Libreville, Gabon 🇬🇦
#613
0.408651, 9.441884
Nomad Score:
44%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Libreville is the capital and largest city of Gabon, situated on the Atlantic Ocean. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 1.5 million. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 20 Mbps, with limited coverage outside the urban area. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 655.96 XAF; local currency is the Central African CFA franc. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; it's recommended to use bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity supply is 220V, 50Hz, with Type C/E sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Orange Gabon and Airtel Gabon are popular providers for local SIM cards. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards like Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted; local banks include UBA and EcoBank. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hotels, serviced apartments, and Airbnb; monthly rentals start around $500. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited cashless options; cash is still preferred in many places. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rentals through platforms like Jumia House are available. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options like Auberge Dorian start from $20 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | CoWork Gabon offers a comfortable environment for remote work; prices start at $150/month. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Le Café de la Gare is popular among locals and expats for working with Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Monthly meetups organized by the expat community on platforms like Facebook. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups such as 'Expats in Libreville' host regular events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | TaxiLib is a popular local ride-hailing app. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited bike rental services available; popular for short distances. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Plage de la Sablière, a popular beach location near the city. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air France and Ethiopian Airlines serve regional connections. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air France, Ethiopian Airlines, and Brussels Airlines provide international flights. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Major routes connect Libreville to surrounding towns; roads can be congested. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Libreville has a limited rail service primarily for freight. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No formal public transport passes; minibuses are common but less organized. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses connect Libreville to nearby cities like Owendo and Ntoum. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Clinique du Palais is one of the top hospitals offering various healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Libreville offers classes for all levels in a friendly environment. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Basic-Fit Libreville and Fitness First are popular gyms for fitness enthusiasts. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laverie du Gabon provides washing and drying services for clothes. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | AfroDishes and Jumia Food are popular for food delivery in the city. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Nyembwe chicken served with cassava is a local favorite. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurants like Le Sauver provide vegetarian dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | La Maison du Chocolat offers various delightful desserts and chocolates. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Libreville's Marché du Mont Bouët is a great place for local produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local platforms like Jumia Gabon offer a range of products online. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Companies like Cdiscount offer grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Les Parisiens is a lively nightlife area with bars and clubs. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Brewery La Goutte is a local producer of beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Le Vin & Le Fromage offers a selection of wines in a relaxed atmosphere. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Local street vendors sell grilled meats and yams, especially in the evening. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Places like La Falaise offer Italian cuisine popular among expats. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The National Museum of Arts and Traditions is a must-visit. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Museum of Arts is known for its exhibitions on Gabonese culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Sainte Marie Cathedral is an iconic historical site in the city. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Notre Dame de Lourdes is a significant religious landmark. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Gabonese National Day is celebrated on August 16 every year. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Quartier Louis area showcases local art and culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Palais des Congrès hosts various performances and cultural events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Marché de Libreville is a bustling market for local goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music events happen frequently at venues like Le Lounge. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Mural art can be found across the city, particularly in residential areas. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Ivoire D’or offers cooking classes that focus on Gabonese cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galerie d'Art is known for its representation of local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The former presidential palace is an example of colonial architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The tradition of Bwiti is a significant cultural element unique to Gabon. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Loango National Park, approximately 2 hours from Libreville, is known for its wildlife. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Akanda National Park is a short journey away, accessible for day trips. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The coastlines offer scenic walking paths along the beach. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Views from the Pointe Denis across the lagoon are breathtaking. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The wetlands near Akanda are perfect for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas at the beach allow for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL offers reliable international parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Citytech offers smartphone and computer repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers have table tennis tables for free use. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | French classes are available at Alliance Française. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Reine Marie José Library provides study and reading spaces. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Cultural centers like Centre Culturel Français host various events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local gaming cafes such as Gamer's Lounge provide gaming experiences. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino de Libreville is a popular entertainment option. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $80,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $60,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $168,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $120,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $3,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $240,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $200,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% on business profits. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Tax rate is 15%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | The maximum personal income tax rate is 30%. |
| 🧾 VAT | 15% Value Added Tax. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Gabon has limited CFC rules in place. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxes are based on assessed property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 6% tax on property purchases. |