Things to Do in Ouagadougou

Musée de la Musique

Inside the clay-walled compound you SEE koras and balafons hanging like sculpture, HEAR Mossi court music from overhead speakers, and SMELL beeswax on wood. Guides let you pluck strings so you FEEL the thrum travel through the gourd. Afterward you TASTE sweet bangui palm wine poured in the courtyard.

Village Artisanal de Ouaga

A warren of open workshops where smiths hammer brass in flickering forges, sending charcoal smoke up against a sky that feels close enough to touch. You HEAR the cling-clang of anvils, SEE sparks pop like fireflies, and FEEL heat when bellows open. Leatherworkers offer TASTES of tamarind juice to cut the metallic dust on your lips.

FESPACO film screenings (late Feb, odd years)

Africa's biggest film festival turns every outdoor wall into a screen. You sit on woven mats, SMELL popcorn in shea butter, and HEAR dialogue in Wolof or Amharic while crickets chirp. Between showings directors sip Flag beers under neem trees and debate shots with students - intimate magic for a continent-wide event.

Grande Mosquée and Marché de Rood Woko

The mosque's white minaret rises above a market grid where you SMELL dried hibiscus and curing hides in neighboring aisles. Inside, vendors fan chilies that make you sneeze while amplified prayer rolls overhead - a soundtrack you FEEL in your ribs. Try toasted sesame brittle. It TASTES like Sahel nougat, smoky from the brazier.

Lac du barrage de Ouaga

This dam lake on the city's edge surprises with pink flamingos in January and fishermen slapping paddles that fling silver into sunrise. You FEEL dew on reeds, HEAR pied kingfishers rattle, and TASTE grilled capitaine straight from nets - firm flesh almost smoky from acacia wood.

Gounghin - leafy embassy quarter, quiet and good for evening walks

Zone du Bois - low-key guesthouses, handy to several outdoor bars

Koulouba - hill breezes, upscale lodgings with pools

Pissy - craft markets outside your door, mid-range hotels

Kilwin - budget-friendly area near university nightlife

Ouaga 2000 - newer district, wide avenues, business hotels