Gabon

Cost of living

What a month costs

Libreville imports almost everything, which makes it one of the most expensive cities in Africa. Groceries, wine and Western goods carry steep markups, though local fish and street food stay cheap.

The scores

How it rates for a moving family

See and do

Top 10 in Libreville

1. Église Saint-Michel de NkemboA landmark church famous for its 31 hand-carved wooden columns telling biblical scenes.
2. Cathédrale Sainte-MarieThe main Catholic cathedral and a fixture of the old city.
3. Musée National du GabonThe national museum, strong on Gabonese masks, reliquary figures and Fang art.
4. Marché du Mont-BouëtThe sprawling central market, chaotic and colourful, good for produce, cloth and street food.
5. Bord de MerThe seafront boulevard where locals stroll, jog and gather at sunset.
6. La SablièreA cleaner northern beach stretch popular with families at the weekend.
7. Boulevard Triomphal Omar BongoThe ceremonial avenue lined with government buildings and the Léon Mba memorial.
8. Arboretum de SibangA pocket of protected rainforest inside the city, good for a short nature walk.
9. Palais PrésidentielThe imposing presidential palace on the seafront, worth a look from the outside.

Where to go

Weekend escapes

1. Pointe DenisA sandy peninsula across the Komo estuary, a short boat ride away, popular for weekend beaches and lodges.
2. Cap EstériasA fishing village about 30km north with rocky coves and fresh seafood.
3. Pongara National ParkMangroves, empty beaches and leatherback turtle nesting near Pointe Denis.
4. Akanda National ParkMangrove creeks and birdlife just north of the city, easy to reach by boat.
5. LambarénéAlbert Schweitzer's historic hospital on the Ogooué River, a long day south of the capital.

Restaurants

Where to eat

1. Le Phare du LargeA long-running waterfront table known for grilled captain fish and cold Régab beer.
2. Radisson Blu Okoumé PalaceSeafront hotel on Bord de Mer with dependable international dining and a poolside terrace.
3. Nomad HotelThe former Méridien Re-Ndama, a reliable business-hotel restaurant near the sea.