Dakar
On the hilltop in front of Dakar's iconic lighthouse, this open-air bar draws a dance-loving crowd on Friday nights, when it hosts live music jams. On…
Must-see nightlife in West Africa
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Lagos
Part of Bogobiri House, this is a lovely place for a drink (and eat) – mellow in the day and happening at night. There's an attached art gallery with…
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São Tomé
This delightful rum bar is spread across the grounds of a historic plantation house – STP needs more of this! The bar itself is nestled in the top floor,…
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Sierra Leone
A Freetown institution, Quincy's claims that it shuts 'when the last person leaves', and in their case, it's true. Come the weekend, an exuberant crowd of…
Accra
Owned by hiplife legend Reggie Rockstone. There's a lounge bar decked out with white leather sofas, an outdoor terrace and regular live music. At the…
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Accra
This stylish architect-owned cafe, bar and music venue sits in a beautifully restored building right in the heart of old Accra, just across from the sea…
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Accra
With its bright red walls, black-and-white photos, vintage postcards and outdoor wooden deck, this fab bar wouldn't look out of place in Brooklyn. Here,…
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Dakar
Head upstairs to this stylish, open-sided drinking den near the beach for well-made cocktails, delicious sharing plates (including a tangy red tuna…
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Malabo
The Aviator is a stylish new pub, all dark green walls and some outside seating. There are sports screens, very popular karaoke on Thursdays and live…
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Mindelo
Gallery space downstairs and a chilled wine bar upstairs, with lots of contemporary artwork, dark ambient lighting and cool music. A good place for a low…
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Malabo
Featuring rococo chairs, silver gilt and chandeliers, this 'cabaret lounge' is a great place to sip a cocktail and enjoy live music on weekends. There's…
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Malabo
There's a great bar here and an open-air dance floor overlooking the sea. It's always popular though entrance and drinks prices are high.
Accra
This lounge in Labone turns into a veritable nightlife highlight on weekend nights, giving local and highly talented voices a stage to perform. The vibe…
Accra
This rooftop bar sits at the summit of Alto Tower, West Africa’s tallest building. Unsurprisingly, the uncovered area outside the sleek blue-lit bar…
Accra
It’s just a restaurant and office during the week, but come Friday night this venue behind Flagstaff House transforms into a disco straight out of the…
Accra
A little slice of England in Accra, this dingy pub is the place to stop if you want an evening of playing billiards or watching live sports on the flat…
Accra
This bar is all about its outside space. Wooden seating and planks behind a long bar create a homey atmosphere – join expats and locals to sip on beers…
Accra
This popular new hangout is the epitome of rustic chic, with pallet furniture and faux street food. It has a rooftop deck overlooking Osu and is a good…
Accra
This lively bar and club keeps on going to the small hours, pumping out loud dance and hip hop. It's also a popular spot to watch premier league football.
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Sal
Buzzing beachfront spot with live music on weekends, free wi-fi, a big TV screen, and plenty of snacks when hunger strikes – fish and chips, burgers,…
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Cabo Verde
Overlooking scruffy Gamboa beach, this buzzing eating and drinking spot draws a festive crowd, particularly on Thursday through Saturday nights when there…
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Serekunda & Atlantic Coast Resorts
This nightclub is a raucous local affair, and makes a convincing claim to be the most entertaining club of all. It draws crowds on weekends (after about…
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Sierra Leone
The proud recipient of a flash new VIP room, Doha's is a popular spot to sink a cocktail or two, either in air-conditioned bliss, or at outdoor tables…
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Conakry
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…
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Rainbow Beach Bar, Restaurant & Lodge
The Gambia
This place has a perfect location for drinks, though it's often swamped with tour groups all afternoon (between noon and 5pm). Come early or around sunset…
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Sal
Run by a couple of friendly English expats, Londres offers a winning combination of tapas plates (calamari, Spanish-style meatballs, zucchini carpaccio)…
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Malabo
This Lebanese-owned place is perfect for breakfast. There's excellent coffee and delicious French croissants and pains au chocolat. Sit on the terrace and…
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Serekunda & Atlantic Coast Resorts
Reo's is a sleek but welcoming space that ticks all the boxes, with football matches playing on the big screens, a pool table for lazy afternoons, and DJ…
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Mindelo
You'll need to get your sea legs before venturing out onto this breezy floating (sometimes bobbing) dock in the marina. You'll find a few salty expats and…
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Libreville
It's all about the whisky and roots music at this impeccably dressed bar. There's a live band several times a week with a Louis Armstrong–esque lead…
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Sal
For a lively scene, it's hard to top this festive drinking and eating space one block up from the beach. There's live music most nights, and DJs heat…
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Sierra Leone
Watch the sun go down and the party people wake up on the expansive split-level terrace at Roy's, a perfect sundowner spot on Lumley Beach. It's hard to…
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Serekunda & Atlantic Coast Resorts
For a good draught beer and a solid dose of local gossip, there's no better place than this German-style beer garden. There's also a big menu of hearty…
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Dakar
One of the anchors of the Dakar club scene, Duplex draws a well-dressed crowd who come to show off their moves on the dance floor. Although it's mostly…
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Boa Vista
Near the Sal Rei waterfront, a few blocks from the plaza, this place with outdoor tables makes a fine spot for a sundowner. You can also order food …
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Rio Muni
The place to be seen in Bata, this place rocks over the weekend with its dark interior, loud music, mirrors and lasers. It's not cheap, though, with its…
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Dakar
A great option in the Plateau, Calypso has a little of everything – sports matches on the big screen, billiards tables, happy-hour specials, Belgian beers…
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Senegal
Any night out in this town starts at the pool-adorned riverside bar and restaurant Flamingo. Always packed, it's Saint-Louis' best place for live music –…
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Gabon
A smart new bar with great terrace seating on the seaside corniche, Vin/20 has a good wine list, as you'd expect from the name. There's live music from 7…
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Lomé
A nice blend of exhibition space, affordable craft and jewellery, and a vibrant restaurant-bar. There's great live music Thursday to Sunday, catering for…
