Bissau

Bissau is the largest city in and capital of Guinea-Bissau.

An introduction to Bissau

Travel to Bissau

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Fly to Bissau

 Senegal Airlines flies from Dakar.

 TACV] has four flights each week from Dakar to Bissau, returning to Dakar the same day. These flights are not an example of punctuality and it is a good idea to check with the TACV office in Bissau (Av. Amilcar Cabral 8B, tel. 206087) before you head to the airport.

By shared taxi

A sept-place (7-seat shared taxi) from Ziguinchor, Senegal costs CFA$4,000. Additional CFA$1,000 for a normal sized bag. The trip takes 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on border formalities.

Get Around in Bissau

Shared taxis are affordable and plentiful. Stop taxis and tell them where you want to go (or tell the passing taxis by pointing) and they will either accept "na bai" (I'm going), or decline "não" (no) if people, already in the taxi, are going to another part of the city. Prices are more or less fixed and you'll normally not get cheated, except when you're an obvious foreigner and taking a taxi from the airport or Hotel Bissau Palace.

Group travel is cheaper, for example:

1 person 300 FCFA, 2 persons 300 FCFA, 3 or 4 persons 600 FCFA

There are also shuttle vanes "toca-tocas" going on fixed routes, you'll pay 100 FCFA a person for the ride, but the buses are often very crowded!

What to see in Bissau

Presidentialpalacebissau - Former Presidential Palace Bissau Velho - Bissau Velho Pidjiguiti - Porto Pidjiguiti

Presidential Palace - Palácio Presidencial | 11.864007,-15.584849 - Bombed-out during the civil war. Reconstructed in 2013 with Chinese money, serves again as president's seat.

Bissau Velho - the old Portuguese colonial centre. Not much life there nowadays, but still a nice place to walk around. Don't miss the prison with pink flowers painted on its front (At the junction of the fort, close to the harbour).
Porto Pidjiguiti - walk out the little port and talk to the fishermen, watch the pelicans and see the city from a distance. The Pidjiguiti port was the site of the Pidjiguiti massacre on 3 August 1959, where police shot down some 50 striking dockworkers. This became the beginning of the active resistance against the Portuguese colonial power. There is a monument shaped as a gigantic black fist commemorating the massacre.
Mercado de Bandim - Bissaus main market.
Fortaleza d'Amura - old Portuguese fort, containing the mausoleum of national hero Amilcar Cabral and tombs of other revolutionaries. Inside is also Amilcar Cabral's car. Can be hard to get in, but feasible, if you make friends with the soldiers or get a permission.
National Ethnographic Museum - Museu Etnográfico Nacional | 11.856863,-15.610774 On the university campus, opposite "Lenox de Bairro" - Open mornings only, it has a small collection of Bissau-Guinean wooden masks and statues, baskets, cloths etc. The staff is very helpful and good at explaining the purpose of the different items and connecting it to traditional spiritual beliefs.

Top Travel Tips

Centre culturel franco-bissau-guinéen, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau - Centre Culturel Franco Bissau Guineen

The French Cultural Center in the Bayana roundabout often features concerts, movies, dance classes, French classes etc. Programme on their webpage
The Portuguese Cultural Center (next to the Portuguese embassy, behind "Benfica") also hosts concerts, but in slightly less inviting surroundings.
Swim at Palace Hotel (5000 FCFA), Hotel Azalaï 24 de Setembro or Campo Sueco (3000 FCFA - somewhat more noisy and crowded, but more African atmosphere).
Exercise on the running lanes or in the gym in Estadio 24 de Setembro.
Play tennis in the tennis club at the Bandim Harbour (close to Estadio 24 de Setembro) or in Campo Sueco.

Shopping in Bissau

Wood carvings Try the Centro Artistico Juvenil, close to "Chapa de Bissau" with fixed prices and no need to bargain - or the market in front of Pensão Central (here you'll need to bargain).
Hand woven textiles Good shop underneith Pensão Central selling textiles from NGO @ in Quinhamel - or at the Bandim Market.
Batik Next to the Post Office.
Cashew nuts
Bissau-Guinean CDs
TINIGUENA in Bairro de Belém is an Business dealsing for sustainable community development, food and income security as well as a greater control over the natural resources on which the local population is depending. It has a little shop selling high-quality wall-calendars and postcards with Guinea Bissau motives as well as locally produced baskets, marmalade, Rice, spices, palm oil etc.
Ponto de Encontro has a large selection of quality DVDs, that can be ordered from Portugal and picked up the following Friday.

Halal Restaurants & Food in Bissau

Restaurants

Recidencial Coimbra has a good buffet every night at 20.00-7500 FCFA including starters, main courses, [ desserts and water.
Hotel Malaika , Has a nice restaurant inside, but also a roof top restaurant for drinks and fast food style meals.

O Bistro - Belgian owned restaurant next to Mavegro, delicious food.
Hotel 24 de Setembro , Good restaurant and excellent service, but somewhat overpriced.

Hotel Kalliste - Has an open air restaurant right on Praca Che Guevara (known as "Praca Bayana" by most cab drivers). Excellent Pizzas and live music most nights, though expensive (4000f - 5000f for a small pie).
Papa Louca Favorite place for Pizzas and shawarmas. Very fair prices!
Le Grimaldi Restaurant of Hotel Kalliste in the Bayana roundabout, very tasty food and nice atmosphere.
Centre Culturel Franco Bissau-Guinéen open for lunch, has a nice courtyard for eating your morning croissants and espresso, or a good lunch.
Bate Papo very good for breakfast with croissants, pastries and sandwiches, Coffee, natural juices etc. Located next to "Meteorología". Closed for renovation (January 2023)
Dom Bifana good steak-restaurant next to the parliament, having a live gazelle and a crowned crane in the restaurant.
Dragon Chinese Restaurant uphill from the Bayana roundabout. It is a nice change, once you get tired of Portuguese and libanese style food.
Fernandas in Santa Lucia - famous for her Bica (Carpe Rouge).
Campo Sueco in Alto Bandim - good for lunch and a swim in the pool, while you wait for the food.
Ta Mar in Bissau Velho - nice place with outdoor serving in the street in the dry season.
Pensão Central - Fixed menu with soup, fish, Meat and dessert for about 5000 FCFA for lunch or dinner
A Padeira Africana - Portuguese style food
Ponto de Encontro - same owner as "A Padeira Africana" - good for a organic juice and a Snacks on the sidewalk
Restaurante bar maroquino "Sara" - Moroccan restaurant close to Aparthotel Lobato, good fish, shawarma etc.
Lenox - Bairro de Ajuda Popular local place with internet café, loud music, shawarma, Pizzas, goats Meat, sandwiches and other fast food.
Lenox - Luanda Same concept, but without the loud music.
Phoenicia Libanese place for good sandwiches, shawarmas, burgers, Pizzas, softice and wireless internet. No alcohol sold.
Ali Baba - libanese fast food and soft ice, no alcohol.
Morabeza - next to Bayana roundabout. Food ok, Pizzas good.
Magui - Senegalese place above the closed cinema.
Monte Carlo - Hotel Jordani - food is nothing special.
Dom Bifana - airport located in the very airport, it is fancy looking, but not good value for money.
Adega do Loureiro on a sidestreet between Baiana and Benfica. Nice place with good and innovative Portuguese food, but the service varies quite a bit.
Casa Santos in Santa Luzia
Cantinho da Mana M'Butcha Rua Domingos Ramos
Ruby Restaurant of the ApartHotel Ruby, next to the UN building
Chez Ami Rua Eduardo Mondelane

How to find a Supermarket with Halal food in Bissau

Darling - many Spanish brands, good value. One in the center, one in Estrada de Bor and one on the Airport Road, opposite Mercado de Bandim.
Bon Jour - tends to be somewhat expensiver than the others - with a big section of tableware, kitchen utensils, linen etc.
Mavegro - Dutch supermarket with selected Halal food, northern European food, wall-calendars and postcards from "Tiniguena", creole Books and cartoons, historic Books on Guinea Bissau.
Bodem - supermarket with a big section of shoes and clothes.
Mini Marché Alvalade - opposite Dragon Chinese restaurant - is the best place in Bissau to buy Cheese and frozen Meat.

There are quite a few discos and late night restaurants, one nightclub popular with expats is X-Klub. The club has swimmingpool tables and a small dance floor.

Discos include Plack, Bambú, Sonhos, Orio etc.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Bissau

Bissau - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Bissau, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Bissau. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Bissau and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Bissau. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Bissau. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Bissau: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Bissau.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Bissau: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Bissau, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Bissau.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Bissau, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Bissau, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Bissau and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Bissau, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Bissau, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Bissau without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Bissau is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Bissau.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Bissau is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Bissau, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Bissau Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Bissau

eHalal Group Bissau is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Bissau. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Bissau.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Bissau ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Bissau. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Bissau, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Bissau are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Ramadan Celebrations in Bissau

Ramadan 2025 in Bissau

Ramadan concludes with the festival of Eid al-Fitr, which may last several days, usually three in most countries.

The next Ramadan shall be from Friday, 28 February 2025 to Saturday, 29 March 2025

The next Eid al-Adha shall be on Friday, 6 June 2025

The next day of Raʾs al-Sana shall be on Thursday, 26 June 2025

The next day for Mawlid al-Nabī shall be on Monday, 16 September 2024

Muslim Friendly Hotels

Hotels in Bissau are generally overpriced. There's hope that prices will lower as new hotels are about to open.

Pensão Central | Avenida Amilcar Cabral - ☎ +245 201 232 - This Pensão, is a good first stop, with clean rooms (shared toilets howewer) available at a 10000 CFA. It's conveniently located just a few meters away from the port

Pensão Creola - Av. Domingos Ramos 37 - ☎ +245 663 30 31 - Run by a Swiss-Bissau couple, this hostal is good value

Hotel-Residência Proquil - Rua 2, Nr. 5-6 - ☎ +245 67 87 117 12.500 to 20.000 CFA Check-in: 1PM / Check-out: 10AM Situated in Bissau-Velho - all rooms with own bathroom, partly air-condition, ventilator, some rooms with freezer, all rooms with own veranda, best cost-performance ration in Bissau-Center, nice and typical guinean atmosphere - rooms from

Hotel Kalliste - Former Casino/Galeão | Praca Che Guevara - CFA 40,000 to 60,000 per day - Set in an old Portuguese colonial style building, that is repuditly under renovation. If that is not the case, you'll be pleased to know that the interior is in a much better shape.

Hotel Libya - Former Hotel Hotti Bissau/Sheraton | Avenida 14 de Novembro - ☎ +245 251 251 Former sheraton hotel that is now under Libyan management.

Grande Hotel - ☎ +245 21 3437 are currently undergoing renovation, so it might or might not be open

Hotel Ancar Av. Osvaldo Vieira nº10 11.85782,-15.58310 in the center of Bissau ☎ +245 320 76 33 +245 320 76 35 Singels CFA 50,000, doubles CFA 60,000, suites CFA 10,000 more This hotel was renovated in 2009. Has air conditioning, free breakfast and free wireless Internet (Wi-Fi).

Appart Hotel Diarama Av. Pansau na Isna - ☎ +245 671 60 00 Ask to see the room, bargain and expect 40,000 for a double Clean hotel in quiet location. Friendly Lebanese owner. Prices include a simple French breakfast.

Luxury

Hotel Malaika | Rua Justino Lopes 11.858112,-15.583838 ☎ +245 3207474* Azalaï Hotel 24 de Setembro 24@ Avenue Pansau Na Isna 11.876465,-15.590878 ☎ +245 322 45 05 Fairly well maintained hotel, with rooms in better shape than the outside. On-site hotel and restaurant.

Cope in Bissau

Brazilian Embassy
org/ Chinese Embassy
Cuban Embassy
French Embassy
Portuguese embassy ?option=com_content&task=view&id=53&Itemid=84]
Russian Embassy
bajadas/BISSAU/es/Embajada/Paginas/inicio.aspx Spanish Embassy
US Consul 3284.htm - 'Sitec'
(German) Consul - 'Sitec'
British Honorary Consul, Mavegro Int., CP100, Bissau ont?pagename=OpenMarket/Xcelerate/ShowPage&c=Page&cid=1007029395231&a=Collection&aid=1013618515233]
Guinean embassy normally issues visas the same day. Bring 45,000 CFA and two photos.

Guinea Bissaus main hospital is Hospital Nacional Simão Mendes ... But if you really need to go to the hospital, probably you should try and get your insurance company to pay for you at least going to Dakar.

Pharmacies are on every street corner in Bissau, pharmacies Rama (there are three), Rina and Amilcar Cabral are well-stocked and the Indian owners speak English.

Connect

Orange sells SIM cards for 500 CFA. Inexpensive data packages available. In front of Spanish embassy. Bring ID.

News & References Bissau

Go Next

Ilheu do Rei - a nice get-away for a picnic if you're in Bissau on a longer term. Go to Porto Canoa (behind Mavegro and the cemetery) and ask around for a canoa to take you to the island, it takes about 10 minutes and you should not pay much for the return ticket (1000 FCFA?). Once there, check out the abandoned peanut oil factory and continue through the little village down to a little "beach" (ask people where it is), from where you can turn left and walk along the coast, if you don't mind climbing a little over trees and rocks. For once there is no mangrove, so you can actually get the feeling of strolling along the coast.

Volta de Bissau Starting at the Porto Canoa, this track goes around Bissau, passing Rice fields and small suburbs and the big cemetery in Antula, São Paulo etc. and eventually you'll end up at the airport road close to Hotel Bissau Palace. A nice Sunday walk, some 4 hours, not all stretches are suitable for vehicles.

Hotel Mar Azul, in Quinhamel. Makes a fine daytrip for swimming and lunch and maybe a fishing trip. In the town of Quinhamel there's also an interesting weavery, "Artissal" ], producing handwoven textiles.

Praia Suro in Prabit is the Guineans favorite weekend get-away in the dry season. The beach is a bit muddy, but there's always good ambient with live music, people dancing, barbecuing, playing football and swimming. Just follow Estrada de Bor out of Bissau, continue when it turns into a dirt road and eventually you'll reach the beach (might be a two-hour drive).

Saltinho Waterfall - A pleasant little waterfall located just under the bridge where the primary street to southern Guinea-Bissau crosses the Rio Corubal. There is a hotel "Pousada do Saltinho" overlooking the waterfalls, with nice rooms (FCFA 20.000) and meals. Many Portuguese hunters and fishermen stay there. About three hours trip from Bissau.