Conakry doesn’t try to please its guests, and yet, slowly, many are eventually won over by its charms. There aren’t many sights in this dusty mess of crumbling buildings, pollution, rubbish and traffic jams, but there is plenty of buzz. From the pungent fishing port of Boulbinet and the street kitchens of Coronthie to the containers-turned-shops of Taouyah, this city goes about its business noisily and with ingenuity, proud and unruffled by the visitor’s gaze.

What to do in Conakry for 24h to 48h? 

Places of Interest

Centre d’Art Acrobatique Keita Fodeba

The Centre d’Art Acrobatique Keita Fodeba is perhaps the single most amazing experience in Guinea. Every weekday morning scores of acrobats spin, twirl and flip through routines that have made them the envy of circuses the world over. As good as the acrobats are, it’s the contortionists who steal the show. When they bend themselves 180 degrees the wrong way you can only wonder if they actually have backbones or if they are in fact jellyfish.

Musée National

The Musée National has a modest collection of masks, statues and musical instruments, many of which are used in religious or mystical ceremonies.

Cathédrale Sainte-Marie

Conakry’s dwindling Christian population almost manages to fill the pews of the red and yellow Cathédrale Sainte-Marie each Sunday morning. Construction of the cathedral began in 1928 and the interior contains some rather kitsch paintings of biblical scenes. Entry is normally via the southern side door rather than the main doorway. There are no set opening hours.

Palais Mohammed V

Destroyed in a bombardment by mutinous troops in 1996, the former Palais des Nations was renovated, re-opened and re-christened the Palais Mohammed V (after the late Moroccan King). Today, as before its destruction, it is used to host high level government and international summits and is closed to the public.

Grande Mosquée

Seeing worshippers flock to Conakry’s impressive Grande Mosquée on a Friday is amazing. Built in 1984, the mosque is a striking building that accommodates up to 10,000 worshippers. Unless you’re a practising Muslim you’ll have to content yourself with admiring it from the outside.

Where to Eat?

Restaurant Îles des Joies

Our favourite restaurant in downtown Conakry, this very simple, family-run place is hidden down a dirty side-alley and, at first, looks rather uninviting, but don’t fret. The seafood served up here – which is cooked so that it’s slightly crunchy on the outside and lush and soft on the inside – is as fresh and delicious as can be.

Le Waffou

You can buy Ivorian attiéké (grated cassava) on many a Conakry street corner, but this thatch-roof eatery prepares it fresh and does it better than most. Occasional live bands at weekends.

Nightlife in Conakry!

MLS

This very chic place is in a league of its own, subtly styled in polished wood, soft fabrics, spotlighting and handmade furniture. And with a great sound system and good resident and visiting DJs to boot it’s got to be one of West Africa’s classiest clubs. There’s also a casino and lounge bar within the same complex.