Banjul at a glance
Banjul is the capital of The Gambia. Most visitors see it on a day trip from the coast resorts. The three usual stops are Albert Market, Arch 22 and the National Museum. None of them needs more than a short visit, so Banjul combines well with a river trip or a visit to Kachikally in Bakau.
This is an independent guide, not run by the city, the Gambia Tourism Board or any tour operator. Several sources for Banjul are old or undated, so opening times and prices below are a guide. Confirm them on the day.
Albert Market
Albert Market stands on Liberation Avenue. An older report, from 2019, describes food stalls, wholesale trade and areas that sell to visitors. It is busy and chaotic, which is part of the point. Do not count on the same stalls today, because the source is several years old.
Go in the morning and keep valuables in front of you. Opening days and hours are not published reliably, so ask your hotel or driver. Say no politely if someone offers to guide you and you do not want it.
More ideas are on the things to do page, and the tours page lists city tours.
Our picks: day tours around Banjul
Two day tours with pick-up that combine the city with park visits.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Banjul day tour with Monkey Park and boat trip
Pick-up, return, entry to the Monkey Park and the Crocodile Park and a boat trip are included. Food and drinks are extra.
Check availability →Banjul city tour with wildlife parks
Pick-up, return and entry to the wildlife parks are included. Monkey food, meals and drinks are not.
Check availability →Banjul tours and day trips
City tours with Arch 22, museums and wildlife stops, plus river trips from Banjul, with live prices and availability.
Arch 22
Arch 22 is a monument at the entrance to the city, and it houses a museum run by the National Council for Arts and Culture. One undated source gives about GMD 200 per person and hours of 08:00 to 16:00. Neither is a confirmed 2026 figure.
The same source describes a lift that is no longer used and a past limit on traffic through the arch. Ask at the gate whether you can go up and whether the road is open. Even if you cannot climb, the arch is easy to see from the road.
The National Museum
The National Museum opened in 1985 and presents Gambian history and culture. The National Council for Arts and Culture gives its premises as Independence Drive, Banjul, and notes parking on the grounds. That page is from 2019. Admission and visiting hours are not confirmed, so check before you go and do not rely on office hours as museum hours.
Getting to and around Banjul
By road from the coast, or by ferry from the north bank.
| Option | What to know | Price example |
|---|---|---|
| Taxi from the airport | One undated airport information page lists a lower fare. The estimates disagree, so agree a price first. | GMD 1,400 to Banjul (July 2025 estimate); GMD 400 to 500 (undated page) |
| Licensed tourist taxi | Green, with a registration number and tariffs, according to the tourism board. Settle the fare before you get in. | – |
| Shared taxi | Yellow and green, shared with other passengers. | – |
| Banjul-Barra ferry | Runs, but official advice warns of overloading and poor safety equipment. | – |
The airport lies at Yundum, and our airport page covers transfers. If you cross the river by road instead of by ferry, official advice names the Senegambia Bridge near Farafenni as an alternative crossing.
What to plan for in autumn 2026
Points from official travel advice.
Protests and power cuts
The German Foreign Office, updated on 19 October 2026, reports repeated, partly violent protests against long power cuts in the greater Banjul area since 8 September 2026, and tear gas was used. A presidential election is set for 5 December 2026. Avoid demonstrations and follow local news.
Cash and power
Much of the economy runs on cash, and cash machines can be unreliable outside the Senegambia area. Power cuts can affect water and mobile networks, so charge your phone when you can.
Rain
Rain from June to October can flood roads and slow traffic. See the weather page.
A simple plan for a day in Banjul
An outline, not a timetable. Opening hours are not confirmed.
Morning: Albert Market
Start early on Liberation Avenue, when the stalls are busiest and the day is cooler. Average highs in Banjul stay above 31 °C all year, so see the weather page.
Midday: Arch 22
Walk or take a taxi to the arch. Ask at the gate about the museum, the viewing option and the fee before you pay.
Afternoon: the museum or the coast
Visit the National Museum on Independence Drive if it is open, or go on to Bakau and Kachikally. Heading back before dark is sensible, since official advice says to avoid long overland drives at night.
Banjul: frequently asked questions
Is Banjul worth a visit?
For a market, a landmark monument and a museum, yes, and it takes a few hours. It is a city visit rather than a beach destination. Many visitors pair it with a river trip or Kachikally.
How much time do I need?
Plan a few hours for the market and Arch 22, and add time for the museum. A city tour that includes wildlife stops can take most of a day.
How much does Arch 22 cost?
One undated source says about GMD 200 per person and gives hours of 08:00 to 16:00. This is not a confirmed 2026 fee. Ask at the gate.
How do I get to Banjul from the beach hotels?
By taxi, shared taxi or on a city tour with pickup. Agree the fare before you start. The where to stay page shows which resort areas lie closest.
Is Banjul safe?
Official advice for 2026 mentions protests over power cuts around Banjul in September, and an election on 5 December 2026. Stay alert in crowded places and avoid demonstrations.