Places / Africa / Democratic Republic Of The Congo
Kinshasa
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At a glance
- Region
- Kinshasa
- Population
- 17 million
- Best time to go
- June to September
- Main airport
- N'djili International (FIH)
- Coordinates
- 4.44°S, 15.27°E
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Overview
Kinshasa is one of Africa's largest cities, a sprawling, loud and creative capital on the banks of the Congo River, facing Brazzaville on the far shore. It's the home of Congolese rumba and a famously stylish street culture.
It isn't an easy city for visitors. Traffic is heavy, sights are spread out and petty crime is a concern, so most people arrange a trusted local driver or guide. Do that, and Kinshasa's energy and music are unforgettable.
Things to see
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Photo: Vanessawoods, Public domain Lola ya Bonobo
The world's only sanctuary for orphaned bonobos, on forested land on the city's southern edge.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Munfarid1, CC BY-SA 4.0 National Museum of the DRC
A modern museum displaying masks, statues and instruments from across the country's many cultures.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Antoine Moens de Hase, CC BY 2.0 Boulevard du 30 Juin
The broad main avenue through Gombe, named after the date of independence in 1960.
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Photo: Kitangaza.1953, CC0 Académie des Beaux-Arts
The country's leading art school, where you can often meet artists and see work in the grounds.
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Photo: fabricewonga, CC BY-SA 3.0 Zongo Falls
A powerful waterfall in green hills south-west of the city, a long but rewarding day out by road.
Things to do
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Photo: Jeanne Vu Van, CC BY-SA 4.0 Live rumba music
Hear Congolese rumba, recognised by UNESCO, played live in bars and clubs across the city.
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Photo: EdwinAlden.1995, CC BY-SA 4.0 Watch the river at sunset
Look across the wide Congo River towards Brazzaville from one of the riverside spots in Gombe.
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Photo: Max.kit, CC BY-SA 4.0 Try Congolese food
Order moambe chicken or fish cooked in leaves, with cassava and greens, at a local restaurant.
Where to stay
Gombe
The business and government district, with most international hotels and restaurants.
Hotels in GombeNgaliema
Greener and more residential to the west, with some guesthouses and embassies.
Hotels in Ngaliema
Getting around
Use a trusted driver or a car arranged by your hotel rather than public transport, and allow plenty of time for traffic.
The airport is about 25 km east of the centre; arrange a hotel pickup, as the drive can take well over an hour in traffic.
When to go
The cooler, drier months from June to September are the most comfortable. The rest of the year is hot and humid, with heavy rain storms, especially from October to May.
Plan your trip to Kinshasa
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.