Things to Do in Bissau

About Bissau

Where the Geba River meets the Atlantic, Bissau pulses with a rhythm distinctly its own—a West African capital where Portuguese colonial architecture crumbles gracefully beside vibrant markets, and the scent of cashew and palm oil drifts through streets alive with Creole conversations. This is a city that exists beyond the typical tourist trail, offering travelers a rare glimpse into a nation whose story remains largely unwritten in guidebooks. In Bissau, authenticity isn't a marketing promise; it's simply the everyday reality of a place still discovering itself on its own terms.

Travel Tips

• Currency and Cash: Bring euros in cash as Bissau uses the West African CFA franc (which is pegged to the euro), and ATMs are unreliable with frequent outages—credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels.

• Transportation Timing: Plan important trips and airport transfers for morning hours, as the city's limited taxi service becomes scarce after dark, and ride-hailing apps don't operate here.

• Portuguese Language Essential: Learn basic Portuguese phrases before arriving, as it's the official language and very few people speak English, even in hotels and restaurants—French may occasionally help in tourist areas.

• Yellow Fever Certificate: Carry your yellow fever vaccination certificate at all times, as it's mandatory for entry and officials may request it at the airport, hotels, or checkpoints throughout the city.

When to Visit

The optimal time to visit Bissau is during the dry season from November to May, when temperatures range from 24-32°C and humidity drops significantly, making exploration of the capital's colonial architecture and Bandim Market far more comfortable than the oppressive wet months. December through February represents the peak period with the coolest temperatures (around 24-28°C) and minimal rainfall, coinciding with Carnival celebrations in February (featuring elaborate parades and traditional music) and making this ideal for festival-goers despite higher accommodation prices. March through May brings intensifying heat (climbing to 32-35°C) and the tail end of the dry season, but offers the advantage of fewer tourists, lower prices, and excellent opportunities to visit the Bijagós Archipelago before rains arrive, though vegetation starts browning and dust from the Harmattan winds can affect air quality in March. You should absolutely avoid June through October, when the monsoon season unleashes torrential rains (with September receiving up to 500mm), flooding makes roads impassable, many hotels and restaurants close, and humidity exceeds 85%, though this period does offer rock-bottom prices and lush, verdant landscapes for the truly intrepid budget traveler willing to endure significant discomfort and limited transportation options.