Making the most of Conakry
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Cruise vessels berth close to central Kaloum, also called La Ville, in the heart of Conakry.
Guinea's capital stretches along a slender peninsula and is noisy, polluted and disorderly, in sharp contrast to the peaceful, scenic interior where most visitors spend their time. Central landmarks include Palais de Nations, Musee National with regional exhibits from across Guinea, Place de la Republique, the Niger markets and early-20th-century St. Mary's Cathedral. In Camayenne, the country's largest mosque stands near Conakry's arboretum, home to tall tropical trees and a private plant nursery.
Nearby places
For a break from the city's intensity, take a boat from the capital's harbour to the nearby Iles de Los, or drive to Dubreeka for Mount Kakoulima and Soumba Falls.
Food and shopping
Avenue de la Republique runs in front of the Presidential Palace and is lined with restaurants and cafés providing customers with free WiFi. Busy Marche du Niger market is only a few blocks farther on.
Larger shops also trade on Sundays.
Money
The rate is 1 Guinean franc (FG) = 100 centimes.
Staying connected
French is the official language, and every tribe also has its own language.