Freetown

Understand

Freetown, like the rest of Sierra Leone, endured some very difficult times during the civil war. It was occupied by rebels twice and the resident population and infrastructure suffered badly. As stability returned, many Sierra Leoneans fled the rural areas to the city to escape the carnage. The country has been peaceful since 2002.

The population of the city is much higher than it was prior to the war and has grown rapidly. This has put pressure on land and local services. Many areas of jungle have been cleared to house the new residents. Some blame the new developments for severe flooding of the city during the rainy season. Deforestation has also been blamed for a shortage of water in the city. Expensive gated residential developments have appeared in many parts of the city.

See

thumb|250px|Old locomotives at the National Railway Museum.

Many of Freetown's attractions are underdeveloped and not well publicised. The relatively low numbers of tourists visiting has meant there was not adequate incentive or financial reward for developing them. However, there are many hidden gems that can be well worth finding. It is not unusual to be the only visitor to some of them.

A visit to the Aberdeen district will give a break from the busy city centre. It's a short drive from any part of Freetown by car or taxi. The roads are now very good, but watch the speed bumps on the beach road and Sir Samuel Lewis Road. There are small stalls along the beach road selling 'tourist' fare. There are some more modern shops on the beach road at various points. There are plenty of hawkers on the beach selling sunglasses, fruit, peanuts, clothes, etc. Just behind the Tourist Office is a good craft market and is much less hassle than Big Market.

There are several colonial stilt houses at Hill Station. Most are in a poor state but offer insight into how Colonial Officials lived in the past. Downtown the old board houses are typical Krio architecture showing influence from the Caribbean.

Wilkinson Road is home to many larger businesses and retail outlets. Also some of the more popular restaurants.

thumb|St. John's Maroon Church

Do

Search out the remains of the railway infrastructure, from Hill Station, via Congo Cross to the center of Freetown.

Discover colonial warship wrecks by scuba diving or snorkeling at Banana Island and a bbq on Jonobo beach

Sport fishing Charter a boat for some world class game fishing or join the amateur angler's short fishing trips from Banana Island's fishing lodges.

Buy

Local crafts are relatively expensive and little is unique to Sierra Leone (some items on offer not actually made here) except country cloth, gara (tie-dyed) cloth, batik pictures and wood carving.

Freetown has always had a few supermarkets. Since 2020 many more large ones have appeared. There is a Choitrams in Adonkia on the peninsular road. If you feel the need for international fashion brands, they can be found western parts of Freetown.

Eat

Freetown has many high-quality restaurants, but very little in the tier below that. Being on the Atlantic coast, some excellent seafood is on offer. Barracuda, grouper, and lobster are readily available. Freetown has a large Lebanese community. Consequently, some very good Lebanese food is available at most restaurants. Following the opening of an ice-cream factory, ice cream cafés are becoming popular.

Drink

Apart from the hotels and restaurants, there are many bars along the beach road. There are countless small bars along every street, often catering for just a handful of customers.

A former "must-see" for any visitor was Paddy's on the road into Aberdeen which was renamed as Quincy's. This bar was famous and was the only place to be consistently open during the war. Sadly it no longer exists and has replaced with an apartment block.

Star beer is available on tap in better bars. Also worthy of a visit is the Hill Station Club at Hill Station. This old gentleman's drinking club was looted during the war, but the building survived and the bar will be opened for visitors. If you are lucky you will be allowed to see the snooker room, where the tables appear untouched for many years and old champions' names are still on display.

Sleep

thumb|Freetown lighthouse Freetown has some high standard hotels. All in the splurge section will offer air conditioned rooms with power available 24 hours per day. Hotels in the Aberdeen area are closest to Lumley beach. There are very few options in the main part of the town itself. During the busiest time of the year (December–March) it can be hard to find a room in the better hotels. Booking ahead is advised.

Stay safe

Violent crime is rare in Freetown. However, there have been some incidents in Lumley and Aberdeen at night, near the clubs and bars. Petty crime is common - take care of possessions and be wary of leaving valuables in rooms. Thefts from luggage at the airport on the way out of Sierra Leone aren’t as common anymore, but do not leave luggage unattended.

Connect

Orange, Africell and Qcell have fast 3G and 4G/LTE coverage in Freetown.

Go next

Government buses depart for Bo at 06:00. Le150,000. Banana Islands Makeni