The 10 things to do in Douala • Wanderlix

Visit Douala: what are the best things to do and to see in this great city of Cameroon, with multiple assets?

You're on your way to Cameroon? Do not miss discovering and visiting Douala, the second largest city in the country, after its capital Yaoundé.

With more than three million inhabitants, this city with a large ethnic brewing is full of energy. Very popular with business travellers, because of its intense economic activity, it is also a tourist destination that has the wind in the stern. In perpetual movement, animated day and night, it hides magnificent treasures, which come to mislead the stay of anyone going to meet him.

Don’t wait to discover this incredible multicultural metropolis. Are you wondering what to do in Douala? Then follow the guide!

1. The Centenary Temple

If there is something not to be missed by visiting Douala, it is the Temple of the Centenary. This church was built in the 19th century to commemorate the hundredth anniversary of the first Christian church in Cameroon. Located in the bouillonnant neighborhood Akwa , you will be charmed by its bright whiteness and its green roof.

2. New Liberty

Nothing more representative of the identity of Douala than the monument of New Liberty. In 1996, the visual artist, Joseph Francis Sumégné imagined a gigantic statue, made of metal objects of recovery.

Inaugurated in 2007, and subject to great controversy and controversy, it is now an integral part of the city's heritage. With her 12 meters high , his 5 meters wide and its total mass 8 tons , she's absolutely impressive!

If you are looking for what to do in Douala, no doubt, come and admire this incredible statue that you will find in the middle of the Deido roundabout the most frequented in Douala.

3. La Cathédrale Saint-Pierre et Saint-Paul

Head to the neighbourhood limit Akwa and Bonanjo , to visit the incredible Cathedral of Saint Peter and Saint Paul. This huge white building was built by the French spiritans on the ruins of the first Catholic building in Douala in 1933.

Today, the cathedral is the seat of the metropolitan ecclesiastical province of the city, and a must-see in Douala.

4. The palace of former kings Bell (Pagoda)

Among the impossible to do in Douala, you will find the Palace of Kings Bell, residence of the dynasty of the same name. It was built in 1905, during the German period, by Auguste Manga Ndoumbé.

Located in the heart of the administrative district Bonanjo , the building is more commonly called "Pagoda". The reason? His particular Asian-style architecture, which inspired the French writer Louis Ferdinand (also known as Céline) in his novel “Travel at the end of the night”, and that nicknamed the building.

A true architectural gem of the city, this building is to be seen absolutely if you come to visit Douala!

5. The National Maritime Museum

To have a magnificent and renowned museum, it is a rule to which no metropolis is to be derogated! And Douala is no exception with his national maritime museum.

Located in the district Bonanjo , this fabulous boat-shaped museum, houses a collection of art objects of all kinds. You will learn a lot of information about the history of coastal peoples, the negligible trade, the German and British colonization and the post-colonial era.

The permanent collection is spread over 3 floors and more than 400 m2 . The museum also offers two attractions not to be missed: a marine navigation simulation and a 3D storm case. At the end of your visit, head to the roof of the museum to admire the incredible view of the city.

6. Markets

You can’t visit Douala without visiting one of the many markets that the city offers. Among the best known, Sandaga market and its colored stalls, from which an exotic fragrance emerges. You will find fruits and vegetables of all kinds, fragrant spices, or colourful clothing, with geometric and ethnic prints.

In another style, don't miss a tour either Flower Market from Douala. This gigantic complex is home to hundreds of stands, giving you a sense of total change.

There you will find many varieties of fresh flowers, of course, but also beautiful African masks, ethnic jewelry, and batiks, traditional clothing. This is also the opportunity to enjoy a delicious grilled fish or delicious fried bananas, the local specialty!

7. L’espace Doual’Art

Are you wondering what to do in Douala? So don't look anymore, and head to the famous Doual’art space. This centre dedicated to contemporary art was founded by Marilyn Douala Bell and Didier Schaub in 1991.

It is in fact an association intended to support contemporary artistic production in Cameroon. Thus, thanks to exhibitions, workshops and all kinds of events, the association accompanies and supports artists of all nationality who are interested in urban issues.

8. The MAM Gallery

You will have understood that contemporary art is at the centre of the concerns of the city of Douala. And the MAM Gallery is a talking example. This gallery 300 m2 exhibits paintings, photos and various works by renowned artists. She also organizes meetings with these, for the most passionate.

9. Nightlife

If you're looking for what to do in Douala, know that in the evening, the city vibrates at the rhythm of music throughout the week. And when the weekend arrives, the nightlife beats up!

Head to the neighborhoods Bonanjo , Deidi , Bonapriso or Akwa , where lively bars line the streets, and offer a lot of different atmospheres. And to dance until the end of the night, there are no less than 20 discotheques in the city! Dance and party lover, you're gonna be happy!

10. Attend the traditional Sawa Festival

The Sawa people (which means "coast") is a name that refers to the peoples of the coast: the Douala, the Bassas, the Bakokos, the Batanga and the Yabassi. Each first week of the month of December takes place their great traditional feast.

For these peoples, it is a time when they can communicate with the ancestors, during a great ritual ceremony. The legend tells us that these ancestors would live in the water, and bring protection to all who celebrate them.

During this period, the rejoicing goes well. This is a time not to miss if you have the opportunity to visit Douala during this period.

How to get to Douala?

By plane from France

You dream of visiting Douala? To get there, it’s very simple! From Paris Air France offers direct flights to Douala with an average duration of 6:45 . Other companies also offer flights, often with a stopover. To get the best prices according to your dates, go to our favorite flight comparison: Skyscanner .

Join the city centre from the airport

Douala International Airport is located approximately 7 km the city centre of Douala. Once you arrive at the airport, you can reach the centre of Douala by car, for rent on site. Find out more about your hotel, because some hotels in the city offer shuttles between their hotel and the airport!

The most common solution is to take a taxi, which will take you to the city centre in about 15 minutes. Prices range around 3,500 XAF (or approximately 5,30 € ).

Where to stay in Douala?

If you choose to visit Douala, find accommodation will not pose any difficulties, given the number of establishments the city offers. We advise you to conduct a search on a Compare hotels online, which will allow you to find the best offers at the best prices.

From the luxury hotel to the small guest house, passing through famous hotel chains or a homestay, a full range of choices are available to you! You can also opt for the option Airbnb , for a stay in all autonomy.