Here’s a detailed guide to things to do in Bissau, the capital of Guinea-Bissau:

Cultural & Historical Sights

• Bissau Velho (Old Town)
  Wander through the colonial-era streets with colorful Portuguese buildings, faded facades, and cobbled alleys. A great spot for photography and soaking up the city’s character.

• Fortaleza d’Amura
  A historic fort where the mausoleum of Amílcar Cabral, the independence leader, is located. It’s a symbolic site of Guinea-Bissau’s liberation history.

• National Ethnographic Museum
  Small but insightful, showcasing local traditions, ethnic groups, masks, and cultural artifacts.

Markets & Local Life

• Bandim Market
  The largest and liveliest market in Guinea-Bissau. Expect everything from textiles and fresh produce to crafts and street food. Great for people-watching and sampling local life.

• Pindjiguiti Market (Harbor area)
  Famous for its fish and seafood stalls, reflecting the importance of the ocean to local life.

Nature & Relaxation

• Lagoon and Port Areas
  Stroll by the port and coastal areas to see fishing boats, mangroves, and daily life by the water.

• Gardens and Open Spaces
  While the city is modest, you’ll find leafy boulevards and relaxed corners for sitting with tea or coffee.

Culture & Nightlife

• Carnival (if visiting in February/March)
  Bissau hosts one of West Africa’s most colorful carnivals, with parades, costumes, and music.

• Nightlife & Music
  Try local bars or venues with live music blending Afro-Portuguese rhythms, Creole sounds, and dance.

Food & Drink

• Seafood Dishes
  Fresh fish, oysters, and lobster are common. Popular local dishes include caldo de mancarra (peanut sauce stew) and jollof rice.

• Cafés & Restaurants
  Bissau has a mix of simple Creole eateries and Portuguese-influenced restaurants.

✅ In summary: Bissau is a laid-back capital with a blend of colonial history, vibrant markets, and cultural energy. It’s not flashy, but it offers authentic experiences—from exploring Bissau Velho to diving into the chaos of Bandim Market, relaxing along the port, and enjoying seafood and music in the evenings.

Here’s a guide to things to do in Bolama, the former capital of Guinea-Bissau:

History & Architecture

• Colonial Ruins
  Bolama was the first capital (until 1941), and today it feels like a time capsule. Wide avenues are lined with faded but majestic Portuguese-era buildings, including the old Governor’s Palace and courthouse. Many structures are partly overgrown, creating a hauntingly beautiful “ghost town” atmosphere.

• Governor’s Palace
  The most striking ruin in Bolama, once the seat of colonial power. Its grand façade still dominates the town square, perfect for photography.

• Old Squares & Monuments
  Wander through old plazas where statues and crumbling fountains remain from the city’s heyday.

Culture & Local Life

• Community Interaction
  Bolama has a slower pace than Bissau. Engage with locals, learn about daily life, and discover traditions of the islanders.

• Cashew Trade History
  Bolama was once central to cashew and peanut trade. Some of this heritage lingers in local practices.

Nature & Relaxation

• Beaches & Coastline
  Quiet, undeveloped beaches surround the island, ideal for swimming, sunbathing, or walking at sunset.

• Fishing & Canoe Trips
  Go out with local fishermen or arrange a small boat excursion around the coastline.

• Birdwatching
  The mangroves and surrounding waters attract diverse birdlife, making it rewarding for nature lovers.

Events & Festivities

• Annual Cultural Festivals
  Occasionally, cultural or music events take place in Bolama, often linked with Guinea-Bissau’s carnival traditions, though smaller in scale than in Bissau.

✅ In summary: Bolama offers a unique mix of faded colonial grandeur and tranquil island life. It’s perfect for history buffs interested in ruins, travelers seeking authentic encounters with locals, and anyone who enjoys slow, off-the-beaten-path exploration combined with coastal relaxation.

Here’s a detailed guide to things to do in the Bijagós Islands, one of Guinea-Bissau’s greatest treasures:

Nature & Wildlife

• Orango National Park
  Famous for its saltwater hippos, which are unique to the area. The park also has mangroves, lagoons, and rich birdlife, making it excellent for eco-tours.

• Turtle Nesting (Poilão Island)
  One of the most important sea turtle nesting sites in West Africa, especially between July and November. Witnessing the turtles laying eggs or hatchlings heading to the sea is unforgettable.

• Birdwatching
  The islands are a paradise for bird lovers, home to rare species like African grey parrots, pelicans, and flamingos.

Beaches & Relaxation

• Rubane Island
  Known for pristine beaches, calm waters, and ecolodges. Perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or just unwinding.

• Bubaque Island
  The main hub, with simple guesthouses, small restaurants, and connections to other islands. A good base for exploring.

Culture & Traditions

• Bijagó Communities
  Meet the indigenous Bijagó people, who maintain unique cultural traditions, matriarchal social structures, and animist rituals.

• Local Festivals
  Some islands host initiation ceremonies and traditional dances, offering deep cultural immersion if timed right.

Adventure & Activities

• Fishing Trips
  The waters around the islands are rich in fish, making them popular for sport fishing and local expeditions.

• Kayaking & Boat Excursions
  Paddle or sail through mangroves and lagoons, visiting smaller, uninhabited islands.

• Snorkeling & Diving
  Coral reefs and clear waters provide opportunities for spotting tropical fish and marine life.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Exploration

• Bolama Gateway
  Many journeys begin here before heading further into the archipelago.

• Uninhabited Islands
  With 88 islands in total, only about 20 are inhabited. Exploring remote ones feels like stepping into untouched nature.

✅ In summary: The Bijagós Islands are ideal for eco-tourism and cultural immersion, combining rare wildlife (like saltwater hippos and turtles), idyllic beaches, traditional island life, and adventurous activities like fishing, kayaking, and diving. It’s a true escape for travelers seeking authenticity and nature far from mass tourism.