Top 10 Things To Do In Freetown, Sierra Leone

1. See the architectural style of State House

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Perched on Tower Hill overlooking Freetown’s downtown area is State House, the country’s seat of power. Initially known as Fort Thornton, this building was constructed in 1895. State House is where Sierra Leone’s president resides, the venue of state meetings, and houses the presidential aides and his staff’s offices. Journey through this country’s history by visiting State House which is one of the significant historical landmarks in Freetown and a must-see when in this city. Admire the simple but beautiful building with its exterior walls painted white and imagine what it feels like being in such a powerful seat.

State House

Address: Freetown, Sierra Leone

Website: State House

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 5pm (closed on Sat & Sun)

2. Shop for crafts and souvenirs at Big Market

Visit this market and have fun going through several stalls selling arts and crafts unique to Freetown. Items on sale include bracelets, necklaces, African-print fabrics, leather sandals, and so much more. The sellers craft the wares from scratch or get them from other locals in nearby areas. Shopping here allows you to experience their culture and interact with the locals, which is a great way to find out more about the city and support the local communities. You will need to up your bargaining game to make sure you buy at a fair price.

Big Market

Address: Wallace Johnson St, Freetown, Sierra Leone

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 6pm (closed on Sun)

3. Marvel at an amazing train collection at National Railway Museum

Train lovers will have a blast at this museum, which opened its doors to visitors in 2005. National Railway Museum is situated in Cline Town and is easily accessible. Its collection includes a Hunslet steam tank, diesel locomotives, coaches including one made for Queen Elizabeth II when she was in the country in 1961, various passenger carriages, wagons, and historical artifacts. The museum staffs are friendly, and you will learn a lot of history and information about trains from them. Stop by the gift shop to purchase items like unique mugs for keepsakes.

National Railway Museum

Address: Freetown, Sierra Leone

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 5pm (closed on Sun)

Price: From 50538 SLL (5 USD)

4. Catch a live performance at Ballanta Academy of Music

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Ballanta Academy of Music was established in 1995 to promote the music and dancing styles of West Africa through nurturing talent and educating on the region’s musical heritage. It offers dance classes in contemporary African styles and music lessons to people who want to grow professionally in the music industry. You can attend a live performance at this venue and get to embrace the West African culture through dance and music.

Ballanta Academy of Music

Address: 27 Liverpool St, Freetown, Sierra Leone

Website: Ballanta Academy of Music

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 5pm (closed on Sun)

5. Indulge in local cuisine at Roof Garden Bar & Restaurant

Treat yourself to delectable traditional foods at Roof Garden Bar & Restaurant. Food options on the specials menu include achekeh, fried rice, and plantains served with fish, chicken, goat, or salad. The African dishes menu comprises benachin, Akara, chicken wings, couscous, fufu, groundnut soup, rice, cassava leaves, potato leaves, oleleh, okra, and palm oil soup. No matter what you order, be prepared to be served with finger-licking good food that will keep you coming back for more. The laid-back atmosphere adds to a fantastic dining experience.

Roof Garden Bar & Restaurant

Address: 31A Wilkinson Road, Freetown, Sierra Leone

Website: Roof Garden Bar & Restaurant

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 12:30am - 11:30pm; Sat - Sun: 12:30am - 12am

6. Spend a day of sunbathing at Lumley Beach

Spending some time at the beach is always a good idea when on vacation. Grab your beachwear and head out to Lumley Beach for a day of sunbathing on the sand. The shore is dotted with various restaurants and bars where you can enjoy eating fresh and tasty seafood and different cuisines. Keep fit strolling along the shores and catch the spectacular sunset views. The calm waters and miles of sandy shores are a great backdrop for your photos. Plan to visit this beach on a weekday if you want serenity as it gets crowded during the weekend with locals.

Lumley Beach

Address: Lumley Beach Rd, Freetown, Sierra Leone

7. Shop for authentic Sierra Leonean arts at Lumley Beach Arts & Crafts Market

Located on Lumley Beach Road, this market is known for selling only handicrafts made in Sierra Leone. It is the place to shop for original arts and crafts with fantastic beach views nearby. Lumley Beach Arts & Crafts Market aims at encouraging the growth of Sierra Leonean ancient creative arts. Items on sale include unique wood carvings, gorgeous woven baskets, traditional fabrics, and so much more. If you are looking for a peaceful and small market to shop in, this is the place to be. Promote the vendors by buying from them and be a part of preserving Sierra Leone’s art heritage.

Lumley Beach Arts & Crafts Market

Address: 90 Kingston Upon Hull Way, Freetown, Sierra Leone

8. Learn more about the history of Cotton Tree

Cotton Tree is a historical landmark of great significance in Freetown. It majestically stands on a roundabout in the city close to the building that houses the Supreme Court. This tree is believed to have been in existence since 1787. It is historically significant because it was the first stop where previous African American slaves came to give thanks for winning against the British and gaining their freedom after arriving back into the country. Do not miss out on seeing this symbolic tree, learning about its history, and taking great photos for keepsakes.

Cotton Tree

Address: 32 Walpole St, Freetown, Sierra Leone

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 5pm (closed on Sun)

9. Stop by and take photos of King's Yard Gate

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Sierra Leone is a country with a rich history in the transatlantic slave trade. After establishing the Slave Act Trade 1807, which banned the slave trade, King’s Yard was used to provide medical treatment to the freed Africans as they waited to start their new life. King’s Yard Gate has some inscriptions on the stone plaque at the top. After the complete abolishment of slave trafficking, King’s Yard was converted into a hospital. The gate is one of the entrances to the hospital. This spot is worth a stop as you explore the other historical landmarks nearby.

King's Yard Gate

Address: Freetown, Sierra Leone

10. Take a walk on Old Wharf Steps

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Sir Charles MacCarthy supervised the construction of public premises using stones under his leadership. Government Wharf was one of the buildings, including the stone steps leading to it that date back to 1818. These steps are historically significant as they were a point of entry for the liberated Africans coming back home to begin a new life free from slavery. These steps are part of important historical landmarks in this city and are a must-see when in Freetown. Develop a newfound appreciation for the historical heritage of Sierra Leone by visiting such sites.

Old Wharf Steps

Address: Freetown, Sierra Leone

Discover the historical and cultural attractions of Freetown

Freetown is a city that has a rich history during the slave trade era. Visit this city’s historical landmarks that symbolize the abolishment of the slave trade. Besides history, you can also try out their tasty local cuisine, shop for souvenirs in markets, and visit its beach. Have fun exploring this city using our list of top things to do in Freetown, Sierra Leone.