Discover Banjul: Market, Museum and Architectural History

Banjul can be explored through a range of themes: the Gambia National Museum and its garden represent history, Albert Market showcases goods and crafts, and there are also distinctive religious buildings and Arch 22. The ferry connection to Barra is also relevant when planning your trip. If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Banjul, these themes can help you sort out your interests: are you mainly interested in historic sites, the market and crafts, or the connection with Barra?

The ferry connection to Barra

The Banjul–Barra crossing is the busiest crossing point; the ferry service operates almost around the clock. Frequency and operations may change, so check the current schedule before travelling and take the connection into account when planning your day.

Museum and garden

The Gambia National Museum opened in 1985. The main museum’s old colonial building in Banjul stands in a garden considered one of the few remaining open spaces in the capital. This brings two different aspects together in one place: the history of a cultural institution and one of the city’s increasingly rare open spaces. If you are interested in Banjul’s history, the museum is a specific point of reference; the garden is also one of the main museum’s distinctive features.

Albert Market: goods and crafts

Albert Market is considered one of The Gambia’s oldest markets. It is named after Prince Albert, the husband of Queen Victoria. The market offers fruit, fish and herbs. Its handicrafts section features handmade work by woodcarvers and other artisans. This brings different impressions together: food and herbs on one hand, craftsmanship on the other. If you would rather get to know a place through its goods and crafts than through its architectural history, Albert Market offers a distinct way to explore it.

Religious buildings and Arch 22

Banjul Cathedral was built by the Church of England in 1901. King Fahad Mosque is Banjul’s main mosque; its stated capacity is 6,000 worshippers. These two buildings have different notable details: the cathedral’s year of construction and builder are specified, while the mosque is identified as the main mosque and has a stated capacity.

Arch 22 also has distinctive architectural features. The structure in Banjul is 35 metres high, stands on eight pillars and has three storeys. It is depicted on the reverse of the 100-dalasi banknote. The second storey houses a gallery with views of the city, Banjul Harbour and the mangrove forests of the Tanbi Wetland Complex; a small textile museum is on the top floor. Its height, pillars and storeys describe the structure’s exterior and design, while the gallery and textile museum are additional features of the building.

Which themes can guide your accommodation search

Your interests can be a helpful starting point when looking for a holiday apartment in Banjul. Those especially interested in history and religious architecture will focus on different themes than those who find market goods and crafts appealing. Arch 22 adds distinctive architectural forms and the spaces described above to the mix. Before searching, consider which of these aspects matter most to you on your trip; this will help you assess the location of an accommodation more specifically in light of your own plans.

For the overarching travel overview: Banjul.