The French founded the city of Djibouti in 1888, after they were granted the rights to settle in the area. It was the capital of French Somaliland from 1892 to 1945 and later of the French territory of the Afars and Issas (1945-1977). After Djibouti's independence, the city beacme the country's capital.

Nowadays more than 70% of the country's total population lives in the capital. Despite of this, the city is not very large and it's easy to get around in. The streets are laid out in a mathematical grid, so you won't get lost easily.

Djibouti has a small harbor where you will see dhows, small fishing boats and yachts. The city lies on the southeastern coast of the country, on an isthmus in the Gulf of Tadjoura, close from the Somalian border.

In Djibouti's old town you'll find many bazaars and souks nestled along narrow streets. In the rest of the city, the streets are wider and lined with cafés and restaurants. Djibouti features numerous exotic edifices and structures.

• The Aquarium Tropical de Djibouti shows the underwater life of the Red Sea.
• East Africa Bank is a tall building in Djibouti.
• Lagarde Park is the largest of Djibouti's public parks. It is located in the city center on a somewhat elevated area.
• Not far south of the city center is Le Marché Central, the central marketplace. It is the place to look for a mild drug called qat, freshly brought in from neighboring Ethiopia.
• Les Caisses is another interesting market.
• The Mezz Tower is a modern high-rise building.
• The Monument of Martyrs is located on the People's Palace Square. It commemorates all those who died for the freedom of Djibouti. Numerous flagpoles surround the square.
• The National Archives and Library of Djibouti is home to countless culturally important artefacts, including old coins, bartering tools, traditional artwork, ancient weaponry and pottery items.
• The People's Palace is a monument to the struggle for freedom of the Djibouti people. The monument was erected in 1984 and it was paid for by the People's Republic of China (PRC).
• The buildings around Place Menelik (Place du 27-Juin, June 27 Square) feature Moorish-inspired arches.
• The Plâteau du Serpent (Plateau of the Snake) is an elevated area that offers great views over the city.
• The Presidential Palace is the offcial residence of Djibouti's president. It sits at a prominent position overlooking the Gulf of Tadjoura. The building was the seat of the governor of French Somaliland and French Territory of the Afars and the Issas from 1884 to 1977.
• The Quartier Africain is the liveliest part of town.
• Ryad Market is located in the center of Djibouti.
• SALAAM Tower is one of Djibouti's tallest structures.
• The Théâtre des Salines was established in 1965. It is an open-air area, where events such as plays, concerts and one man shows are held.
• There are a few beaches not far from the Plâteau du Serpent, of which the ones at Doralé and Khor-Ambado are the best.

Most of the cheaper accommodation is situated in the Quartier Africain. The best place to go if you want to eat some local dishes, is the area around the souk (market). There are many small restaurants there that serve spicy, oven-baked or barbecued fish, which is the local specialty. If you brought your own tent you could camp on the islands of Maskali and Moucha, not too far out in Gulf of Tadjoura.

Djibouti ©Jon Evans

Djibouti ©Jon Evans

Djibouti ©Michael Mittleman

Djibouti ©Michael Mittleman

High rise building ©Michael Mittleman

Djibouti ©Michael Mittleman

Les Caisses Market ©Francisco Anzola