Port Guide | Guinea-Bissau | Errand Stop
Bissau
Isabella Moreno | Editor
Published on 2025-12-13
Congratulations-you're about to dock in Bissau, capital of Guinea-Bissau, a port city so underappreciated it makes your previous off-the-beaten-path stops look positively mainstream. If you're stepping ashore here, you're clearly not after sanitized tourist fluff, and that's good news: Bissau doesn't do sanitized anything. Instead, you'll find charmingly crumbling colonial buildings left behind by the Portuguese, gritty yet welcoming markets that blend West African exuberance with languid southern European siestas, and locals who still cheerfully debate conspiratorial theories involving the city's famously unfinished Presidential Palace (ask around-everyone has an opinion). Practicalities first: yes, mosquitoes are a thing-bring your DEET, pop those malaria tablets, double-check those vaccinations, and pack a sense of humor for navigating limited infrastructure. Once you've ticked these boxes, kick off your urban exploration by sipping strong cafezinho in a shaded plaza downtown, or set course for Bandim Market to trade smiles and haggling attempts with women who will effortlessly outsell you. Welcome to the city that tourism forgot-but adventurous travelers will happily remember.
Guinea-Bissau has 0 Travel Advisories
Stay up to day with regional travel advisories.
Notes from the Editor
Travelers should be cautious about health precautions such as vaccinations and malaria prevention. Limited tourist infrastructure may be present, and travelers should check local guidelines and availability of amenities.
Where do cruise ships dock in Bissau?
Port Name Bissau
Country Guinea-Bissau
Region West Africa
Ship Terminal Porto de Bissau
Port Type Commercial Port
Accessibility The port is approximately 3 km from the city center, accessible by taxi or shuttle services.
What's the weather like in Bissau?
Best Season to Visit December to April
Climate Tropical wet and dry climate, with a distinct wet season and dry season.
Weather Notes The dry season is usually from November to April, making it the best time for cruising. The wet season, from May to October, can bring heavy rainfall and flooding, which may affect access.
Temperature Range 68F to 88F (20C to 31C)
High Temp 91F
Low Temp 64F
Average Temp 77F
What do I need to know about Bissau?
Language Portuguese
Currency West African CFA franc (XOF)
Card Widely Accepted 0
Population 400,000
Timezone GMT (UTC+0)
How do I get around Bissau?
Taxis and local buses are available for transit to the city center and surrounding areas.
What are The Best Things to do in Bissau?
Discover what you should do while you're in Bissau.
Experiences you can't replicate elsewhere
Carnival of Bissau
Main Streets, Bissau
Witness the vibrant and unique mix of African and Portuguese influences during Bissau's lively carnival.
Distance from Terminal: 0.4 miles
Local Cashew Nut Roasting Experience
N/A
Participate in the traditional roasting and tasting of cashew nuts, a regional specialty.
Distance from Terminal: 8 miles
Visit to Bandim Market
Av. Domingos Ramos, Bissau
Dive into local life at Guinea-Bissau's largest and bustling open-air market.
Distance from Terminal: 0.6 miles
Taste Pindjiguiti Fish Market Food
Harbor Area, Bissau
Sample fresh seafood grilled to perfection at this authentic local market.
Distance from Terminal: 0.2 miles
Adventure and Outdoor Activities
Bijagos Archipelago Exploration
N/A
Travel by boat to explore the stunning and remote Bijagos islands, where indigenous cultures thrive.
Distance from Terminal: 40 miles
Orango Island Hippo Sighting
Orango Island
Observe the rare saltwater hippos that inhabit Orango Island, a unique species to the region.
Distance from Terminal: 50 miles
Turtle Nesting Observation - Poilao Island
Poilao Island
Witness leatherback sea turtles nesting on one of Africa's most significant nesting islands.
Distance from Terminal: 60 miles
Sail Traditional Djara Boat
Port Area, Bissau
Experience sailing in a traditional Djara fishing boat, exclusive to the coastal peoples of Guinea-Bissau.
Distance from Terminal: 0.3 miles
Historical and cultural landmarks
Bissau Mosque Visit
Av. Amilcar Cabral, Bissau
Explore one of the city's prominent places of worship showcasing Islamic culture in West Africa.
Distance from Terminal: 0.7 miles
Tabanka Dance Show
Cultural Center, Bissau
Experience the traditional Tabanka dances unique to the Guinea-Bissau Creole community.
Distance from Terminal: 1 miles
Amilcar Cabral's Mausoleum
Praca dos Herois Nacionais, Bissau
Visit the resting place of the liberation hero who profoundly impacted West Africa.
Distance from Terminal: 0.8 miles
Balafon Music Session
Neighborhood Cultural Center
Attend a live performance or join a workshop of the balafon, a traditional Guinean musical instrument.
Distance from Terminal: 1.5 miles
Overnight Trips
Kansala Ancient Ruins Trip
Kansala, Gabu Region
Discover the remains of a historical Mandinka town of great significance in West Africa.
Distance from Terminal: 90 miles
Night in Rural Village Homestay
Quinara Region
Immerse yourself in village life through an unforgettable homestay experience.
Distance from Terminal: 100 miles
A Little Extra
Rice Paddy Farming Experience
Bafata Region
Engage in traditional rice farming alongside local communities, gaining insights into rural life.
Distance from Terminal: 70 miles
Colonial-era Woodwork Workshop
N/A
Learn unique traditional woodworking techniques from skilled local artisans.
Distance from Terminal: 2 miles
Craft Workshop on African Fabrics
Artisan Market, Central Bissau
Learn about and create local textiles with historic regional significance.
Distance from Terminal: 0.5 miles
Guinea-Bissau Regional Tip
Eating with right hand Meals, especially those communal or traditional, are often consumed with fingers—always use your right hand, as the left is considered inappropriate.