Mogadishu
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The UK Foreign Office currently advises against travel to all or parts of Somalia. This guide is for a safer time. Check the latest travel advice.
At a glance
- Country
- Somalia
- Region
- Banaadir
- Population
- 2.5 million
- Best time to go
- December to March
- Main airport
- Aden Adde International (MGQ)
- Coordinates
- 2.05°N, 45.32°E
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Overview
Mogadishu is one of the oldest trading cities on the Indian Ocean coast, a port that dealt with Arabia, Persia and India for centuries. Its old quarters keep mosques dating back to the medieval era, and the Italian colonial period left arches and boulevards behind.
Decades of conflict have taken a heavy toll, and travel here is not advised at present. This guide is written for a time when visiting is safe again.
Things to see
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Photo: AMISOM Public Information, CC0 Hamar Weyne
The oldest part of the city, a quarter of narrow lanes and coral-stone houses close to the sea.
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Photo: Unknown author Unknown author, Public domain Arba'a Rukun Mosque
One of the city's oldest mosques, founded in the thirteenth century in the historic heart of the city.
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Photo: Unknown photographer, Public domain Fakr ad-Din Mosque
A medieval mosque built of coral stone and marble, among the oldest on the East African coast.
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Photo: Welimo28, CC BY-SA 4.0 Mosque of Islamic Solidarity
The largest mosque in the Horn of Africa, a landmark of white walls and a tall minaret.
Things to do
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Photo: Khadija Isse, CC BY-SA 4.0 Lido Beach
The city's long sandy beach, lined with seafood restaurants where families gather on Friday afternoons.
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Photo: adar saqadhi, CC BY-SA 1.0 Try Somali food
Look for spiced rice with goat, flatbreads called canjeero and sweet, cardamom-scented tea.
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Photo: AMISOM Public Information, CC0 Visit the fish market
Early in the morning, the catch is landed and sold by the old port in Hamar Weyne.
Where to stay
Near the airport
Most business travellers stay in secure compounds close to the airport.
Hotels in Near the airportLido
Beachfront hotels near the seafood restaurants, for a time when the city is calmer.
Hotels in Lido
Getting around
Visitors should not move around independently; travel with trusted local fixers and drivers arranged in advance.
The airport sits on the coast just south of the centre, a short drive into town.
When to go
The cooler, drier months of December to March are the most comfortable. The main rains fall from April to June, with a shorter rainy season around October and November.
Plan your trip to Mogadishu
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.