Have you booked your tickets to Cameroon? Choose the best place to stay in Douala during your stay in Cameroon’s economic capital!
Douala is Cameroon’s second largest city after its capital Yaoundé. It draws its economic influence from the port, one of the largest in Central Africa, and its large industrial zone. As a result, the city is especially popular for business travel. However, it also plays an active role in the country’s tourism revival, with must-see attractions such as the intriguing Musée Maritime, the fragrant Marché des Fleurs and the Doual’Art African art space. This bustling city is striking for the diversity of its ethnic groups. To stay in Douala is to discover a multicultural, forward-looking metropolis. From the bustling downtown area of Akwa to Bonapriso, the expatriate district, and the lively Bonanjo, home to the diplomatic corps, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to accommodation in Douala!
Akwa, the historic heart of the country
Photo credit: Wikipedia – J.Nicolas KONDA YANS
Douala’s popular downtown and the city’s most central district, Akwa is bustling with activity day and night. Street vendors, small stores, food stalls, casinos and nightclubs: the scene is set! If you’d like to take home jewelry, furniture or statues as a souvenir of your trip, Akwa is also home to Cameroon’s largest handicraft center.
Douala’s accommodation offer in this district is mostly made up of hotel rooms and Guest-houses, as well as a few notable apartments on Airbnb.
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Bonanjo, administrative center
Photo credit: Wikipedia – Mboupda Talla Roger
This district of Douala is home to the diplomatic representations of several countries, including France, as well as the headquarters of a number of major companies.
It stands out from the rest of the city for its high-rise architecture. In this part of the town, you can visit the Doual’Art space, the Palais des Rois Bell and the Maritime Museum.
Even if the accommodation on offer is a little more upmarket, staying in this part of town is still affordable. In fact, you’ll find mainly Michelin-starred hotels and spacious, fully-equipped apartments on Airbnb.
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Bonapriso, modern and chic
Photo credit: Booking
This is the European quarter where many expatriates have made their home. If you choose to stay in Douala in this quiet neighborhood, you won’t feel too out of place! The influence of the Old Continent can be seen in the perpendicular layout of the streets and the architecture of the buildings.
If you’re a shopping enthusiast, this is the district to go for, and it’s also home to Douala’s wonderful Flower Market. Most of the hotels and apartments in this district are of superior quality, and some even have swimming pools.
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Déido, young and festive
Photo credit: Wikipedia – Alessandro Aceri
Déido is the favorite spot for young people in Douala after dark. Constantly bustling, it’s quite central, being located just behind the old center of Akwa. As soon as you leave your lodgings, you’ll discover its teeming life.
If you choose this area as your accommodation in Douala, be sure to pass the Statue of New Liberty: quite an architectural curiosity!
The last piece of good news is that the apartments and hotels you’ll find in Déido are fairly inexpensive and suitable for all budgets.
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New Bell, an eventful history
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Ammonite
This district is in fact the city’s main extension. Built at the turn of the century, it was renovated and redesigned in the 1960s. It is one of the largest districts in Central Africa. With its rich history, it is today home to a resolutely multi-ethnic population formed by waves of internal migration.
New Bell is home to Douala’s central market, a meeting place par excellence for locals. In the part of the district adjoining Bonapriso, you can stay in luxury hotels and apartments.
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Bonamoussadi, residential and quiet
Photo credit: Facebook – Fun Center
This relatively out-of-the-way neighborhood consists mainly of housing estates. A traditional market is held here every day. It’s quieter than the central market. What’s more, you can stock up on fruit, vegetables and other local produce.
For a night out, a place called Fun Center offers a mix of bar, restaurant and games room, to the delight of young and old alike. Very popular with young people and families in Douala, you can enjoy these Cameroonian evenings without making a big detour from your accommodation in Douala!
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Kotto, the new town
Photo credit: Shutterstock – cyrilleyonnta
This northern district is one of Douala’s newest. Bordered on the west by the Wouri River, it was built in the 1980s. Today, it is the most successful modern urban extension in the city’s history.
Finding accommodation in Douala’s Kotto area is easy. In fact, it’s a fairly residential area where you’ll find a good number of rental apartments. Once you’ve settled in, you’ll effortlessly blend in with the city’s other residents.
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Here’s an overview if you’re looking for a place to stay in Douala.