Ouagadougou Centre, Burkina Faso Travel Guide
The Grand Marché is a sensory overload and a hub of daily life, reflecting the city's commercial pulse. It offers everything from colorful textiles plus artisan goods to fresh food and electronics.
The Grande Mosquée de Ouagadougou serves as a significant religious landmark with impressive modern architecture. The Cathédrale de Ouagadougou, a large red-brick Roman Catholic cathedral, showcases colonial-era religious architecture.
Centre Ville with colonial-era architecture. Koulouba for older government buildings.
Grande Mosquée and Cathédrale are prominent religious sites. Traditional shrines exist, often not publicly marked.
Parc Urbain Bangr-Weoogo: large protected forest, walking trails, small zoo, botanical garden.
Parc Urbain Bangr-Weoogo has monkeys, antelopes, birds in a city setting. Larger safaris outside the city carry security risks.
No significant archaeological sites directly within Ouagadougou.
Explore beyond the main sites for unique experiences and local favorites.
About 30 km east. Open-air gallery of granite sculptures by international artists. Check security advisories.
Archive and research center for African cinema, hosts special screenings. For film enthusiasts.
Informal eateries and traditional millet beer bars. Authentic glimpse into local social life.
Smaller, localized markets away from the Grand Marché. Intimate shopping experience plus the daily routine observation.
The Moro-Naba ceremony. Be respectful and ask permission for photos.
The current security situation significantly limits access to emerging tourist destinations beyond the capital.
A site dedicated to national heroes, reflecting the country's past.
Features a large monument, a civic focal point.
A public garden in the city center, a small green respite.
When visiting any market or public area, keep your valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings.
Ouagadougou's landscape is largely flat, meaning there are no elevated scenic viewpoints. The beauty often lies in the open skies and the resilient savanna landscape beyond the city.
For cultural sites, engaging a local guide helps you gain insights and can enhance your security. Weekday mornings are usually quieter for museums.
Manega Museum (about 50 km north) and other out-of-city attractions can be interesting, but travelers must check current security advisories before planning any trips outside the capital.
Cultural centers frequently host temporary art exhibits, concerts, dance performances, and film screenings. Check their schedules upon arrival for current offerings.
Parc Urbain Bangr-Weoogo is a substantial protected forest within the city limits. It offers walking trails, a small zoo, a botanical garden, and a sacred forest.
Archaeological sites or ruins are not within Ouagadougou. The city's history focuses on its role as a Mossi kingdom main city and a colonial administrative center.
Plan your visits to attractions and seeing the sights efficiently using these trusted platforms.
For booking admission to various attractions and tours in Ouagadougou. Visit GetYourGuide.
Find and book hotels through various budgets and types for your stay. Explore Booking.com.
Discover apartments and houses for longer stays or group travel. Check options on Vrbo.
Accommodation booking site with a strong presence in Asia. Find diverse options.
Visit AgodaInternational hotel chain for a consistent experience and loyalty program benefits.
Explore IHGSpecialist for budget accommodation, including hostels and guesthouses.
Find HostelsHouse and pet sitting exchange platform for all-encompassing, local experiences.
Learn MoreA comprehensive travel site for flights, hotels, and offers.
Visit ExpediaOuagadougou International Airport (OUA) is the main entry point, serving flights from several West African and European cities.
Collective taxis, known as "collective taxis" or "bushes," are a common way to travel within the city. They follow fixed routes.
Always be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas like markets.
For any go outside the capital, always consult official government travel warnings for Burkina Faso.
French is the official language. Learning a few basic phrases will greatly assist your interactions with locals.
The local currency is the West African CFA Franc (XOF). Cash is king for most transactions, especially at markets and little restaurants.
Consult your doctor regarding vaccinations (Yellow Fever is mandatory) and malaria prophylaxis before your trip.
Carry insect repellent and dress in light, long clothing for mosquito protection.
Ouagadougou has a hot semi-arid climate. Dress in light, breathable fabrics, and wear a hat and sunglasses for sun protection.
Consider respectful attire, especially when visiting religious sites.
Local SIM cards are readily available for mobile phones. Internet access is available at most hotels and in many cafes.
Consider a portable power bank for on-the-go charging.
Call 17
Call 18
Call 20 (SAMU - Service d'Aide Médicale Urgente)
