Banjul sits on a small island at the mouth of the River Gambia, connected to the mainland by a single bridge. With a population of around 30,000, it's one of the smallest capital cities in Africa — and easily covered on foot in half a day.
What to see
Albert Market is the heart of Banjul: a sprawling, three-section market selling everything from cassava to tie-dye fabric. Go in the morning when the fish stalls are busiest. Arch 22, the 35-metre triumphal arch on Independence Drive, is climbable for a panoramic view of the city.
The Gambian National Museum on Independence Drive is small but worthwhile, with strong sections on the slave trade, colonial period and traditional Mandinka and Wolof culture.
Practical tips
The bridge into Banjul gets congested between 7-9am and 5-7pm. If you're driving, time your visit accordingly. Most visitors stay in Kololi or Bakau and come into Banjul for half a day.