Monrovia is the capital, and with a population of around 1.6 million (2021), also the largest city in Liberia. The city center is the image of a tropical capital, melting in the hot sun. Monrovia is a low-rise capital on the sea, lined with palm trees and paint-chipped buildings of no more than three stories. There are very few attractions in the city.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
From the harbor city's establishment in 1822 to Liberia's 1847 declaration of independence, the American Colonization Society resettled approximately 3200 former African-American and Caribbean slaves and their descendants. The city was named Monrovia in 1824 after US president James Monroe, then a prominent supporter of the colony. Approximately 29% of the Liberian population live in the 5-square-mile (13 km²) capital city. There are a number of merchants lining the streets of downtown, selling used clothes, household wares, and DVDs. Waterside market is the largest local indoor/outdoor market, with narrow walkways between busy stalls.
Taxis are plentiful and inexpensive but there have been rumors of robberies and pickpocketing in taxis. If you do take a taxi, don't take a shared taxi but rather hire one just for yourself.
1 National Museum of Liberia. Houses cultural artefacts and historical items depicting Liberia's heritage. Much looted during the long civil war it is now trying to regain stolen artifacts. Also includes exhibitions on the civil war. 2 Ducor Hotel. A former luxury hotel now abandoned but fenced and guarded. Access for tourists is possible for a small fee. Views from the roof are exceptional, especially at sunset. US$5 in 2019. Blo Degbo—Rock formation (Paynesville). A rock formation shaped like a human face (updated Sep 2020)
1 Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex. (updated Sep 2020) 2 Antoinette Tubman Stadium. (updated Sep 2020)
Dining options in Monrovia are reasonable, although anything other than Lebanese and Liberian tends to be expensive, but there are a few reasonable places. There are hundreds of "cook shops" serving Liberian fare, but if you're yearning for something other than spicy sauces and rice, consider the following (in no particular order): 1 Diana, ☏ +231 777-563-333. Great lunch spot. Great Lebanese sandwiches and falafel. (updated May 2024) The Living Room Sushi Restaurant, Tubman Boulevard (Royal Hotel, Sinkor, between 14th and 15th Streets). Expensive, especially for the mediocre sushi. Very nice, sleek atmosphere, and one could almost be in New York.
1 Paddy’s Sports Bar (At Mamba Point, along United Nations Dr), ☏ +231 77 555 4444. Luxury lounge with a patio offering beautiful views over the Atlantic. With an extensive wine list and good cocktails, it's a popular hangout spot for the local upper classes as well as tourists. Additionally, it has sportscasts via television.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
In Aug, Monrovia typically sees ~26°C daytime highs and 29 rainy days.
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