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Arch 22, Gambia - Things to Do in Arch 22

Arch 22

Arch 22, Gambia - Complete Travel Guide

Arch 22 is not a city but rather Gambia's most prominent national monument, located in the capital city of Banjul. This striking 35-meter high triumphal arch was built in 1996 to commemorate the military coup that brought President Yahya Jammeh to power on July 22, 1994. The arch serves as both a significant political symbol and one of Banjul's most recognizable landmarks, offering visitors panoramic views of the city and surrounding areas from its observation deck. While Arch 22 itself can be visited in a short time, it serves as an excellent starting point for exploring Banjul and the greater Banjul area. The capital city, though small, offers insights into Gambian history, culture, and daily life. Visitors can combine a trip to Arch 22 with exploration of nearby attractions including the Lome, Albert Market, and the bustling ferry terminal that connects Banjul to the rest of the country.

Top Arch 22

Climb Arch 22 for Panoramic Views

Ascend the 35-meter high arch via internal stairs to reach the observation deck offering spectacular 360-degree views of Banjul, the Gambia River, and the Atlantic coastline. The arch also houses a small museum displaying artifacts and information about Gambian history and culture.

Booking Tip: Entry costs around 25-50 dalasi (roughly $0.50-1 USD). Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting and cooler temperatures. No advance booking required, but bring water as the climb can be tiring in the heat.

Albert Market

Wander through Banjul's largest and most busy market, located just a short walk from Arch 22. Browse colorful stalls selling everything from fresh produce and spices to traditional textiles, woodcarvings, and local crafts while experiencing authentic Gambian market culture.

Booking Tip: Free to enter, but bring small denominations of dalasi for purchases. Best visited in the morning when it's cooler and vendors have the freshest goods. Bargaining is expected and part of the cultural experience.

the National Museum

Discover Gambian history, culture, and traditions at this compact but informative museum near Arch 22. The collection includes archaeological artifacts, traditional musical instruments, historical photographs, and exhibits on the country's colonial past and independence struggle.

Booking Tip: Entry fee is approximately 15-25 dalasi. Open Monday to Saturday, typically 9 AM to 5 PM. Allow 1-2 hours for your visit and consider hiring a local guide for deeper insights into the exhibits.

Take a Gambia River Boat Trip

start a scenic boat journey along the Gambia River from Banjul's waterfront, offering unique perspectives of the city skyline dominated by Arch 22. These trips often include opportunities to spot local birdlife and learn about the river's historical significance as a trading route.

Booking Tip: Prices range from $15-30 USD depending on duration and inclusions. Book through reputable operators at the ferry terminal or through your hotel. Sunset trips offer the most spectacular views and photo opportunities.

Local Street Food Scene

Sample authentic Gambian cuisine from street vendors and small restaurants around Arch 22 and central Banjul. Try local specialties like benachin (jollof rice), domoda (peanut stew), and fresh grilled fish while mingling with locals in this foodie adventure.

Booking Tip: Most meals cost 50-150 dalasi ($1-3 USD). Look for busy stalls with high turnover for the freshest food. Start with milder dishes if you're not used to spicy food, and always drink bottled water.

Getting There

Arch 22 is located in central Banjul, easily accessible from Banjul International Airport (about 30 minutes by taxi, costing 800-1200 dalasi). Most visitors arrive via the main road from Serekunda and other parts of Greater Banjul Area. If coming from other parts of Gambia, you'll likely need to take the ferry across the Gambia River, as Banjul is situated on an island. Taxis and shared taxis (gele-gele) are the most common transport options, with many hotels offering airport transfers.

Getting Around

Banjul is a small, compact city that can easily be explored on foot, with Arch 22 serving as a central landmark for navigation. Taxis are readily available and inexpensive for longer distances, typically charging 25-100 dalasi for trips within the city. Shared taxis (gele-gele) are even cheaper but can be crowded. Many attractions are within walking distance of Arch 22, including Albert Market and the Lome. For trips outside Banjul, you can catch ferries to other parts of the country from the ferry terminal.

Where to Stay

Central Banjul near Arch 22
Gambia area
Gambia
Gambia
Gambia
Serekunda

Food & Dining

The area around Arch 22 offers a mix of street food vendors, local restaurants, and small cafes serving authentic Gambian cuisine. Try the numerous food stalls near Albert Market for budget-friendly local dishes like thieboudienne, yassa, and fresh grilled fish. For sit-down dining, head to nearby restaurants offering both Gambian and international cuisine. Don't miss trying attaya (traditional tea ceremony) at local tea stalls. Most international dining options are found in the tourist areas of Gambia and Gambia, about 30 minutes from central Banjul.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Banjul

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

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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 Arch 22 and Banjul is during the dry season from November to May, when temperatures are more comfortable and there's virtually no rainfall. December to February offers the coolest temperatures and is peak tourist season. March to May can be quite hot but still pleasant for sightseeing. The rainy season (June to October) brings high humidity and frequent downpours, though temperatures are slightly cooler. For the best experience climbing Arch 22, visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat and enjoy optimal lighting for photography.

Insider Tips

Bring a hat and sunscreen when climbing Arch 22 as there's little shade and the metal structure can get very hot
Combine your visit to Arch 22 with the nearby Albert Market and Lome to make the most of your time in central Banjul
Ask permission before photographing people at markets or on the streets, and consider offering a small tip for posed photos

Activities in Arch 22