Most hotels and restaurants serve French and continental-style food and are expensive. Gabonese food is distinctive and delicious, but not always readily available, as most restaurants serve Senegalese, Cameroonian and Congolese food. European food is also served.

National specialities:
• Braised fish (bass and red fish).
• Nyembwé.
• Manioc leaves.
• Bouillon de poisson (fish stew).

Tipping: 10 to 15% unless service is included in the bill.

There are nightclubs in Libreville with music and bars. Food is often served, although this can be expensive. The African quarter of Libreville is full of fairly cheap places to eat and drink. There are also casinos at several hotels.

In Libreville, there are two bustling markets at Akebe-Plaine, Nkembo and Mon-Bouet. Stone carvings can be bought on the outskirts of both, fashioned by a group of carvers who have adapted traditional skills for the tourist market. Crafts from local villages can also be bought from stalls in the streets or from the villagers themselves. African (Fang) mask carvings, figurines, clay pots and traditional musical instruments can also be bought.

Shopping hours: Mon-Sat 0800-1200 and 1500-1900. Some shops close Monday.