Ouagadougou

Burkina Faso

Safety rating
3.5/10
Best time to visit
The cooler dry season from November to February is the most bearable, before the intense pre-rains heat.
Population
2.8M

Overview

Burkina Faso's flat, dusty capital is the cultural heartbeat of West Africa, famed for hosting the FESPACO film festival and SIAO craft fair. Its lively markets, music scene and artisan workshops give 'Ouaga' an unpretentious creative energy.

Top attractions

Visit the National Museum, the bustling Grand Marché, the craft village and the bronze-cast artisan workshops.

Getting around

Green taxis, motorbikes and bicycles fill the wide streets; the city is largely flat and spread out.

Airports near Ouagadougou

Ouagadougou essentials