Freetown walking tour & city guide

A hillside capital above one of the world's great natural harbours.

6 videos · uploaded 2020–2025

Freetown, Sierra Leone: City Walking Tour

Video by Kenny Walker · Aug 2024 · All rights belong to the creator · More from Kenny Walker →

All rights belong to the creator.

Watch next

More Freetown walks

Go deeper

Explore Freetown

City guide

Freetown on foot

Freetown climbs from the shore of a huge natural harbour up into steep, green hills, its colourful houses stacked on the slopes. The city was founded in 1792 by freed slaves, and its old wooden board houses, churches and the famous Cotton Tree tell that story, while the beaches of the peninsula start right at the edge of town.

Downtown and the markets

The centre of Freetown grew up around the Cotton Tree, a giant tree under which the first settlers are said to have prayed; it fell in a storm in 2023, but the area around it, with the National Museum and State House, remains the historic heart of the city. Nearby streets are lined with traders, and Big Market sells crafts, fabrics and woven baskets.

To the west, the long sandy curve of Lumley Beach is where the city comes to relax, with bars, football games and fishermen at sunset.

A classic walk

Start at the Cotton Tree roundabout and the National Museum, then walk down to the old Portuguese steps near the waterfront, where freed slaves once came ashore. Continue through the busy streets around Big Market and finish with an evening walk along Lumley Beach.

Good to know

The dry season from November to April is the best time to visit. Keke (tuk-tuk) and okada (motorbike) taxis are everywhere. The Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary is in the hills just above the city, and the beaches of River Number Two and Tokeh are an hour's drive down the peninsula.

Don't miss

Top sights in Freetown

1
Cotton Tree area
The historic heart of the city, near State House.
2
Sierra Leone National Museum
Masks, history and the story of Freetown.
3
Lumley Beach
A long city beach lined with bars and restaurants.
4
Big Market
A two-storey market of crafts, fabrics and baskets.
5
Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary
A rescue centre in the forest above the city.
6
St George's Cathedral
One of the oldest churches in West Africa.

Eat

Food markets & where to eat in Freetown

Lumley Beach
Grilled fish and cold drinks on the sand.
Aberdeen
Restaurants and bars near the beach and the ferry.
Downtown
Cook shops serving rice and stews at lunchtime.

Taste

Food to try in Freetown

Cassava leaf stew
Pounded cassava leaves cooked with palm oil, fish or meat.
Groundnut stew
A rich peanut stew served with rice.
Pepper soup
A spicy fish or meat broth.
Ginger beer
Homemade, sweet and very fiery.

Opening hours and prices change often. Please check with each place before you visit.

Enjoyed the walk?

Plan your trip to Freetown

Here is everything you need to see Freetown for real.

Some links may be affiliate links: if you book through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Keep watching

More Freetown on Walking Atlas