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Kinshasa

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27 hand-picked places in 9 lists. Tick the categories you want to see on the map.

Only have a day? See 2 ready-made day plans ↓
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Tips

9 places on the map

Top 10

  1. 1

    Main avenue of the Gombe business and government district

    3 tips
    • Walk in daylight
    • Keep phone discreet
    • Ask before photographing buildings
    📷 Photos
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  2. 2

    National museum institute with Congolese art and heritage

    3 tips
    • Call ahead for opening hours
    • Bring ID
    • Ask before photographing
    📷 Photos
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  3. 3

    Vast central market full of fabric, food and crafts

    • Tip: Go early
    2 tips
    • Hide valuables
    • Bargain politely
    📷 Photos
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  4. 4

    Large modern cathedral in Lingwala

    • Tip: Dress code
    2 tips
    • Visit outside services
    • Take a taxi
    📷 Photos
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  5. 5

    Seat of the national parliament

    3 tips
    • Photography restricted
    • Do not approach guards
    • Admire from the street
    📷 Photos
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  6. 6

    Famous sanctuary for orphaned bonobos

    • Tip: Book ahead
    2 tips
    • Allow half a day
    • Follow guide rules
    📷 Photos
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  7. 7

    Riverside park and leisure area east of the city

    3 tips
    • Go on a weekend
    • Hire a driver
    • Bring water
    📷 Photos
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  8. 8

    Hill with views over the Congo River

    3 tips
    • Check access first
    • Go in daylight
    • Use a driver
    📷 Photos
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  9. 9

    Renowned art school and studios

    3 tips
    • Call ahead
    • Buy art from artists
    • Ask before photographing
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Before you go: Kinshasa tips

Transportation

  • Arrange a driver: Public transport is chaotic and hard for visitors; most travellers hire a trusted car and driver through their hotel.
  • Allow for traffic: Congestion on the Boulevard du 30 Juin and roads to N'djili Airport can be severe, so leave plenty of time.
  • Arrange airport pickup: Have your hotel or contact meet you at N'djili Airport to navigate formalities and avoid unofficial helpers.

Security

  • Check advisories: Read your government's latest travel advice before visiting and register with your embassy if possible.
  • Don't take photos casually: Photographing government buildings, police, military or the river crossings can lead to trouble; ask first.
  • Carry ID copies: Keep a copy of your passport and visa with you and the originals safe, as checks by police are common.

Saving

  • Carry clean US dollars: Dollars are widely used, but notes must be new and undamaged; keep Congolese francs for small purchases.
  • Eat local: Small local restaurants and street vendors serving grilled fish and pondu are much cheaper than expat spots in Gombe.
  • Ask for a local price: Agree prices for drivers and market goods before starting, and politely negotiate when appropriate.

Weather/Clothing

  • Expect tropical heat: Kinshasa is hot and humid all year; pack light breathable clothing and plenty of sunscreen.
  • Prepare for heavy rain: The long wet season brings intense storms, usually from about October to May; pack an umbrella and quick-dry clothes.
  • Dress smartly: Kinshasa locals take style seriously; neat, well-kept clothing goes a long way, especially for meetings and evenings.

Cultural

  • Enjoy Congolese rumba: The city is the home of rumba and soukous; catch live music in bars in Matonge and other lively neighbourhoods.
  • Try local dishes: Sample moambe chicken, pondu made from cassava leaves, fufu and grilled fish wrapped in leaves called liboke.
  • Greet properly: Take time for greetings with a handshake and a few words of French or Lingala, such as mbote, before getting down to business.

Local Hacks

  • Learn some French: French is the main language for officials and business; even basics help hugely in shops and with drivers.
  • Visit Lola ya Bonobo: The bonobo sanctuary on the city outskirts is a highlight; arrange transport there ahead of time.
  • Keep small change: Carry plenty of small denominations, as change for large notes is often unavailable.

1-day itineraries in Kinshasa

Only have a day? Each one keeps you in one area, from morning to late afternoon, with lunch nearby.

Day 1 of 2

Marché Central and around

🕘 9:30–18:00📍 6 stops

  1. 1Gare centrale
  2. 2Marché Central
  3. 3Institut des Musées Nationaux du Congo
  4. 4Cathédrale Notre-Dame du Congo
  5. 5Académie des Beaux-Arts de Kinshasa
  6. and 1 more
See the day →

Day 2 of 2

Palais du Peuple and around

🕘 9:30–15:45📍 6 stops

  1. 1Palais du Peuple
  2. 2Zoo de Kinshasa
  3. 3Grand Hôtel Kinshasa
  4. 4Boulevard du 30 Juin
  5. 5Palais de la Nation
  6. and 1 more
See the day →