Freetown is the capital and largest city of Sierra Leone, and a major port on the Atlantic Ocean. Located in the Western Area of the country on the Sierra Leone peninsula, Freetown is the hub of the nation's administrative, financial, educational, communications, cultural and economic center, as well as its main port. With a population of 1,070,200 (2006 estimate), Freetown is home to about 16% of Sierra Leone's total population

International Airport
Lungi International Airport

The main areas are:
The Airport
Downtown Freetown
Beach Areas including Aberdeen Beach

Freetown Travelogue

From 1787 the British helped freed thousands of slaves kidnapped from all over West Africa to Britain, Europe and the USA to return to Sierra Leone and settle in what they called the " Province of Freedom." The area was first settled by freed slaves sent from England around the Cotton Tree which was earlier a slave market. Disease and hostility from the indigenous population (these returned Africans or Creoles -were from all areas of Africa) nearly eliminated the first group of returnees.  This settlement was joined by other groups of freed slaves  and soon became known as Freetown. In 1792, Freetown became one of Britain's first colonies in West Africa.

Today Freetown is the largest city and also capital of Sierra Leone. It lies on the Peninsula near the Atlantic coast. Freetown hosts the third largest natural harbour in the world - Elizabeth II Quay.

Freetown is a buzzing capital and is lively by day or by night. In the main city centre and further towards the east is mainly the commercial area although more businesses today are moving towards the west to avoid overcrowding. On a busy day, Freetown echoes with the sound of hooting cars, local traders and passers-by. The west of Freetown is mainly residential and further west you will find some of the country’s most beautiful beaches.

Landmarks and Sights of Freetown

Fourah Bay College established in 1827 in Freetown and rapidly became a magnet for English-speaking Africans on the West Coast. For more than a century, it was the only European-style university in Sub-Saharan Africa. Fourah Bay College (FBC) became known as the "Athens of West Africa" due to a strong focus within its curriculum on learning Greek and Latin and because of the success of its graduates at home and abroad. In addition, FBC attracted students from all over West Africa, particularly British West Africa ( Nigeria, Gambia, and Ghana).

The markets in Freetown are colourful and can be noisy as every trader tries to capture your attention, but just like Freetown and Sierra Leone, there’s a certain charm to it.

At night, Freetown cries out through the speakers of local night clubs and bars. New York is not the only city that does not sleep! Sierra Leoneans love to have a good time and in Freetown you’re never far away from an entertainment spot.

Some of Freetown’s attractions famous structures include

The Cotton Tree,

Freetown Law Courts,

the Slave Gate and

Portuguese Steps,

St John's Maroon Church (built around 1820),

St George's Cathedral (completed in 1828),

Sierra Leone Museum,

Foulah Town Mosque (built in the 1830s) ,

Sierra Leone Museum (featuring the Ruiter Stone and original drum of Bai Bureh), Victoria Park,

creole and colonial architecture,

the lively markets and

fantastic beaches.

The landscape in Freetown is very hilly. In Freetown, you can see the sea from almost any point in the city and you are never far away from the beach!

Some of the earliest settlements can be found in the mountain villages of Regent, Bathurst, Leicester and Gloucester. From Regent you can walk through Creole villages to Charlotte falls and also climb Sugar Loaf Mountain which is on of the highest points on the peninsula. Some fascinating Creole architecture can be found in these areas as well as in downtown Freetown.

Freetown’s high humidity is somewhat relieved November through February by the Harmattan, a gentle wind flowing down from the Sahara Desert affording Freetown its coolest period of the year.