Bamako
Not been yet
The UK Foreign Office currently advises against travel to all or parts of Mali. This guide is for a safer time. Check the latest travel advice.
At a glance
- Country
- Mali
- Region
- Bamako Capital District
- Population
- 2.8 million
- Best time to go
- November to February
- Main airport
- Modibo Keïta International (BKO)
- Coordinates
- 12.64°N, 8.00°W
Visited Still to go Click a pin or country to read more. Zoom with + and −, a double-click or a pinch.
Overview
Mali's capital spreads along both banks of the Niger River, a fast-growing, low-rise city of markets, mopeds and red-earth streets beneath rocky hills. It is the country's commercial and cultural heart.
Bamako has long been famous for its music, home to generations of griots, kora players and guitar stars. In calmer times it is a city to enjoy slowly, through its markets, museums and riverside evenings.
Things to see
-
Photo: Unknown photographer, CC BY-SA 2.0 National Museum of Mali
Excellent collections of textiles, masks and archaeology, set in gardens near the botanical park.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Carolinerre, CC BY-SA 4.0 Grand Marché
A huge central market where traders sell cloth, spices, crafts and traditional medicines.
-
Photo: FADI-BUREAU-FRANCE, CC BY-SA 4.0 Grand Mosque of Bamako
The city's main mosque, its twin minarets rising above the busy streets of the centre.
-
Photo: Rgaudin, Public domain The Niger River
Watch fishermen and pirogues on the wide river from the bridges or the waterfront at sunset.
Things to do
-
Photo: Michael Coghlan from Adelaide, Australia, CC BY-SA 2.0 Live music
Mali has one of Africa's richest musical traditions, and Bamako's clubs have long been its stage.
-
Shop for bogolan cloth
Look for the mud-dyed cotton fabric made in Mali, sold in markets and artisan centres.
-
Eat tiguadèguèna
Try the rich peanut sauce stew served over rice, a Malian staple.
Where to stay
ACI 2000
A newer business district with modern hotels and restaurants.
Hotels in ACI 2000Hippodrome
A lively area of bars, restaurants and guesthouses.
Hotels in Hippodrome
Getting around
Taxis are the usual way to get around; arrange a trusted driver through your accommodation.
The airport lies about 15 kilometres south of the city centre, roughly 30 minutes by car.
When to go
The cool, dry months from November to February are the most comfortable. March to May is extremely hot, and the rainy season runs from around June to September. Check the latest travel advice before making any plans.
Plan your trip to Bamako
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.