Located on a peninsula and with a population of 1.3 million, this low-slung, slightly ramshackle city doesn´t have a lot of “sights” per se but does give off a vibrant vibe in its street life, street markets, and nightlife. And there are several worthwhile museums here, foremost of which is the National Museum, which ably presents an overview of SL´s history, heritage, and culture, and showcases quite a few interesting traditional artifacts. Other more specialized institutions include the National Railway Museum and the National Peace Museum, which teaches locals and visitors alike about the terrible civil war and how to avoid conflict in the future. Go check out the Cape Sierra Lighthouse, built in 1812, but one don´t-miss is a look at what´s left of the iconic Cotton Tree, in the middle of a roundabout next to the National Museum. More than 300 years old, it remains a symbol of heritage, freedom, and perseverance, though sadly much of it was knocked down by a storm in May 2023. If you like beaches, check out 2½-mile Lumley Beach, a 20-minute drive from downtown, which especially comes alive with locals on weekends and is a nightlife hub with its bars and eateries. And finally, about 40 minutes outside town, get a load of the monkey business at the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary, protects nearly 100 chimps from hunters and poachers.
Read more in my post Why Sierra Leone Is an Up-and-Coming Destination.
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