Things to Do at Waterside Market

Waterside Market stands as one of Monrovia's most busy and bustling commercial hubs, representing the heart of local trade and culture in Liberia's capital city. Located along the Mesurado River, this expansive marketplace has served as a vital economic center for decades, where vendors from across the country converge to sell everything from fresh produce and textiles to handcrafted goods and traditional medicines. The market's strategic waterside location has historically made it a crucial point for both river and road transportation, connecting rural communities with urban consumers. The market offers visitors an authentic glimpse into daily Liberian life, where the sounds of haggling merchants, the aroma of local spices, and the colorful display of goods create an sensory experience unlike any other. Beyond commerce, Waterside Market serves as a social gathering place where news is shared, relationships are built, and cultural traditions are maintained. For travelers seeking to understand Liberian society and economy at the grassroots level, few places offer as immersive an experience as this dynamic marketplace.

Waterside Market is easily accessible from central Monrovia via taxi, shared taxi (known locally as 'money bus'), or private vehicle. The market is located near the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex and is well-known to all local drivers. From Roberts International Airport, the journey takes approximately 1 hour by taxi (cost around $25-35 USD). Within Monrovia, shared taxis cost about $0.25-0.50 USD, while private taxis range from $3-8 USD depending on your starting point. The market is also walkable from many downtown hotels, though the streets can be crowded and uneven.