Things To Do
in Fish Town

Fish Town is a small, welcoming town in southeastern Liberia that serves as the administrative center of River Gee County. Surrounded by lush riverine scenery and farmland, it offers a glimpse into rural Liberian life and trade. The town acts as a hub for markets, fishing communities, and regional transport routes to Monrovia and coastal towns.

Visitors are drawn by warm hospitality, vibrant markets, and nearby natural landscapes.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Fish Town
morning
:

Arrive at Roberts International Airport and take a scenic drive to Fish Town, soaking in the lush landscapes of Liberia. Check in at a local guesthouse and refresh after your journey. Enjoy a traditional Liberian breakfast at a nearby restaurant, sampling dishes like cassava bread and palm butter.

afternoon
:

Explore the vibrant local market filled with handmade crafts and fresh produce. Engage with local vendors and learn about their daily lives and traditions. Don't forget to purchase some souvenirs to remind you of your visit.

evening
:

As the sun sets, take a leisurely stroll along the coastline to witness the breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. Dine at a beachside shack, savoring rich seafood dishes like grilled fish and jollof rice. Wrap up your evening by listening to local drumming and storytelling around a bonfire.

day 2
Cultural Immersion
morning
:

Visit the historical sites around Fish Town, starting with the local museum that showcases the rich heritage of the area. Speak with the curator who can share fascinating stories about the town's history. Enjoy a guided tour through the traditional neighborhoods, immersing yourself in the local culture.

afternoon
:

Head to a community-led workshop where artisans demonstrate traditional skills such as wood carving and weaving. Participate in a craft session to create your own piece to take home. Take a break at a local café, enjoying fresh juice from exotic fruits.

evening
:

Participate in a cultural dance night held by the community, where you can mingle with locals and learn traditional dance moves. Indulge in a buffet dinner featuring local specialties, providing you with a taste of Liberian hospitality. End the night reflecting on the deep connection forged with the local culture.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$5-8
Coffee/tea at cafe$1-2
🚗Local transit ride$0.50-2
🛏️1 night in budget hotel$20-40
💧Bottle of water (1.5L)$0.50-1

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Warm, welcoming people and strong sense of community
  • Authentic riverine landscapes and market culture
  • Affordable travel and straightforward, off-the-beaten-path experiences
  • Opportunities to learn about traditional livelihoods and local crafts
  • Limited infrastructure outside major towns and Monrovia
  • Healthcare access can be sparse in remote areas
  • Road conditions can be rough and weather-dependent
  • Nightlife and tourism facilities are modest compared with bigger cities
  • "Helo" - Hello
  • "Plis" - Please
  • "Tank yu" - Thank you
  • "Wetin be yu name?" - What is your name?
  • "Mi name na [Your Name]" - My name is [Your Name]
  • "How you dey?" - How are you?
  • "Yu fit help me?" - Can you help me?
  • "Wia toilet de?" - Where is the bathroom?
  • "No palava" - No problem
  • "Bye-bye" - Goodbye

Places to Visit in Fish Town

Visit one of these nice places.

Sunrise over the riverfront jetty

Golden light reflecting off calm water near the town’s edge; fishermen launching boats provides evocative silhouettes.

Fish Town Central Market

Colorful stalls, baskets, and bustling activity offering vibrant textures and street-life scenes.

Riverbank at dusk

Silhouettes of palm trees, passing boats, and soft evening reflections create tranquil compositions.

Culinary Guide

Food in Fish Town

Liberian cuisine centers on seafood, palm oil, cassava, and rice, with coastal and inland influences creating hearty, rustic flavors.

Fish Town Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Palm butter soup with fufu

A rich palm-nut sauce served with fufu or rice, a staple comfort dish in many Liberian households.

Must-Try!

Groundnut (peanut) soup

Creamy peanut soup often prepared with fish or meat and served with rice or fufu.

Jollof rice

One-pot tomato-infused rice with peppers and spices, a popular crowd-pleaser.

Cassava leaf stew

Tender cassava leaves cooked with palm oil and vegetables; can be made vegetarian-friendly.

Fufu with light soup

Starchy dough served with a light, flavorful soup.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Fish Town Central Market

Bustling stalls with fresh fish, yams, cassava, peppers, and palm oil; a great place to taste casual snacks.

Riverfront street vendors

Roasted plantains, fried fish, cassava snacks, and other quick bites along the waterfront.

Cassava bread stalls

Small stands selling freshly baked cassava bread and other starch-based snacks.

Climate Guide

Weather

Liberia has a tropical climate with high humidity and warm temperatures year-round. Expect hot days with warm nights, and distinct wet and dry seasons. Coastal areas are frequently humid, while inland areas experience more pronounced wet-season rainfall and occasional flooding in rural roads during heavy rains.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings and respect

Greet elders with a polite hello or handshake; use respectful language when addressing community members.

Photography etiquette

Ask permission before photographing people or private spaces; some individuals prefer not to be pictured.

Dress and behavior

Dress modestly, especially in markets and religious sites; avoid loud, disruptive behavior in public spaces.

Safety Guide

Safety

Exercise standard travel caution: stay aware of petty theft in markets, travel with a buddy or guide for unfamiliar areas, and use reputable transport. Malaria risk exists; use insect repellent, sleep under a net, and take preventive medications as advised by health professionals. Ensure access to bottled water and confirm route conditions before long trips; have local emergency contacts handy.

Tipping in Fish Town

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is common for good service: 5–10% at restaurants, small tips for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are appreciated.

Payment Methods

Cash in USD or Liberian dollars is widely accepted; credit cards are not yet common in many venues outside Monrovia.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Dry season

Nov–Apr: Sunny, hot days with lower humidity; roads are drier and easier to navigate, but dust can be a factor. Great for outdoor activities and photography in bright light.

Rainy season

May–Oct: Frequent afternoon showers and high humidity; lush greenery and active wildlife. Roads can be muddy and services may be slower, so plan with a bit more flexibility.

Nightlife Guide

Fish Town at Night

Fish Town’s nightlife is modest and relaxed, centered around lodges and local bars. Expect casual socializing, occasional live music or community gatherings, and conversations with locals over beer (such as local or imported options). It’s not a party-driven scene, but evenings offer a chance to experience authentic local hospitality and music in a low-key setting.

Hiking in Fish Town

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Forest edge trails near River Gee

Accessible, gentle trails suitable for day hikes and nature photography, with opportunities to observe birds and flora.

Riverbank viewpoints

Short routes along the river offering scenic overlooks and sunset views.

Airports

How to reach Fish Town by plane.

Roberts International Airport (ROB)

Liberia’s main international gateway near Monrovia; connect to major international destinations and then travel by road to Fish Town.

Monrovia Spriggs Payne Airport (MLW)

Domestic airport offering regional flights; useful for shorter hops within Liberia or to nearby countries, depending on availability.

Getting Around

Walkability

Fish Town is walkable in the core town area, especially around the market and riverfront. Some streets are unpaved and may be uneven or dusty, so a light pair of hiking shoes helps. For longer distances or excursions to nearby villages, local taxis or arranged guides are common and practical.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Grebo and Kpelle communities

River Gee County hosts a mix of ethnic groups, including Grebo and Kpelle communities, with diverse languages and cultural practices.

Migrant labor and rural families

A blend of long-standing families and seasonal workers associated with farming, fishing, and local trade.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

The most popular sport across Liberia, with local matches and informal play in communities and towns.

Basketball

A common pastime in towns and schools, with community courts and pickup games.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is generally light to moderate within town centers, with rough road surfaces outside main routes and limited public transit options. When traveling between towns, be prepared for informal pace, potholes, and variable road conditions—local guides or drivers are valuable for navigating safely.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Fish Town.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian travelers can enjoy cassava leaves (without meat), peanut soups, bean-based stews, rice, yams, and plantains. Ask for oil from palm or groundnut to avoid meat sauces; confirm stock/broth is vegetarian.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare facilities are concentrated in Monrovia and larger regional towns; in Fish Town, expect smaller clinics or health posts and a nearby regional hospital if travel is required. Carry a basic medical kit, any regular medications, and travel insurance that includes emergency evacuation if needed.

Discover Liberia

Read more in our Liberia 2025 Travel Guide.

Liberia Travel Guide