First things first, do not forget to bring a Bathing suit, Sun cream, Insect repellent products (lotion or spray), an umbrella + rainy boots (during the rainy season Oct - March), a hat, sunglasses, on a safe note some medicines for headaches or a cold. Most importantly make sure you take all the vaccines needed to travel to Congo.

ACCOMMODATION
There is a variety of accommodations you can consider. From high standard hotels to modest ones or house renting.

If I needed to rent a place while visiting home,  I would definitely choose Restaurant Hotel La Villa Antonetti for its simple and old school decor. It is located downtown, and not far from the beach.
The restaurant's menu starts from 20.000 FCFA.

Photo by Villa Antonetti

I also like Hotel Azur a lot. Maybe it is because it reminds me of so much teenager's memories with my friends by the pool.

Some other hotels: Elais Hotel, Villa Madiba, Atlantic Palace, Palm Beach, ...

Rent
One of the best website to rent anything in Pointe-Noire is Les Marraines de Pointe-Noire . But even though there are not many offers, Airbnb can be an option.
VAC website is also a good place to find deals or any information related to moving to Congo.

EAT/DRINK
The average price for a meal + drink in a restaurant downtown is 15000 FCFA ($CAD 33.16). We do not have a gratuity culture (tips) but you still can tip the waitress/waiter. Here are few of the places I went to during my trip;

La Voile Blanche
The new trendy place that everyone talks about, I had to go there. It is perfectly located in front of the beach. I have to say that it is expensive. The burgers cost minimum 9000 FCFA and a cocktail 6000FCA. I guess the decor is included to the bill.

Le Derrick
This restaurant is firstly for the employees of the oil company Total EP, so if you are not an employee you will pay an extra 3000 FCFA per person to eat there.

Cercle Bouali
CB has a very relaxing restaurant with very reasonable prices compare to the other restaurants downtown. You can have a whole meal for 5000 FCFA only (appetizer, main, desert). You have 3 choices for the main dish, and the local drinks are 1000 FCFA.

Where to get some ice cream?

My Gelato!!!  my friend wrote a full article about that place (here). I couldn't miss going there. The ice creams are great :)

Pain de Sucre
It is a brand new café where you can take a breakfast or enjoy some ice cream.

Photo by VAC

Where to buy some bread ?
We are so frenchy in Congo, so we love bread. Best places to buy fresh bread are Downtown/ Centre-Ville (Plateau Market, Pain de sucre), Grand marché (Boulangerie Gerbe D'Or).

Any Supermarkets?
We do have supermarkets but they are expensive. You only shop there if you really need very specific products like strawberries, mozzarella, etc... One famous supermarket is Casino.
But markets are the best places to get local fruits, vegetables, any ingredients for your dishes.

P.S: Always boil tap water before drinking it or you can buy water bottles from Mayo or Cristaline.

WHAT TO DO & SEE ?
There is so much to do and see but sometimes the trail is not safe or most of the time not marked out. If you want to hike or explore make sure you have a guide.

Within the city
Go to the beach before sunset and have a fresh drink.

Photo by Rey Mangouta

Visit the train station and learn about the CFCO railway which plays a significant role in the story and the economy of the country.

Photo by David Stanley on Flickr