Ouagadougou Travel Guide: Things to Do & Best Time to Visit

Top things to do in Ouagadougou

Ouaga is a city of culture, crafts and music rather than grand monuments.

• FESPACO — The Pan-African Film and Television Festival, held every two years, is one of Africa’s most important cultural events.
• National Museum of Burkina Faso — Collections of masks, statues and traditional objects from the country’s many ethnic groups.
• Village Artisanal — Watch artisans at work and buy bronze castings, leatherwork, textiles and carvings.
• Bangr-Weoogo Urban Park — A large green space with walking paths, trees and wildlife in the heart of the city.
• Rood Woko Grand Marché — The central market, buzzing with traders selling cloth, food and everyday goods.
• Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception — A landmark red-brick cathedral in the city centre.
• Laongo sculpture site — An open-air gallery of granite sculptures by African and international artists, outside the city.

Best time to visit Ouagadougou

Ouagadougou has a hot semi-arid climate. The best time to visit is from November to February, during the dry season, when days are warm and sunny and evenings are more comfortable, although the harmattan wind can bring dusty skies from the Sahara.

March to May is the hottest period, with very high temperatures. The rainy season, roughly from June to September, brings storms and greener surroundings but can make some roads muddy. FESPACO usually takes place in odd-numbered years, around February or March, when the city fills with filmmakers and visitors.

Getting from the airport

Ouagadougou International Airport lies within the city, very close to the centre, so the drive to most hotels is short, usually 10 to 15 minutes depending on traffic.

Taxis are available outside the terminal; agree the fare before setting off, as meters are not generally used. Many hotels and organisations arrange airport pick-ups, which is the most convenient option, especially for evening arrivals. In town, taxis and motorbikes are the main ways to get around, and many people travel by moped.

Where to stay

Most visitors stay in central districts or in quieter residential areas with international hotels.

• City centre — Close to the market, cathedral and restaurants; convenient for short stays.
• Ouaga 2000 — A modern district in the south with large hotels, embassies and conference venues; suits business travellers.
• Koulouba and Zone du Bois — Leafy residential areas with guesthouses and restaurants; good for longer stays.

Travel tips

• Travel advice: Check your government’s latest travel advice for Burkina Faso before booking and travelling, and avoid travel outside the capital unless advised it is safe.
• Money: Cash in CFA francs is essential; cards are accepted mainly in larger hotels and some restaurants.
• Heat and health: Drink bottled water, use sun protection and seek medical advice on vaccinations and malaria prevention.
• Etiquette: Greetings matter; take time to say hello before asking for anything, and ask before photographing people.
• Language: French is used in business and administration; a few words of Mooré, such as greetings, are warmly received.