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Monrovia

A capital of unique history - Liberia's sprawling seaside capital, named for a US president and founded by freed American slaves, of faded Americo-Liberian architecture, lively markets, Atlantic beaches and the resilient energy of a city rebuilding after years of turmoil.

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Illustrative image - a scene in the spirit of the place, not a photograph of it. Real photos are below.

Typeold town

WhereMontserrado

Nearest cityMonrovia

Best seasonNovember to April

Time to allowOne to two days

Getting thereThe capital, on the coast; international flights

EntryFree to explore; sites charged

Monrovia, the capital of Liberia, is a sprawling, vibrant seaside city with a genuinely unique history, for Liberia was founded in the nineteenth century as a home for freed and formerly enslaved African-Americans, and the capital was named after the US president James Monroe. This heritage lingers in the names, the star-and-stripes-inspired flag, and the faded Americo-Liberian architecture, from old churches to the crumbling former Ducor Hotel with its panoramic views. A lively, resilient city of bustling markets, Atlantic beaches and a strong musical and cultural life, rebuilding energetically in recent decades, Monrovia is a fascinating and characterful capital.

What you actually see

The Americo-Liberian heritage - the unique history and architecture.
Providence Island - the historic landing place of the settlers.
The markets - the bustling Waterside and city markets.
The beaches and Ducor - the Atlantic beaches and old hotel views.

When to go

November to April, the dry season, for the most comfortable weather, as Liberia is one of the wettest countries in the world with a long, intense rainy season; the city is hot and humid year-round. The markets, beaches and historic sites are best explored in the cooler hours, and the city's cultural and music scene is lively.

Honest expectations

As a resilient, vibrant capital with a genuinely unique history as a home for freed American slaves, bustling markets, beaches and strong culture, though, Monrovia is a fascinating and characterful introduction to Liberia.