Somalia grabs attention from bold explorers thanks to untouched shorelines, old cave paintings, and lively bazaars. While safety gets better in spots such as Mogadishu or Somaliland, by 2026, it could mean easier visits to these overlooked treasures.
There are so many things to do in Somalia, such as exploring Mogadishu’s historic old town, relaxing on the white sands of the Indian Ocean, and visiting Laas Geel near Hargeisa. Immerse yourself in Somali culture, cuisine, and other cultural experiences in Somalia.
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Shahzeb Shaikh, founder of SimCorner, said, “Somalia’s unspoiled shores and old ruins show real journeys and strong communities. Hearing their lives unfold and strong survival instincts make my heart feel deeply connected to the journey.”
1. Explore Laas Geel Rock Paintings
Among the most remarkable things to do in Somalia, visiting Laas Geel near Hargeisa reveals some of Africa’s oldest rock art, dated between 9,000 and 3,000 BC. Bright images show cattle, people, and ceremonies across two dozen protected cave spots.
UNESCO says it’s key for Neolithic history, explore the rocky overhangs on foot with a guide. Mix that experience with stories from locals who know the past, opening windows into ancient ways.
Trips need security teams along, keeps things calm even though Somaliland feels pretty steady these days. Set aside around 4 to 6 hours, factoring in the 50-kilometer trip out of Hargeisa.
2. Relax at Liido Beach in Mogadishu
Beach lovers will find Liido among the most enjoyable things to do in Somalia, especially for visitors exploring things to do in Mogadishu. Liido Beach stays packed. Locals mix with visitors drawn by soft sand and ocean surf from the Indian Ocean.
Set up back when Italians ruled, it’s now a hotspot every weekend. People dive into the water while others kick around soccer balls. Grilled lobster sizzles on open fires, adding smell and flavor to the air. This popular Somalia spot has shaded sunbeds, plus food spots by the sea grilling camel skewers. Take a dip or go snorkeling where the water stays flat, enjoying that seaside feel.
While you're there, kick back near the shore. The waves are gentle, the mood relaxed. Security’s up by 86% since 2023, so now you can chill during daylight hours thanks to regular patrols. If you want fewer people around, go on a weekday.
3. Wander Bakara Market Chaos
Exploring Bakara Market ranks high among authentic things to do in Somalia, offering a raw look at daily life in one of Africa’s largest open markets.
Vendors pack stalls with spice heaps, cloth rolls, khat bundles, or sometimes weapons laid out. While some sell food, others deal in tools; each corner hums with its own rhythm.
Though chaotic, it never sleeps, drawing crowds that haggle from dawn on. Haggle over Somali frankincense or handwoven baskets while voices shout around you from every stall. This place pulls you into local culture. No filters, just real moments of everyday barter and chatter.
Head out at dawn with someone from around here, leave your expensive stuff behind. Inside this spot, you’ll see how trade pushes through after the war.
4. Visit Hargeisa’s Livestock Market
Witnessing Hargeisa’s livestock market is one of the most eye-opening things to do in Somalia for travelers curious about nomadic traditions. Hargeisa’s livestock market. Earth's biggest camel hub swaps countless goats, sheep, and camels every week.
Herders haggle beneath acacia shade on gritty ground. See herders roll in by pickup, taste warm goat milk brew, while locals chat about two-humped camels. This Somali spot quietly shares real nomadic life.
Get there by 7 a.m. to catch the busiest time, when locals trade cloth and trinkets. Hit it alongside the Central Market, just steps away. Still, it’s a lesser-known hidden gems in Somalia.
5. Discover Shanghai Old City Ruins
Walking through Mogadishu’s Shanghai Old City is among the most atmospheric things to do in Somalia, especially for history lovers seeking places to visit in Somalia beyond the usual routes.
Mogadishu’s old Shanghai district brings back a faded 1940s shine, where broken coral houses whisper stories of rich merchants past. Once-grand villas now sag under time, their owners long gone.
Ocean breezes slip through Italian-style arches, peeking at waves beyond chaotic lanes. These narrow streets? Controlled by local strongmen today. Walk the guided trails to snap pics of old wall paintings and tangled green spaces.
6. Pay Respects at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
For travelers interested in national history, visiting this memorial is one of the most reflective things to do in Somalia.
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Mogadishu remembers fighters for freedom. Its white dome and never-dying fire are set in a 1960s design. Climb up to see the whole city spread out below.
Then pause to think about how Somalia struggled toward one nation. Signs here tell stories of major fights that shaped history. A quick half-hour break, you’ll need modest clothes, it’s a touching spot for those who love the past.
7. Tour Saryan Museum Exhibits
A visit to Hargeisa’s Saryan Museum is among the most educational things to do in Somalia, especially for those following a deeper Somalia travel guide.
Small halls explore breakaway struggles mixed with gear once used by early shepherds. Old passports and pictures of ruined cities are on display - picked out by people from around here.
This gives a clear look at what Somaliland's story is really about. Getting in doesn't cost much; just 45 minutes is enough. It fits well with local cave painting tours.
8. Swim Jazeera Beach Waves
Jazeera Beach, just south of Mogadishu, has clear, shallow water that sparkles in the sun. Often listed among the best places to visit in Somalia, it’s calmer than Liido and ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and sunset walks.
Locals flock there on weekends for relaxed getaways. While kids play near the shore, parents cook fresh fish over open flames behind the sandhills; meanwhile, tourists hop on camels for a slow walk along the coast.
Less busy than Liido, this spot works well for calm swims or evening walks when the sun drops. Stories from locals bring out its ties to Italy. Head out 30 mins by car from the city, get a guard. One of the best spots in Somalia if you love sand and sea.
Less busy than Liido, so perfect for swimming without crowds or walking as the sun drops. Stories here often mention Italian ties. It takes half an hour by car - better bring a guard.
One of the best coastal spots if you're into beaches and exploring Somalia. Grab your snorkel to see bright fish in the calm, shallow water, then try a camel ride across the sand hills when the sun drops for wide-open sea sights.
9. Shop Hargeisa Central Market
Shopping here is one of the most colorful things to do in Somalia, connecting rural traders with urban life. As a highlight among places to visit in Somalia
Central Market in Hargeisa pulses with daily Somali hustle, crates of veggies here, stacks of qat there, glinting gold shops tucked between. Life flows through it, connecting herders on the move with city dwellers needing supplies.
Bargain for henna dyes or camel-hair rugs while sipping tea; women run the spice spots. Morning trips dodge the hot sun. Good light for pictures if you ask first. Close to where animals hang out, so energy feels alive.
Bargain for henna dyes or camel-hair rugs while sipping tea. Women run the spice areas, so check them out early, mornings beat the heat, plus give better photo chances if you ask first. Nearby animal markets add raw energy.
10. Admire the Mogadishu Cathedral Shell
The ruined Mogadishu Cathedral stands as one of the most striking things to do in Somalia for architecture and history fans. Built in the 1920s, it’s often mentioned among the unique Somalia tourist attractions.
Mogadishu Cathedral's broken towers hint at old Italian faith, wrecked during war. Empty walls catch the ocean wind along with graffiti marks. Near the Arba Rukun Mosque, beliefs stand side by side. Experts point to its construction in the 1920s.
11. Hike Berbera Port Trails
Berbera's old port blends Somali-Arab design with shores such as Baathela. Check out broken storage buildings or spot whales from Sandy Hills. Explore coral reefs while snorkeling - or hike across rugged volcanic slopes. This guide is key for anyone curious about Somalia’s seafaring past.
Explore coral reefs while snorkeling or hike across volcanic slopes instead. This is key info for anyone checking out Somalia’s coastal past. Get there by flying to Berbera. Longer stays work better here.
Slowly turning into a secure base for travelers. Put on tough shoes when walking over rough ground, bring lots of water just in case, or tag along on organized walks to find secret caves once used by old merchants. Since this harbor was a major halt on the Silk Road ages ago, each path you take feels soaked in history.
12. Experience the Islamic Solidarity Mosque
Mogadishu's Islamic Solidarity Mosque shines after upgrades, showing togetherness through its two tall towers. Freshly constructed, it welcomes peaceful worship inside.
Check out Friday chats or explore spaces with Islamic art inside.
People from nearby can drop by, just show some respect. Cool spot right in the middle, quiet clothes fit just right. Tops off the whole experience, really.
Best Time to Visit Somalia
From December through February, you’ll find sunny days with little rain - great for spending time outside across Somalia. The heat stays between 25 and 30°C, so it’s just right for walks along the shore or exploring trails inland.
March to May gets milder; from June through November, downpours make travel tough. Yet Somaliland stays strong all year, peace keeps it bright. Keep an eye on alerts - timing hits during events such as Eid festivities.
March to May feels cooler; when June hits, the rains start. Travel slows till November. Unlike most places, Somaliland hardly changes, with fewer hiccups overall. Check alerts now and then; good dates sometimes line up with things like Eid celebrations.
Stay Connected on Your Somali Adventure with SimCorner
Stay connected using our Somalia eSIM when you're off-grid, perfect for places like Laas Geel. Budget-friendly options let you post online, swap messages, or lock in reservations. Check out our eSIM tips for smoother trips across Somalia,
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Somalia eSIMs work in towns or along beaches.
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Somalia SIM cards that work well in the countryside areas.
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Maps, plus updates on rivers, also alert when help’s needed.
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Fuel your journey, swap sandy shores for bustling markets.
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Things to do in Somalia: FAQs
What’s worth checking out in Somalia if you’re visiting for the very first time?
Top choices? Think Laas Geel’s ancient paintings, cooling off at Liido Beach, or bartering your way through Bakara Market, one of the best places to visit in Somalia. Bring along a hometown guide; they keep things safe while sharing real stories behind Somalia's sights. You’ll bump into camel traders under acacia trees, hear prayers echo from old mosques.
Is it safe to do things to do in Somalia in 2026?
Mogadishu plus Somaliland saw attacks drop by 86% since 2023, thanks to more patrols, yet danger remains beyond cities. Stick with armed guards, skip night moves, while always reviewing warnings from Britain or America. Only stick to the regular Somalia tourist attractions.
What to do in Somalia for tourists?
Get lost in Hargeisa’s bustling markets, check out old treasures at Saryan Museum, or wander through local mosques for real flavor. Laas Geel shows ancient life; meanwhile, Berbera’s harbor brings seafaring history alive. Quiet spots across Somalia give rich experiences far from sand and surf.
What’s the ideal moment to go if you’re looking for activities in Somalia?
Winter months work best for beach time or hiking near Mogadishu - dry skies help. Skip the wet season, from June through November. In Somaliland, steady conditions let you explore anytime; that boosts your choices throughout the year.
What’s the best way to keep in touch when you’re out exploring Mogadishu?
SimCorner's eSIM gives quick internet access in the most remote regions of Somalia. Perfect for checking routes or booking trips, way better than standard roaming fees. Signal reaches busy market zones plus spots like Liido Beach; if you're heading off-grid, just toss in a backup SIM.
