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Capital and largest city of Sierra Leone
Photo: Davidbstanley, CC0 via Wikimedia Commons
Freetown is the capital city of Sierra Leone and is the heart of the Western region, with well over a million inhabitants. It is on a peninsula on the south bank of the estuary of the Sierra Leone River. The city lies at the foot of the peninsula mountains and faces one of the best natural harbours on the west coast of Africa. The peninsula is home to some of the finest beaches in Africa, including, Lakka Beach, No. 2 River Beach, Bureh and Toke Beach.
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The lighthouse was built in 1812 by the British. It is in good condition (it was refurbished in 2010). There are some stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. If you are lucky and can find someone, the local staff will show you around.
The Sierra Leone National Railway Museum is one of only two government-funded railway museums in the world, the other being in the UK. The museum has several steam and diesel locomotives and carriages, including one which was planned to be used by HM Queen Elizabeth II during her state visit. All have been restored. A guide will usually be very happy to show visitors around and explain the exhibits and former railway.
The entrance can be a little hard to find amongst the busy warehouses.
See artefacts from the past including masks, relics from the war, local costumes - guided tours. Sierra Leone National museum has a replica of the De Ruyter Stone. The original is buried at King Jimmy Market (it was discovered but reburied to protect it against vandalism and weathering). In 1664, in the Anglo-Dutch war vice admiral Ruyten made inscriptions in on the stone as he was raiding British posts along the coast.
Outside Freetown and will require a 4 wheel drive vehicle. Follow the Regent road through Hill Station and Leicester. Watch for the entrance on the right. Open twice daily at 10:30AM & 4PM 7 days a week by appointment. Le 30,000, Le 15,000 for children.
Charlotte village southwest of Freetown.
An ancient tree known to have been standing in the middle of the city since at least 1787. Freetown was established at this tree on 11 March 1792 by slaves freed by the British and returned to Africa as thanks for fighting in the American War of Independence. As such it was a symbol of the city, and home to countless bats that fly around in daytime. It collapsed on May 24, 2023.
Next to the Cotton Tree.
Old Wharf steps
These steps connect the lower Commissariat at the landing area to the French Company building on Wallance Johnson street. Despite their name, it was the British colonial governor Sir Charles MacCarthy who had them constructed in 1818; the Portuguese colonised this area but not longer when the steps were built.
Finished in the 1820s, this is one of the oldest churches in Freetown still in use. It was built by Maroons, former slaves from Jamaica returning to Africa.
Finished in 1828 as one of the most impressive churches in the city, today it is the cathedral church of the Anglican Diocese of Freetown.
Jamiatul Atiq Mosque
Finished in 1830, this is a large Sunni mosque in the Fourah Bay neighbourhood.
The headquarters of the Roman Catholic Metropolitan Archdiocese of Freetown, and one of four Catholic catedrals in Sierra Leone. It was dedicated in 1887.
At the city limits, installed there to demark the limits, though they couldn't to serve the original purpose very well nowadays as they are hard to find. The first is at the junction of the Kissy, Ross and Blackhall Roads. Known as the "Kissy Gun", it's the oldest and the one best visible. The second is on Leicester Road or Mountain Road, and as the current road doesn't go in the same place, it's reportedly not visible. The third one is where the Pandema and Merewether (present Jomo Kenyatta) Roads meet. This too takes effort to find.
Dedicated to telling the story of Sierra Leone's decade-long conflict and reconciliation. Features interactive displays that illustrate the chronology of the conflict and the ensuing peace process, with galleries, photos, and a memorial garden. The Human Rights Commission is one of the stakeholders in the organization.
The main public beach and rubbish dump close to Freetown itself facing the Atlantic with shops, restaurants, hotels, golf course, as well as local clubs. The beach is popular for football, running and is normally crowded on holidays and the weekend. A paved pathway now runs the length of the beach, popular for walking and jogging, especially when the tide is in. Avoid the Aberdeen end which is covered with rubbish. It is better near the golf club.
Goderich is not known for its beach, most people drive past on the way to other beaches. Anywhere else, this would be a top attraction.
Takes about 10 minutes driving from Lumley. Here are many places to eat and sleep. The Hard Rock Café (no connection to the international brand) on the rocky peninsular has great views on the beach and offers, just like Paul's and Club Med, superb fresh seafood. These places also have excellent accommodation. Palm Beach (formally the Cotton Club) is in a very bad shape but will soon be renovated.
This beach has become a mining site.
The popular Franco's restaurant is here. Nice setting, good food but really slow service.
Driving further, for another 20 minutes will get you to No. 2 River Beach. The villagers have set up a community project to look after this stunning beach and river outflow. There are some small craft shops and a bar serving cold drinks and fresh fish/lobster. If you are old enough to remember the 1970s Taste of Paradise commercial for the Bounty chocolate bar, this is where it was filmed.
Grey sand beach, but interesting little fishing village with some old Portuguese relicts.
Stunning beaches and two small restaurants (if you can find them). Home of the settled Tribewanted initiative.
Stunning beach and river. Not many restaurants so bring your own for a great picnic.
Besides the beach, Kent has some interesting historical sites. First off there is the 'slavery administration office', where slaves were kept and registered before sending them away. You'll find remains of the walls and buildings of this colonial settlement. Secondly you can visit an old residence of Siaka Stevens.
Two of the most secluded beaches in the country.
A round of golf or tennis at the club just off the beach at Lumley.
Gamble at the Casino in Aberdeen. Also has a bar, spa and beauty salon.
The only "Western" restaurant on the city centre.
Clean and modern sandwich bar. A good place for lunch, and has WiFi.
Good food served on the beach road.
HS 51 Hill Station. Excellent views over the city, live jazz on Thursdays. The peppercrust stake is very good, Mongolian night every Friday
also does take-away pizza/delivery
Wilberforce. Fully air conditioned and very popular. Be careful not to get stuck in the car park.
Aberdeen. Particularly good Chinese/Thai food in a smart air-conditioned restaurant. They have another restaurant in Conakry.
Refurbished to a high standard in 2015. The people behind this came from the Mamba Point at Wilberforce which is now the Hub. They brought the staff, great food and name with them. It is rated as one of the best restaurants in Freetown. Arrive early and sit on the terrace with the best view over Man o'war bay. They also have a smart air conditioned indoor section. The Lagoonda Casino is upstairs.
Italian style cakes and ice-cream in a new café. Expensive but very nice. Free wifi is available.
Gentleman's club, dating from colonial times. In a much dilapidated state but the bar still serves beer.
One of the few decent places to drink/eat in Murray Town. Good food, but most noteworthy for the excellent fruit smoothies.
Elevated bar which has replaced Angels Delight restaurant. Serves limited range of good food: kebabs and pizza.
An impressive entertainment complex built on the site of the former Atlantic Restaurant, opposite the golf club. The modern complex houses a restaurant, nightclub and bar. If you want to go to one of their special events, you could pay $100 per person for entry.
11 air-conditioned rooms with Wi-Fi and generator backup; the cheapest rooms share a bathroom. Reception is open 24 hours. Airport shuttle and breakfast are available for a fee.
Complimentary breakfast included. Run-down place with security issues but it’s quiet, private and friendly with accommodating staff.
Fan or A/c single/double rooms with breakfast.
An island resort, bungalows with en-suite, restaurant and bar.
Refurbished to a very high standard.
Once the most well known hotel in Freetown. The redevelopment stopped during the pandemic but shows signs of restarting in 2026.
Popular with the mining companies, so can be difficult to get a room. Wireless internet works intermittently. Close to some of the beach bars/restaurants.
Well run hotel with good views of the Atlantic Ocean and a nice small pool. Best rooms are in the lower block. Cheaper rooms in upper block have no view. Wireless internet is available and quite good. This is one of the most popular hotels in the country. Book ahead to be sure of a place.
Hill Station. Well located and popular hotel overlooking Freetown. Has a pool, fitness room and good bar/restaurants.
Across the road from the beach.
Kimbima Hotel
Near Man o' War Bay, Aberdeen. Overlooking the Atlantic. Take the road to the Bintumani Hotel and turn right just before the hotel entrance. Refurbished and rebranded as Golden Tulip in 2016.
If you need to be in the Brookfileds/New England area then this is a good option. Also close to the government ministries in Youyi building.
They have one of the best restaurants in the city, including a smart sushi restaurant. The hotel has been upgraded and renamed. It has a nice swimming pool.
Man of War Bay, Aberdeen. Also has a fine restaurant offering Lebanese and local cuisine. The grilled fish is highly recommended.
Close to the airport. Has good air conditioned rooms, swimming pool, bar and power most of the time.
Small but good hotel next to one of the most popular beach bars.
Refurbished hotel in the New England area. This is a few minutes from the centre of Freetown.
Luxury hotel on the Lumley Beach road. Opened in second half of 2017.
Swiss Spirit Hotels & Suites
Swiss Spirit Hotel & Suites Freetown is in the trendy residential area of Freetown, close to the British High Commission, not far from the Lumely Beach and the Freetown Golf Club. Guests arriving from the airport should take the Sea Coach Boat Service followed by a 15 minutes transfer from the jetty to the hotel by car.
One of the new breed of luxury hotels appearing in Freetown/Aberdeen. Home Suites is a very high standard modern hotel with a good restaurant. Fully air conditioned. Credit cards are accepted.
Another high end hotel. Good but not cheap.
By train
Sierra Leone's public railway service was closed in 1974. A railway museum has been opened at Cline Town and is well worth a visit.
By car
Many roads in Freetown have been reconstructed and a bypass road has also been built to link the western part of Freetown to the rest of the country, cutting out the congested eastern part of town.
By bus
Governmental buses by the Sierra Leone Road Transport Corporation run from major cities. Alternatively, get in by poda poda (minibus).
By boat
Some cargo ships, mostly from Conakry and Banjul also take passengers. From places in Sierra Leone, along coasts and waterways, it may be possible to get in by speedboat.
By poda-poda
Poda-podas (minibuses) are a more miserable shared ride option, but are more straightforward for longer trips, as they display their start and end points on the front of the vehicle.
By rental car
Car hire is possible and can normally be arranged through the hotels or local car dealerships. They will normally come with a driver.
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Freetown (Lungi-Town) · International · FNA
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