Monrovia

Monrovia is Liberia's steamy tropical capital and largest city, home to roughly 1.6 million people (2021). The low-rise city on the seafront is lined with palm trees and paint-chipped buildings rarely taller than three stories. Despite its post-civil war struggles, billboards line the streets urging citizens to pay taxes and take pride in their ascending nation. Liberians are known as extremely friendly, making the streets feel vibrant even with limited conventional attractions.

Monrovia was established in 1822 by the American Colonization Society, which resettled approximately 3,200 former African-American and Caribbean slaves and their descendants. The city was named Monrovia in 1824 after US president James Monroe. Approximately 29% of Liberia's population lives in this 5-square-mile (13 km²) capital. Street merchants sell used clothes, household wares, and DVDs throughout downtown. Waterside Market is the largest local indoor/outdoor market with narrow walkways between busy stalls.

Monrovia has a year-round hot and humid tropical climate and is considered one of the rainiest capital cities in the world, receiving over 4,600 millimeters (181 inches) of annual rainfall. Temperatures remain fairly constant year-round with a daily average of 26.4°C (79.5°F). The rainy season lasts between April and December, with July and August being the wettest months.

Roberts International Airport (IATA: RIA) is Liberia's main international gateway. The airport is described as very disorganized, so travelers should factor in extra time. Traffic between the airport and Monrovia is extremely bad, taking 2-4 hours to make the journey. Spriggs Payne Airport is the former airport but has no flights as of 2026.

Taxis are plentiful and inexpensive in Monrovia. However, there have been rumors of robberies and pickpocketing in taxis. If taking a taxi, travelers should not take a shared taxi but rather hire one just for themselves.

Budget accommodation is extremely limited. St. Teresa's Convent on Randall Street is the only hostel in the city, with beds at $10-15/night. For mid-range options, Hotel Provident in Sinkor offers simple, clean rooms popular for workshops. Moko's Guest House in Sinkor costs about $80-100 per night and includes a generous breakfast of omelette, pancakes, or fish, plus laundry services and wireless internet. The luxury Mamba Point Hotel on United Nations Dr starts at US$194 with 55 air-conditioned rooms, 24-hour electricity, and wireless internet.

Dining options in Monrovia are reasonable, though anything other than Lebanese and Liberian tends to be expensive. Hundreds of cook shops serve Liberian fare with spicy sauces and rice. Diana is a great lunch spot for Lebanese sandwiches and falafel. The Living Room Sushi Restaurant at Royal Hotel in Sinkor offers sleek atmosphere but expensive, mediocre sushi. P.A.'s Rib House near Spriggs-Payne Airfield serves pretty good American-style barbecued ribs. For Indian food, try Rangoli Restaurant at 5th Street and Tubman Boulevard. Exclusive Supermarket on Tubman Blvd at 19th Street is well-stocked with many imported goods of international standards, including spices, wine, and a small bakery. Greenland on Tubman Boulevard is the only place open on Sundays (8AM to noon). Paddy's Sports Bar at Mamba Point offers beautiful views over the Atlantic with an extensive wine list and good cocktails.

The National Museum of Liberia houses cultural artifacts and historical items depicting Liberia's heritage, much of which was looted during the civil war. The former luxury Ducor Hotel is now abandoned but fenced and guarded; tourists can access it for a small fee (US$5 in 2019) for exceptional sunset views from the roof. The Blo Degbo rock formation in Paynesville is shaped like a human face. Beach access is available at West Point. Sports facilities include the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex and Antoinette Tubman Stadium.

Careysburg is a town founded by freed slaves in 1859, about 30 minutes from Monrovia. The sleepy city and nearby townships have examples of homes and churches built in the style of the American South, set against a cool, lush landscape. The Quelu and Wulki Farms both offer accommodations with swimming pools and horseback riding.