Districts · Banjul
Banjul by district
Banjul is a small island, roughly 2 km (1.2 mi) by 1.5 km (0.9 mi), connected to the mainland by a causeway. Everything a first visit needs sits inside four adjoining clusters at the western and southern end of the island; the eastern and northern edges are port, docks and residential streets with little for a visitor.Banjul is a small island, roughly 1.2 mi (2 km) by 0.9 mi (1.5 km), connected to the mainland by a causeway. Everything a first visit needs sits inside four adjoining clusters at the western and southern end of the island; the eastern and northern edges are port, docks and residential streets with little for a visitor.
About these names
- Arch 22 and Independence DriveseeSuits: A first landmark and a viewing platformThe town's formal entrance from the causeway; government buildings nearby, so keep the camera off police and soldiers.2 sightsDistrict guide →
- Albert Market and Liberation AvenueseeeatsleepSuits: Market browsing, canteen lunches, budget guesthousesThe commercial heart of the island; busiest and hottest by midday.1 sights · 3 eats · 1 sleep areaDistrict guide →
- Marina Parade and the ferryseeeatsleepSuits: The waterfront, the Barra ferry, fish grillsWatch the boats, do not cross without a plan; a few small guesthouses along the front.2 sights · 2 eats · 1 sleep areaDistrict guide →
- National Museum and the cathedralseeSuits: A slower late-morning walk after the marketThe quietest of the four clusters; shade from old trees along Independence Drive.2 sightsDistrict guide →
- Beyond the island: Serrekunda, Kololi, Bakauskip as a baseSuits: Where almost everyone actually sleeps and eats outSeparate towns on the Kombo peninsula, 30-45 minutes by taxi; not part of this Banjul walking guide.Short entry only: too little in this guide for a full page yet.
Shaded shapes: walking areas (click one). Black pins: sleep areas. Grey dots: places. Round badges: arrivals. Click the map to turn on scroll-wheel zoom.
Hover, tap or tab to an area to see what it is like. Pins are sleep areas; arrows at the edge point to the airport.
Off the map: Banjul International Airport (BJL) (45–75 min by the usual route).
Not drawn yet (no coordinates in this guide): Beyond the island: Serrekunda, Kololi, Bakau. They are in the neighbourhood cards below.
Where’s what, as a list:
- Arch 22 and Independence Drive: The town's formal entrance from the causeway; government buildings nearby, so keep the camera off police and soldiers. Suits: A first landmark and a viewing platform.
- Albert Market and Liberation Avenue: The commercial heart of the island; busiest and hottest by midday. Suits: Market browsing, canteen lunches, budget guesthouses. Price band $$.
- Marina Parade and the ferry: Watch the boats, do not cross without a plan; a few small guesthouses along the front. Suits: The waterfront, the Barra ferry, fish grills. Price band $$.
- National Museum and the cathedral: The quietest of the four clusters; shade from old trees along Independence Drive. Suits: A slower late-morning walk after the market.
- Beyond the island: Serrekunda, Kololi, Bakau: Separate towns on the Kombo peninsula, 30-45 minutes by taxi; not part of this Banjul walking guide. Suits: Where almost everyone actually sleeps and eats out.
- Sleep area Central Banjul: suits Market browsing, canteen lunches, budget guesthouses, price band $$.
- Sleep area Marina Parade: suits The waterfront, the Barra ferry, fish grills, price band $$.
- Banjul International Airport (BJL), 45–75 min by the usual route.