Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso, is a vibrant city steeped in history and culture. From bustling markets to ancient monuments, there’s no shortage of things to do and see in this vibrant city. Here are the top 20 places to visit in Ouagadougou.
1. Grand Marché: The Grand Marché is the largest market in Ouagadougou and a great place to experience the local culture. Here you can find everything from fresh produce to traditional crafts and textiles.
2. Musée National du Burkina Faso: This museum is a great place to learn about the history and culture of Burkina Faso. It houses a large collection of artifacts, from ancient pottery to modern art.
3. Place de la Nation: This large public square is the center of Ouagadougou’s social life. It’s a great place to people watch, as well as to visit the nearby restaurants, bars, and shops.
4. Cathedral of Ouagadougou: This beautiful cathedral is the largest in the city and the seat of the Catholic Archdiocese of Ouagadougou. It’s a great place to admire the architecture and explore the grounds.
5. Monument de la Revolution: This monument commemorates the 1983 revolution that overthrew the government of Thomas Sankara. It’s a great place to learn about the history of the country and pay respect to the fallen heroes.
6. Parc Urbain de Ouaga 2000: This large park is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Here you can find lush gardens, a lake, playgrounds, and plenty of other activities.
7. Musée de Manega: This museum is dedicated to the art and culture of the Manega people, one of the largest ethnic groups in Burkina Faso. Here you can find traditional masks, jewelry, and other artifacts.
8. Laongo Sculpture Park: This outdoor sculpture park is located about 25 kilometers outside of Ouagadougou. Here you can find over 50 sculptures by some of the world’s most renowned artists.
9. Naba Koom: This ancient royal palace is one of the oldest structures in Ouagadougou. It’s a great place to learn about the history of the city and admire its beautiful architecture.
10. Musée de la Musique: This museum is dedicated to the traditional music of Burkina Faso. Here you can learn about the different instruments and their significance in the culture.
11. Stade du 4 Aout: This stadium is the home of the Burkina Faso national football team. It’s a great place to experience the local passion for the sport and cheer on the team.
12. Parc National de Nazinga: This national park is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, antelopes, and monkeys. It’s a great place to go on safari and admire the beauty of the African wilderness.
13. Musée de la Tapisserie: This museum is dedicated to the traditional tapestry of Burkina Faso. Here you can learn about the history of the craft and admire the intricate designs.
14. Centre Culturel Francophone: This cultural center is a great place to learn about the French influence on Burkina Faso. Here you can find a library, theater, and other cultural activities.
15. Monument de l’Indépendance: This monument commemorates the country’s independence from France in 1960. It’s a great place to learn about the country’s history and admire its beautiful architecture.
16. Marché des Féticheurs: This market is dedicated to the traditional art of fetishism, which is an important part of the culture of Burkina Faso. Here you can find a variety of traditional artifacts and crafts.
17. Musée de la Civilisation: This museum is dedicated to the history and culture of Burkina Faso. Here you can find a variety of artifacts, from ancient pottery to modern art.
18. Monument de la Paix: This monument commemorates the signing of the Ouagadougou Peace Accords in 2003. It’s a great place to pay respect to the fallen and learn about the history of the city.
19. Monument de l’Unité Africaine: This monument commemorates the unity of African nations. It’s a great place to learn about the history of the continent and admire its beautiful architecture.
20. Monument de l’Emancipation: This monument commemorates the abolition of slavery in Burkina Faso. It’s a great place to pay respect to the victims of slavery and learn about the history of the country.