Djibouti City
Djibouti City stands where the Red Sea greets the Horn of Africa. Wander through the local markets to pick up unique crafts, take in the serene surroundings of the Hamoudi Mosque, and cap off your day by watching ships sail into the harbor against a backdrop of a fiery sunset.
Chapters
Local Tips
• Lake Assal visit
• Diving with whale sharks
• African and French fusion cuisine
• Market shopping
• Djiboutian culture
• Sporadic Wi-Fi availability
• Heat and humidity
• Limited tourist infrastructure
Currency: –
Festivities: –
Djibouti City Guide
Guide for 1 Day
Morning
- Start your day with a traditional Djiboutian breakfast at Le Petit Paris, known for their delicious croissants and coffee.
- Next, head to the Palmier Mosque, one of the largest mosques in East Africa, and admire its intricate architecture.
- Afterwards, take a short walk to the Fish Market and witness the hustle and bustle of local fishermen selling their catch of the day.
Midday
- Enjoy a tasty lunch at La Chaumiere, a charming French restaurant with a cozy atmosphere and great seafood dishes.
- Afterwards, visit the Ambouli Hiking Trail, a hidden gem that offers stunning views of the city and surrounding mountains.
Afternoon
- Take a 20-minute drive to the Day Forest National Park, a lush green park with hiking trails, picnic areas, and a variety of wildlife.
- Next, head to the Central Market and browse through the colorful stalls selling spices, textiles, and other unique souvenirs.
Evening
- Indulge in a savory dinner at Restaurant Saigon, an authentic Vietnamese restaurant with a cozy and intimate atmosphere.
- Afterwards, head to the trendy La Chaumiere Lounge Bar for a refreshing drink and live music.
- End your day by experiencing the local nightlife at Club 22, a popular nightclub with a lively atmosphere and great music.
Guide for 2 Days
Day 1
Morning
- Enjoy a traditional Djiboutian breakfast at Le Café de la Gare, a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
- Visit the beautiful Lac Assal, the lowest point in Africa and the saltiest lake outside of Antarctica.
- Explore the Marché Central, a bustling market selling everything from textiles to spices.
Midday
- Savor a delicious seafood lunch at Chez Loutcha, a local favorite.
- Visit the Mosquée Hamoudi, an impressive mosque with stunning architecture.
Afternoon
- Learn about Djibouti’s history and culture at the Musée National, which showcases exhibitions on the country’s geography, wildlife, and traditions.
- Take a stroll through the serene Place du 27 Juin, a peaceful park in the heart of the city.
Evening
- Experience the local nightlife at La Chaumière, a lively bar with live music and delicious cocktails.
- Savor a flavorful dinner at Restaurant La Mer Rouge, known for its tasty grilled meats and fresh seafood.
- Indulge in some sweet treats at La Pâtisserie Normande, a charming bakery serving up delectable pastries and cakes.
Day 2
Morning
- Start the day off with a caffeine boost from Café de la République, a cozy coffee shop serving up strong brews and delicious pastries.
- Explore the stunning Plage des Sables Blancs, a picturesque white sand beach perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
- Visit the Musée d’Art et d’Histoire, a museum showcasing Djiboutian art and artifacts.
Midday
- Enjoy a delicious lunch at Le Bouff’tout, a popular restaurant serving up a mix of French and African cuisine.
- Take a stroll through the colorful Marché de Port, a bustling market selling fresh produce, spices, and handcrafted goods.
Afternoon
- Visit the Cathédrale Sainte-Anne, an impressive cathedral with beautiful stained glass windows and intricate architecture.
- Explore the Vieux Quartier, the oldest district in Djibouti City with charming alleyways and historic buildings.
Evening
- Savor a tasty dinner at Restaurant Le Pelican, known for its flavorful Djiboutian dishes.
- Enjoy a refreshing drink at Le Mistral, a chic bar with a trendy vibe.
- End the night with some stargazing at the Observatoire, a unique attraction with telescopes and knowledgeable guides.
Guide for 3 Days
Day 1
Morning
- Start your day with a traditional Djiboutian breakfast at Café de la Gare, famous for its freshly baked croissants and hot coffee.
- Marvel at the impressive architecture of the Palais du Peuple, a neoclassical building that houses the National Assembly and Senate.
- Explore the bustling Central Market, where you can find a variety of spices, textiles, and local handicrafts.
Midday
- Head to Le Parisien for a mouthwatering lunch of French cuisine and fresh seafood.
- Take a leisurely stroll around the serene Héron Park, a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city.
Afternoon
- Visit the Place Ménélik, a vibrant square surrounded by colonial buildings and bustling cafes.
- Discover the ancient history of Djibouti at the Archaeological Museum, which houses a wide range of artifacts from prehistoric times to the present day.
Evening
- Savor the flavors of Djibouti at Bahai, a local restaurant that specializes in traditional East African cuisine.
- Enjoy a drink with a view at the rooftop bar of La Siesta Hotel, overlooking the city skyline.
- Experience the vibrant nightlife at Club 24, a popular spot for dancing and live music.
Day 2
Morning
- Indulge in a delicious breakfast of crepes and coffee at Café de la Paix, a charming French cafe in the heart of the city.
- Explore the stunning Lac Assal, a salt lake known for its bright blue waters and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
- Take a dip in the therapeutic hot springs of Day Forest National Park, a lush forest filled with wildlife and natural wonders.
Midday
- Enjoy a light lunch at Chez Sica, a cozy restaurant known for its fresh salads and sandwiches.
- Discover the unique architecture of Djibouti at the Mosque Hamoudi, a stunning mosque with intricate designs and beautiful mosaics.
Afternoon
- Take a boat tour of the Gulf of Tadjoura, where you can spot dolphins, whales, and other marine life.
- Visit the Stade du Ville, a modern sports stadium that hosts various events throughout the year.
Evening
- Savor the flavors of Djibouti at Le Rôti, a local restaurant that serves succulent grilled meat and fish.
- Relax with a drink at The Melting Pot, a cozy bar with a laid-back atmosphere.
- Immerse yourself in local culture at the Marché de Pêcheurs, a bustling fish market where you can sample fresh seafood and mingle with the locals.
Day 3
Morning
- Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Café de la République, a local favorite known for its delicious omelets and pastries.
- Explore the stunning Forêt du Day, a lush forest filled with exotic wildlife and natural wonders.
- Visit the Musée National, a fascinating museum that showcases the history and culture of Djibouti.
Midday
- Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Le Soleil Levant, a charming French restaurant with a cozy atmosphere and delicious cuisine.
- Discover the unique flora and fauna of Djibouti at the Jardin Botanique de Djibouti, a peaceful botanical garden filled with exotic plants and animals.
Afternoon
- Visit the Place du 27 Juin, a historic square that commemorates Djibouti’s independence from France.
- Explore the colorful Quartier 1, a lively neighborhood filled with street art, cafes, and shops.
Evening
- Savor the flavors of Djibouti at La Chaumière, a local restaurant that specializes in grilled meat and fish.
- Enjoy a drink at Le Bacardi, a popular bar known for its cocktails and live music.
- Experience the unique nightlife of Djibouti at Le Baklawa, a lively club that plays a mix of local and international music.
Guide for 5 Days
Day 1
Morning
- Start your day with a traditional breakfast of lahoh, a spongy pancake, at La Chaumiere.
- Explore the colorful stalls of the Central Market to shop for local crafts and spices.
- Visit the Hamoudi Mosque, one of the oldest mosques in Djibouti City.
Midday
- Head to Le Cafe de la Gare for a delicious lunch of fresh seafood and French-inspired dishes.
- Visit the National Museum of Djibouti, which showcases the country’s history and culture.
Afternoon
- Take a stroll along the palm-lined Boulevard de la Republique, a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
- Marvel at the stunning architecture of the Palaos Congress Palace, an iconic building in the city.
Evening
- Savor a flavorful dinner of lamb and rice at Restaurant La Chaumiere.
- Sip on a refreshing cocktail at the chic rooftop bar Sky Bar.
- Enjoy a nightcap at the lively Le Cactus Bar while listening to live music.
Day 2
Morning
- Indulge in a satisfying breakfast of ful medames, a staple dish in Djibouti, at Ali Sabieh Cafe.
- Hike to the top of Mabla Mountains for panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscape.
- Visit the Abdourahman Boreh Promenade, a seaside walkway with stunning views.
Midday
- Feast on a delicious lunch of grilled meat and vegetables at Le Copthorne Hotel Djibouti.
- Explore the Djibouti Palace Kempinski Beach, which features stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters.
Afternoon
- Visit the Presidential Palace, a grand building that serves as the official residence of the President of Djibouti.
- Explore the Grand Mosque of Djibouti, one of the largest mosques in the country.
Evening
- Savor a mouth-watering dinner of spicy chicken and rice at Chez Nous.
- Sip on a refreshing cocktail at the stylish Le Pelican Bar.
- Enjoy live music and dancing at the vibrant La Cave de Jado.
Day 3
Morning
- Start your day with a delicious breakfast of sambusa, a savory pastry, at Restaurant Asmara.
- Visit the Musee de la Femme, a museum dedicated to the achievements of women in Djibouti.
- Explore the Place Menelik, a bustling square in the heart of the city.
Midday
- Indulge in a tasty lunch of spicy fish at Restaurant Moulk.
- Visit the Djibouti Palace Kempinski Casino, where you can try your luck at the slots or table games.
Afternoon
- Take a dip in the refreshing waters of Arta Plage, a beautiful beach just a short drive from the city.
- Explore the Arta Caves, a network of underground caves with stunning rock formations.
Evening
- Savor a delicious dinner of grilled meat and vegetables at Restaurant L’Alize.
- Sip on a refreshing cocktail at the trendy Le Manhattan Bar.
- Enjoy live music and dancing at the lively La Terrasse.
Day 4
Morning
- Enjoy a hearty breakfast of baguette and cafe au lait at Le Parisien.
- Visit the Place du 27 Juin, a historic square that commemorates Djibouti’s independence.
- Explore the Marche de Port, a bustling port-side market.
Midday
- Feast on a delicious lunch of grilled seafood at Restaurant Le Neptune.
- Visit the Djibouti Palace Kempinski Spa, where you can relax and rejuvenate with a variety of treatments.
Afternoon
- Visit the Chemin de Fer de Djibouti, a historic railway that once connected Djibouti to Addis Ababa.
- Explore the Balbala Beach, a beautiful stretch of sand with clear blue waters.
Evening
- Savor a flavorful dinner of lamb and vegetables at Restaurant Le P’tit Bouchon.
- Sip on a refreshing cocktail at the stylish Le Moulin Rouge Bar.
- Enjoy live music and dancing at the vibrant Le Saxo Club.
Day 5
Morning
- Start your day with a delicious breakfast of khobz, a local bread, and laban, a yogurt drink, at Restaurant Makina.
- Visit the Place Rimbaud, a colorful square named after the French poet Arthur Rimbaud.
- Explore the La Siesta Beach, a stunning beach with crystal-clear waters.
Midday
- Indulge in a tasty lunch of grilled meat and vegetables at Restaurant La Mer Rouge.
- Visit the La Gare Centrale, a historic train station that has been beautifully restored.
Afternoon
- Explore the Goubet al-Kharab, a breathtaking salt lake with pink waters and stunning rock formations.
- Visit the La Doyenne, a historic building that once served as the residence of the French governor.
Evening
- Savor a delicious dinner of fish and vegetables at Restaurant Le Bistrot.
- Sip on a refreshing cocktail at the trendy Le Blue Whale Bar.
- Enjoy live music and dancing at the lively Le Duplex.
Guide for 1 Week
Day 1
Morning
- Start your day with a traditional Djiboutian breakfast at Le Café de la Gare, known for its delicious French pastries and coffee.
- Visit the Central Market, a bustling bazaar where you can find local crafts, spices, and textiles.
- Explore the Place du 27 Juin, a public square in the heart of the city that commemorates the country’s independence.
Midday
- Enjoy a lunch of fresh seafood at Restaurant Le Pelican, overlooking the Gulf of Tadjoura.
- Visit the Museum of Djibouti, which offers a glimpse into the country’s history and culture.
Afternoon
- Take a stroll along the Boulevard de la République, a tree-lined avenue with shops and restaurants.
- Visit the Menelik Palace, the former residence of Emperor Menelik II of Ethiopia.
Evening
- Experience the local nightlife at Le P’tit Paris, a lively bar with live music and a dance floor.
- Try some traditional Djiboutian cuisine at Restaurant La Chaumière, known for its camel meat dishes.
- Enjoy a nightcap at Le Bar des Palmiers, a rooftop bar with stunning views of the city.
Day 2
Morning
- Start your day with a breakfast of Somali-style pancakes at Restaurant L’Express.
- Visit the National Museum of Djibouti, which houses artifacts from the prehistoric to the modern era.
- Explore the Karakoram Mosque, a stunning mosque with intricate architecture.
Midday
- Enjoy a lunch of traditional Ethiopian cuisine at Restaurant Lalibela.
- Visit the Hamoudi Mosque, a famous mosque in the city.
Afternoon
- Take a boat tour of the Gulf of Tadjoura, where you can spot dolphins and whales.
- Visit the Djibouti Palace Kempinski, a luxurious hotel with a private beach.
Evening
- Dine at Restaurant Le Plateau, which offers a fusion of French and Djiboutian cuisine.
- Listen to live jazz music at Le Saxo, a cozy bar with a relaxed atmosphere.
- End your evening with a stroll along the Corniche, a picturesque seaside promenade.
Day 3
Morning
- Enjoy a breakfast of Yemeni-style bread and honey at Restaurant Aden.
- Visit the Stade du Ville, a multipurpose stadium that hosts sporting events and concerts.
- Explore the Central Bank of Djibouti, an impressive building with unique architecture.
Midday
- Have lunch at Restaurant La Chaumière, which serves fresh seafood and other local specialties.
- Visit the Cheik Osman Mosque, a beautiful mosque with a rich history.
Afternoon
- Take a tour of the Djibouti-Ambouli International Airport, one of the busiest airports in East Africa.
- Visit the Djibouti Palace Kempinski Casino, a luxury casino with slot machines and table games.
Evening
- Have dinner at Restaurant Le Pelican, which serves fresh seafood and other French specialties.
- Take a sunset cruise on the Gulf of Tadjoura, where you can enjoy stunning views of the city.
- End your evening with a drink at Le Bar des Palmiers, a rooftop bar with breathtaking views.
Day 4
Morning
- Start your day with a breakfast of French croissants and coffee at Boulangerie Patisserie Française.
- Visit the Port of Djibouti, the country’s main seaport.
- Explore the Presidential Palace, the official residence of the President of Djibouti.
Midday
- Enjoy a lunch of traditional Somali cuisine at Restaurant Djibouti.
- Visit the Abdulrahman Boreh Stadium, a modern stadium that hosts soccer matches and other events.
Afternoon
- Visit the Djibouti Free Zone, a special economic zone that promotes foreign investment and trade.
- Explore the Djibouti Telecom Building, a modern office building with a unique design.
Evening
- Dine at Restaurant Lalibela, which serves delicious Ethiopian cuisine.
- Have a drink at Le P’tit Paris, a lively bar with a great atmosphere.
- End your evening with a visit to the Gala Nightclub, one of the city’s most popular nightclubs.
Day 5
Morning
- Enjoy a breakfast of traditional Djiboutian coffee at Le Café de la Gare.
- Visit the Chamber of Commerce, a historic building with a beautiful courtyard.
- Explore the Champ de Mars, a public park with a playground and a small lake.
Midday
- Have lunch at Restaurant Le Plateau, which serves a fusion of French and Djiboutian cuisine.
- Visit the Nour Mosque, a beautiful mosque with a unique design.
Afternoon
- Take a tour of the Djibouti Ports and Free Zones Authority, which manages the country’s ports and free zones.
- Visit the Mosque of the Arch, a modern mosque with a stunning arch design.
Evening
- Dine at Restaurant Djibouti, which serves delicious Somali cuisine.
- Have a drink at Le Saxo, a cozy bar with live music.
- End your evening with a visit to the Beach Club, a popular beachfront nightclub.
Day 6
Morning
- Start your day with a breakfast of Yemeni-style bread and honey at Restaurant Aden.
- Visit the Djibouti National Assembly, the country’s legislative body.
- Explore the Place Menelik, a public square named after Emperor Menelik II of Ethiopia.
Midday
- Have lunch at Restaurant La Chaumière, which serves fresh seafood and other local specialties.
- Visit the Grand Mosque of Djibouti, the largest mosque in the country.
Afternoon
- Take a tour of the East Africa Bottling Factory, which produces Coca-Cola products for the region.
- Explore the Djibouti Palace Kempinski Shopping Arcade, a luxury shopping mall.
Evening
- Dine at Restaurant Le Pelican, which serves fresh seafood and other French specialties.
- Have a drink at Le Bar des Palmiers, a rooftop bar with stunning views of the city.
- End your evening with a visit to the Le Réveil Discothèque, a popular nightclub with a dance floor and a DJ.
Day 7
Morning
- Enjoy a breakfast of French pastries and coffee at Boulangerie Patisserie Française.
- Visit the Palais du Peuple, a modern government building with a unique design.
- Explore the Place du 27 Juin, a public square in the heart of the city that commemorates the country’s independence.
Midday
- Have lunch at Restaurant Lalibela, which serves delicious Ethiopian cuisine.
- Visit the Al Mouna Mosque, a beautiful mosque with a unique design.
Afternoon
- Take a tour of the East Africa University Djibouti Campus, a modern university with a diverse student body.
- Explore the Djibouti Palace Kempinski Beach, a private beach with crystal-clear waters.
Evening
- Dine at Restaurant Le Plateau, which serves a fusion of French and Djiboutian cuisine.
- Have a drink at Le P’tit Paris, a lively bar with a great atmosphere.
- End your evening with a visit to the Crystal Casino, a luxury casino with slot machines and table games.
Where to Stay
Coming soon for Djibouti City!
Luxury: –
Good: –
Budget: –
Hostel: –
Best Season
Coming soon for Djibouti City!