Things to Do in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Ouagadougou, affectionately known as 'Ouaga,' is the vibrant capital and largest city of Burkina Faso, serving as the political, economic, and cultural heart of this West African nation. The city pulses with energy, from its bustling markets and traditional neighborhoods to its thriving arts scene and legendary music venues. As the birthplace of many renowned African musicians and home to FESPACO, Africa's largest film festival, Ouagadougou has earned its reputation as a cultural powerhouse on the continent. Despite rapid modernization, Ouagadougou maintains its authentic African character through traditional architecture, local crafts, and strong community bonds. The city offers visitors an immersive experience into Burkinabé culture, with opportunities to explore colorful markets, witness traditional ceremonies, enjoy live music performances, and engage with some of the friendliest people in West Africa. From the grand mosques and colonial-era buildings to contemporary art galleries and vibrant nightlife, Ouagadougou presents a fascinating blend of tradition and modernity.

Top Things to Do in Ouagadougou

Explore the Grand Marché Central

Dive into the sensory overload of Ouagadougou's central market, one of West Africa's most vibrant trading hubs. Browse through endless stalls selling everything from traditional textiles and handcrafted jewelry to fresh produce and local spices. The market offers an authentic glimpse into daily Burkinabé life and is perfect for purchasing souvenirs like bronze sculptures, woven baskets, and colorful fabrics.

Booking Tip: No booking required - arrive early morning (8-10 AM) for the best selection and cooler temperatures. Bring small CFA franc notes for purchases and be prepared to bargain. Expect to spend 2-3 hours exploring.

Visit Traditional Mossi Villages

Take a cultural excursion to nearby traditional villages to experience authentic Mossi culture, the predominant ethnic group in Burkina Faso. Witness traditional architecture, participate in local ceremonies if timing permits, and learn about ancient customs and crafts. These visits provide invaluable insights into rural Burkinabé life and traditional social structures.

Booking Tip: Book through local tour operators or hotels for 15,000-25,000 CFA francs per person. Best visited during dry season (November-April). Choose operators who work directly with village communities and ensure visits are respectful and beneficial to locals.

Experience Ouaga's Music Scene

Immerse yourself in the legendary music culture that has made Ouagadougou famous across Africa. Visit live music venues, attend concerts featuring local and international African artists, or explore the studios where many famous musicians record. The city's music scene spans traditional African rhythms to modern Afrobeat and reggae.

Booking Tip: Check local venues like Atelier 4 or Reemdoogo Cultural Center for evening performances. Tickets range from 2,000-10,000 CFA francs. Friday and Saturday nights offer the best selection of live performances.

Discover Local Arts and Crafts

Explore Ouagadougou's thriving arts scene by visiting local workshops where artisans create traditional bronze sculptures, leather goods, and textile art. Meet skilled craftspeople, learn about traditional techniques passed down through generations, and purchase authentic handmade items directly from the creators.

Booking Tip: Visit Village Artisanal or Laongo sculpture park (30 minutes outside city). Workshop visits are usually free, but purchases support local artists. Prices range from 5,000 CFA francs for small items to 50,000+ for larger sculptures.

Explore Historical and Religious Sites

Visit Ouagadougou's significant religious and historical landmarks including the Grand Mosque, Catholic Cathedral, and the Moro-Naba Palace where the traditional Mossi emperor still holds court. These sites showcase the city's religious diversity and rich historical heritage spanning pre-colonial kingdoms to modern independence.

Booking Tip: Most sites are free to visit, though donations are appreciated. The Moro-Naba ceremony occurs Friday mornings - arrive by 7 AM. Dress modestly for religious sites and ask permission before photographing people.

Getting There

Ouagadougou is served by Ouagadougou Airport (OUA), located about 8 kilometers from the city center. The airport receives flights from major African cities including Casablanca, Abidjan, Dakar, and Accra, as well as some European destinations like Paris. Air Burkina and other regional carriers provide connections throughout West Africa. Overland travel is possible from neighboring countries via bus or private vehicle, with good road connections to Ghana, Mali, Niger, and Côte d'Ivoire, though border crossings can be time-consuming and require proper documentation.

Getting Around

Getting around Ouagadougou is relatively easy with various transportation options. Taxis are abundant and affordable, though agree on fares beforehand as meters are rarely used - expect to pay 1,000-3,000 CFA francs for most city trips. Motorcycle taxis (zemidjans) offer a faster, cheaper alternative for short distances. Local buses and shared taxis serve major routes but can be crowded. Car rental is available from the airport and city center, though traffic can be chaotic and parking challenging. Many central attractions are within walking distance of each other, making exploration on foot feasible in cooler morning and evening hours.

Where to Stay

Zone du Bois

Centre-ville

Ouaga 2000

Cissin

Gounghin

Dassasgo

Food & Dining

Ouagadougou's dining scene reflects the city's cultural diversity, offering everything from traditional Burkinabé cuisine to international options. Street food is excellent and safe when chosen carefully - try local specialties like riz gras (rice with meat and vegetables), poulet bicyclette (free-range chicken), and fresh fruit from roadside vendors. The city center hosts numerous restaurants serving French, Lebanese, and other international cuisines, while local maquis (informal restaurants) offer authentic Burkinabé dishes in relaxed settings. Popular dining areas include Zone du Bois and the city center, where you'll find both upscale restaurants and casual eateries. Don't miss trying local beverages like bissap (hibiscus juice) and zoom-koom (millet-based drink).

When to Visit

The best time to visit Ouagadougou is during the dry season from November to April, when temperatures are more manageable and rainfall is minimal. December through February offers the most comfortable weather with cooler temperatures and low humidity, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. March and April become increasingly hot but remain dry. The rainy season (May-October) brings high humidity, frequent downpours, and challenging travel conditions, though the landscape becomes lush and green. If visiting during FESPACO film festival (held biennially in February/March), book accommodations well in advance as the city becomes extremely busy with international visitors.

Insider Tips

Learn basic French phrases as English is not widely spoken, and a few words in Mooré (local language) will be greatly appreciated by locals

Always carry cash in CFA francs as credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels, and ATMs can be unreliable

Respect local customs by dressing modestly, especially when visiting religious sites or traditional areas, and always ask permission before photographing people

Things to Do in Ouagadougou