Bissau Traveler Essentials
- Safety rating
- 4.5/10
- Best time to visit
- The dry season from November to May offers the most pleasant weather and best access to the islands.
- Population
- 0.5M
Overview
Guinea-Bissau's sleepy riverine capital wears its faded Portuguese colonial architecture with weathered charm along the Geba estuary. It is the gateway to the pristine, wildlife-rich Bijagós Archipelago offshore.
Getting around
Shared taxis (toca-toca) and minibuses serve the town; boats and small flights reach the archipelago.
Local etiquette
Greet in Portuguese or Creole, dress modestly, and ask before photographing people, especially in traditional villages.
Safety
Bissau is fairly calm but politically fragile, so avoid gatherings, keep a low profile and watch belongings in markets and at night.