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Albert Market, Gambia - Things to Do in Albert Market

Albert Market

Albert Market, Gambia - Complete Travel Guide

Albert Market is located in Banjul, the capital city of The Gambia, situated on St. Mary's Island at the mouth of the Gambia River. This busy West African city serves as the country's administrative and commercial hub, despite being one of the smallest capitals in Africa. The market itself is the heart of local commerce and culture, where traditional Gambian life unfolds daily among colorful stalls selling everything from fresh produce to handcrafted textiles. Banjul offers visitors an authentic glimpse into Gambian urban life, with its colonial architecture, bustling streets, and warm hospitality. The city combines historical significance with modern West African culture, making it an ideal starting point for exploring The Gambia's rich heritage. From the market's energetic atmosphere to the nearby Atlantic coastline, Banjul provides a compact but complete introduction to this friendly nation known as the 'Smiling Coast of Africa.'

Top Albert Market

Albert Market

spend time in the busy atmosphere of Albert Market, Banjul's largest and most colorful marketplace. Browse through stalls selling fresh tropical fruits, vegetables, spices, traditional fabrics, woodcarvings, and local handicrafts while experiencing the authentic sounds and aromas of Gambian commerce. The market provides an excellent opportunity to interact with friendly local vendors and practice your bargaining skills.

Booking Tip: No advance booking required - simply arrive early morning (8-10 AM) for the freshest produce and best selection. Bring small denominations of dalasi for purchases and expect to negotiate prices. Consider hiring a local guide for 200-300 dalasi to help navigate and translate.

National Museum

Discover Gambian history and culture at the National Museum, housed in a beautiful colonial building near Albert Market. The museum showcases traditional artifacts, historical exhibits about the colonial period, and displays on local customs and traditions. It's an excellent way to gain context about Gambian society before exploring the rest of the country.

Booking Tip: Entry fee is around 25 dalasi for foreigners. Open Monday to Saturday 9 AM to 4 PM. Allow 1-2 hours for your visit and consider combining with a walking tour of nearby colonial architecture.

Take a Gambia River Cruise

Experience the natural beauty of the Gambia River with a boat cruise from Banjul's waterfront. These excursions offer opportunities to spot dolphins, various bird species, and enjoy impressive sunset views over the water. Many cruises include stops at nearby islands or mangrove creeks, providing insights into local fishing communities and ecosystems.

Booking Tip: Half-day cruises cost 800-1500 dalasi per person. Book through reputable operators at the tourism office or established hotels. Best times are early morning for wildlife viewing or late afternoon for sunset cruises. Bring sun protection and water.

Arch 22

Climb to the top of Arch 22, Banjul's most recognizable landmark commemorating the 1994 military coup. The arch offers panoramic views over the city, Gambia River, and surrounding areas. Inside, you'll find a small museum and textile shop showcasing local crafts and historical information about modern Gambian history.

Booking Tip: Entry fee is approximately 50 dalasi including access to the viewing platform. Open daily 9 AM to 6 PM. Visit in late afternoon for better lighting and cooler temperatures. The climb involves several flights of stairs.

Local Food Culture

Sample authentic Gambian cuisine at local restaurants and street food stalls around Albert Market area. Try traditional dishes like benachin (Gambian jollof rice), domoda (peanut stew), and fresh grilled fish with attaya (traditional tea ceremony). The market area offers numerous affordable eating options where locals dine daily.

Booking Tip: Street food meals cost 50-150 dalasi, restaurant meals 200-500 dalasi. Look for busy stalls with high turnover for freshest food. Best lunch spots are around the market between 12-2 PM. Always drink bottled or boiled water.

Getting There

Banjul is accessible via Banjul International Airport (formerly Yundum International Airport), located about 30km southwest of the city. Most international visitors fly into this airport, with regular connections from European cities and other West African destinations. From the airport, taxis charge around 800-1200 dalasi to reach Albert Market area, or you can arrange hotel transfers. Alternatively, shared bush taxis and local buses provide cheaper but less comfortable options for about 100-200 dalasi per person.

Getting Around

Getting around Banjul is relatively easy due to the city's compact size. Shared taxis are the most common form of transport, charging 15-25 dalasi for short distances within the city. Private taxis can be hired for 300-500 dalasi per hour or negotiated for full-day rates. Walking is feasible for exploring the Albert Market area and nearby attractions, though the tropical heat can be intense. Motorcycle taxis (jakarta) offer quick transport for 20-50 dalasi but require caution regarding safety.

Where to Stay

Albert Market vicinity
Independence Drive area
Wellington Street district
Marina Parade waterfront
Dobson Street neighborhood
Buckle Street area

Food & Dining

Banjul's dining scene centers around Albert Market, where numerous local restaurants and street food vendors serve authentic Gambian cuisine at very affordable prices. Popular spots include small family-run restaurants offering fresh fish, rice dishes, and traditional stews. The market area comes alive during lunch hours with grilled meat stalls, fresh fruit vendors, and tea sellers. For a more upscale experience, several hotels near the market offer international cuisine alongside local specialties, though options remain limited compared to larger cities.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Banjul

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

Casa Afriqa

4.8 /5
(807 reviews)
Montenegro cafe

Mo2 Jamaican Bar & Restaurant Gambia (Mosiah's)

4.8 /5
(378 reviews)

John Raymond'S Beach Bar And Restaurant

4.8 /5
(296 reviews)

Scala Restaurant

4.6 /5
(297 reviews)

El Sol

4.5 /5
(261 reviews)
Montenegro meal_delivery meal_takeaway

great destination Beach Club Gambia

4.5 /5
(169 reviews)

Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

The best time to visit Albert Market and Banjul is during the dry season from November to May, when temperatures are more comfortable and rainfall is minimal. The peak tourist season runs from December to February, offering the most pleasant weather but also higher prices and crowds. March to May can be quite hot but still manageable for market exploration if you visit early morning or late afternoon. The rainy season (June to October) brings heavy downpours that can make market navigation challenging, though prices are lower and the landscape is lush and green.

Insider Tips

Visit Albert Market early in the morning (7-9 AM) to avoid crowds and heat while experiencing the market at its most authentic and energetic
Learn basic Wolof or Mandinka greetings like 'Salaam aleikum' - locals greatly appreciate the effort and it often leads to better prices and warmer interactions
Carry a mix of small bills in dalasi and keep your money in different pockets, as vendors rarely have change for large denominations and bargaining is expected for most purchases

Activities in Albert Market