Kinshasa is a vibrant and fast-paced city on the banks of the Congo River. As the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kinshasa is a hotspot for art, culture, music and entertainment. Visit the national museum and explore the cavernous market, then visit local restaurants serving some of the best food in the Congo.
Things to do in Kinshasa
See tens of thousands of ethnographic treasures at Musée National de Kinshasa. Housed in a state-of-the-art building, the museum celebrates the rich cultures and traditions of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. From masks and ceremonial costumes to beaded jewellery and wood carvings, the collection covers a huge range of categories.
Get lost in a labyrinth of stalls and alleys in Marché Central. It’s one of the biggest markets in Central Africa and is packed with everything from clothes and textiles to fruit, vegetables and rainbow-coloured spices. Don’t miss the handicraft sections for one-of-a-kind souvenirs. Hire a local guide to make the most of your visit to Marché Central.
Get up close with venomous snakes at Serpents du Congo. Local just outside the city, the family-friendly snake farm is home to hundreds of reptiles. In addition to dangerous snakes like vipers, adders and cobras, there’s a chance to hold non-venomous species like pythons.
Kinshasa is one of the best places in the country to enjoy authentic Congolese cuisine. Dine at local restaurants and order specialties like “chikwangue” fermented cassava wrapped in green banana leaves and “dongo-dongo” okra soup served with “fufu” cornmeal. Wash down your meal with an ice-cold Primus, the country’s favourite beer. A flourishing expat community means you can find excellent Italian restaurants, French patisseries and Chinese noodle houses in Kinshasa.
Getting around Kinshasa
Taxis and private drivers are the best way to get around Kinshasa. Local buses and “fula fula” shared taxis are an option but can be slow and difficult to navigate. N’djili International Airport is a 40-minute drive from the city centre.