Why visit
Bissau is a low-rise capital with Portuguese-era streets, markets, riverfront life, and access to the Bijagós Archipelago. It feels small for a national capital, which suits the country's slow travel rhythm.
How to use this result
Use it as a capital-city prompt
Bissau is useful when you want a city-level starting point in Guinea-Bissau. Check whether the capital is the best arrival city, a practical transfer point, or mainly a geography and planning reference.
Check practical trip fit
Before planning around Bissau, compare airport access, local transport, time zone, neighborhood choices, weather, safety guidance, and whether another city in Guinea-Bissau better matches the trip style.
Bissau at a glance
City population
440k
Elevation
13 m
43 ft
Time zone
UTC+0
Africa/Bissau
Airport
OXB
Osvaldo Vieira International Airport
Guinea-Bissau at a glance
Country center
12.0°, -15.0°
Coast
Has coastline
Country area
36,125 km²
13,948 mi²
Subregion
Western Africa
Currency
West African CFA franc (Fr)
XOF
Dial
+245
Languages
Portuguese, Upper Guinea Creole
Demonym
Guinea-Bissauan
Internet
.gw
UN
Member state
ISO code
GW / GNB
Where in the world
12.0° - -15.0°
Guinea-Bissau
Open in Google Maps
Click the map to open in Google Maps. Outline via svg-maps/world - CC BY 4.0
Did you know
- Bissau Velho preserves the older Portuguese-era street grid near the port.
- The city is the main departure point for trips toward the Bijagos Archipelago.
- Bissau's February carnival is the country's biggest event, mixing Portuguese and West African masking traditions.
- Guinea-Bissau's Bijagós Archipelago is a UNESCO biosphere reserve home to saltwater hippos.
- Portuguese is the official language, but Crioulo (a Portuguese-based creole) is the common lingua franca.
Bordering Guinea-Bissau
Traveler notes
- Bissau Velho keeps the older colonial street grid
- The port links onward travel to island routes
- Carnival is one of the city's most colorful annual moments
Plan checks
- Choose a neighborhood first: many capitals have tourist centers that are not the best places to stay.
- Public transport passes usually beat taxis and rideshares for multi-day visits.
Explore more
Facts last reviewed June 2026 against GeoNames and national statistics sources. See the editorial policy for how destination data is maintained.
Frequently asked about Bissau
What currency is used in Bissau?
Bissau uses the West African CFA franc (Fr), ISO code XOF.
What languages are spoken in Guinea-Bissau?
The primary languages are Portuguese and Upper Guinea Creole.
What is the international calling code for Guinea-Bissau?
The calling code is +245.
When is the best time to visit Bissau?
Nov–May. Check current weather and local events before booking.
What airport serves Bissau?
Osvaldo Vieira International Airport (IATA: OXB).
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