices are low already. Watch your pockets in crowds.

A long stretch of grey-sand beach along the Geba estuary, popular with joggers and footballers at sunset. Mangroves fringe one end.

Tip: Bring water and avoid swimming—currents and pollution make it unsafe. Best at 17:00 when locals gather for informal capoeira sessions.

18th-century Portuguese fort housing the mausoleum of Amílcar Cabral and a small military museum with colonial-era cannons and revolutionary artefacts.

Tip: 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.

Small but well-kept museum displaying ceremonial masks, fertility statues, musical instruments, and textiles from the Balanta, Fulani, and Bijagó peoples.

Tip: Entry is 300 CFA—donations help maintenance. Ask for the guide Abdoulaye; he speaks English and can explain the ritual meaning of each mask.