Places / Africa / Sierra Leone
Freetown
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At a glance
- Country
- Sierra Leone
- Region
- Western Area
- Population
- 1.2 million
- Best time to go
- November to April
- Main airport
- Freetown Lungi International (FNA)
- Coordinates
- 8.47°N, 13.23°W
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Overview
Freetown was founded in the late 18th century as a settlement for freed slaves, and its name still carries that story. The city sprawls up green hills from a wide natural harbour, with Krio wooden board houses tucked among the traffic.
It is busy and chaotic, but the peninsula south of the city has some of the most beautiful beaches in West Africa. Combine the history with lazy days by the sea and fresh grilled lobster.
Things to see
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Photo: John Atherton, CC BY-SA 2.0 Sierra Leone National Museum
A small museum covering the country's history, culture and traditional masks.
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St John's Maroon Church
A simple white church built by Jamaican Maroons who settled here in the early 19th century.
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Photo: Cnes - Spot Image, CC BY-SA 3.0 Bunce Island
The ruins of a British slave-trading fort in the river estuary, reached by boat.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: BigMikeSndTech, CC BY 2.0 Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary
A rescue sanctuary in the forested hills above the city, caring for orphaned chimpanzees.
Tickets and tours
Things to do
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Photo: Hussein Kefel, CC BY-SA 3.0 Lumley Beach
The city's long beach, with bars and grilled fish stalls busy at sunset.
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Peninsula beaches
Drive south to River Number Two, Bureh and Tokeh for white sand, lagoons and surf.
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Photo: Christian Trede, Attribution Banana Islands
A boat trip from Kent to quiet islands with simple lodges, snorkelling and old colonial ruins.
Where to stay
Aberdeen and Lumley
The main hotel area, close to the beach, restaurants and the airport water taxis.
Hotels in Aberdeen and LumleyHill Station
Cooler and quieter, in the hills above the city.
Hotels in Hill StationPeninsula beaches
Simple eco-lodges and beach huts, for a relaxed stay out of town.
Hotels in Peninsula beaches
Getting around
Traffic is heavy. Use taxis or a hired car with a driver, and keep okadas (motorbike taxis) for short hops.
Lungi airport is across the estuary from the city; water taxis to Aberdeen take around 30 to 40 minutes, while the road route is much longer.
When to go
The dry season from November to April is the best time for beaches. The rainy season peaks in July and August, when Freetown is one of the wettest cities in Africa.
Plan your trip to Freetown
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.