State House, Gambia - Things to Do in State House

State House

State House, Gambia - Complete Travel Guide

State House, located in Banjul, Gambia's capital city, serves as the official residence and workplace of the President of The Gambia. This colonial-era building stands as a symbol of Gambian governance and political history, situated in the heart of the city along the Gambia River. The area surrounding State House offers visitors a glimpse into the administrative center of this West African nation, with its blend of colonial architecture and modern governmental functions. While State House itself is not open for public tours due to security reasons, the surrounding Banjul area provides rich cultural experiences and historical insights. Visitors can explore the nearby attractions, government buildings, and local markets that give context to Gambia's political and social landscape. The location offers an excellent starting point for understanding Gambian history, from colonial times through independence to the present day.

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Banjul's Colonial Architecture

Walk through Banjul's historic streets to admire the colonial-era buildings that surround the State House area. Many structures date back to the British colonial period and showcase unique West African colonial architecture. The area provides excellent photography opportunities and insights into Gambia's historical development.

Booking Tip: Self-guided walks are free, but hiring a local guide costs around $15-25 per day and provides valuable historical context. Early morning or late afternoon offers the best lighting and cooler temperatures.

the National Museum

Located near State House, the National Museum houses important artifacts from Gambian history, including traditional crafts, historical documents, and cultural exhibits. The museum provides context for understanding the country's journey from colonial rule to independence. Displays include traditional musical instruments, textiles, and archaeological findings.

Booking Tip: Entry fee is approximately $2-3 for foreigners. Open Tuesday through Sunday, 9 AM to 5 PM. Allow 1-2 hours for a thorough visit and consider combining with other Banjul attractions.

Albert Market

Just a short distance from State House, Albert Market is Banjul's bustling central marketplace where locals shop for fresh produce, textiles, and traditional crafts. The market offers an authentic glimpse into daily Gambian life and excellent opportunities to purchase local souvenirs. Vendors sell everything from colorful fabrics to handmade jewelry and traditional medicines.

Booking Tip: Free to explore, but bring small denominations for purchases. Best visited in the morning when it's cooler and freshest goods are available. Bargaining is expected - start at about 50% of the asking price.

Take a Gambia River Sunset Cruise

Enjoy spectacular views of State House and Banjul's skyline from the Gambia River during a peaceful sunset cruise. These boat trips often include opportunities to spot local birdlife and dolphins while learning about the river's historical significance as a trading route. Many cruises offer traditional Gambian refreshments and live music.

Booking Tip: Tours cost $25-40 per person and typically last 2-3 hours. Book through reputable operators at your hotel or established tour companies. Evening departures around 5 PM offer the best sunset views.

Local Cuisine and Cooking Classes

Learn to prepare traditional Gambian dishes like benachin (jollof rice), domoda (peanut stew), or yassa (marinated fish or chicken). Local cooking classes often include market visits to select fresh ingredients and provide insights into Gambian food culture. Classes typically conclude with enjoying the meal you've prepared alongside local families.

Booking Tip: Cooking classes range from $30-50 per person including ingredients and meals. Book 1-2 days in advance through local cultural centers or hotels. Morning classes often include market visits for ingredient shopping.

Getting There

Banjul International Airport is located about 20 kilometers from State House in Banjul city center. Taxis from the airport cost approximately $15-20 and take 30-45 minutes depending on traffic. Many hotels offer airport transfer services for $10-25 per person. For those arriving overland, bush taxis and buses connect Banjul to other Gambian cities and neighboring Senegal, with the main transport hub at Gambia before continuing to Banjul.

Getting Around

Getting around Banjul and the State House area is best done on foot for short distances, as the city center is quite compact. Local taxis are readily available for longer journeys and cost $2-5 for most trips within the city. Shared bush taxis are cheaper at around $0.50-1 but can be crowded. Car rentals are available but not necessary for exploring central Banjul, though they're useful for day trips outside the city.

Where to Stay

Banjul City Center

Food & Dining

Banjul's dining scene centers around traditional Gambian cuisine with influences from Lebanese, Indian, and European cooking due to the diverse expatriate community. Local restaurants near State House serve authentic dishes like benachin, domoda, and fresh seafood from the Atlantic coast. Street food vendors offer affordable options like tapalapa bread, akara (bean fritters), and fresh fruit. For international cuisine, head to the tourist areas of Gambia and Gambia where you'll find Lebanese restaurants, European cafes, and Indian eateries catering to visitors and expatriates.

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?

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When to Visit

The best time to visit State House and Banjul is during the dry season from November to May, when temperatures are more comfortable and rainfall is minimal. December through February offers the coolest weather with temperatures around 24-30°C (75-86°F) and low humidity. March through May becomes hotter but still manageable. The rainy season from June to October brings high humidity, frequent downpours, and some attractions may have limited access, though the landscape becomes lush and green.

Insider Tips

Photography near State House requires discretion - avoid taking pictures directly of the building or security installations, and always ask permission when photographing people
Learn basic Wolof or Mandinka greetings as locals appreciate visitors who make an effort to speak local languages beyond English
Carry small denominations of dalasi (local currency) for market purchases and tips, as vendors often don't have change for large bills

Activities in State House