The Atlas Obscura Guide To Freetown

12 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Freetown, Sierra Leone

Updated June 5, 2025

Unusual Attractions in Freetown

Freetown, Sierra Leone

Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary

A rehabilitation center for confiscated, orphaned, and abandoned chimpanzees.

Freetown, Sierra Leone

National Railway Museum

After Sierra Leone's railways shut down in 1974, a collection of engines and other artifacts spent decades hidden away in this old workshop—now a museum.

Freetown, Sierra Leone

Cotton Tree

The oldest of its kind in the country, this tree sits where formerly enslaved people are said to have founded the city of Freetown.

Freetown, Sierra Leone

Old Fourah Bay College

The first European-style university in western Sub-Saharan Africa.

Freetown, Sierra Leone

Old Wharf Steps

One of the oldest brick structures in Freetown.

Freetown, Sierra Leone

Saint John Maroon Church

One of the most important Krio heritage sites in the country.

Freetown, Sierra Leone

King Tom Commonwealth War Grave Cemetery

A seaside cemetery honors the Commonwealth soldiers and sailors that died in Sierra Leone during World War I and II.

Freetown, Sierra Leone

Gateway to the Old King's Yards

Tens of thousands of Africans rescued from slave ships passed through this gate before being settled in Sierra Leone.

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History & Culture 5

Slavery 3

Cemeteries 2

Churches 2

World War Ii 2

World War I 2

Freetown Leaderboard

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Recent Freetown Activity

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Stories About Freetown

Shingled roofs and shutters are typical bod os features throughout Freetown and its surrounding villages.

The Surprising Southern Roots of Sierra Leone’s Krio Homes

Freetown's Krio homes preserve an enduring legacy of resilience—but the question of how to save them looms.

by Laura Kiniry

August 24, 2023

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The Atlas Obscura Guide To Freetown

12 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Freetown, Sierra Leone

Updated June 5, 2025

Unusual Attractions in Freetown

Freetown, Sierra Leone

Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary

Freetown, Sierra Leone

National Railway Museum

Freetown, Sierra Leone

Cotton Tree

Freetown, Sierra Leone

Old Fourah Bay College

Freetown, Sierra Leone

Old Wharf Steps

Freetown, Sierra Leone

Saint John Maroon Church

Freetown, Sierra Leone

King Tom Commonwealth War Grave Cemetery

Freetown, Sierra Leone

Gateway to the Old King's Yards

Plan Your Trip

Unforgettable Experiences Nearby

Explore Freetown, Sierra Leone

Freetown Leaderboard

Places Added

Places Edited

Places Visited

Recent Freetown Activity

Stories About Freetown

The Surprising Southern Roots of Sierra Leone’s Krio Homes

Become an Atlas Obscura Member

Join our community of curious explorers.