What are the best things to do in Kampala?
Top picks in Kampala include Nommo Gallery, Uganda Museum, Uganda National Mosque, Bahai Temple. See the full list and itinerary on this Kampala travel guide.
Photo: Chapelle musa · CC BY-SA 4.0
Why visit Kampala
Travel guide for Kampala, Uganda — practical tips, places to visit, and planning help.
Kampala is a stop in Uganda, not a country-in-a-weekend. Plan about 4 days. If time is short, prioritise Nommo Gallery, Uganda Museum, Uganda National Mosque instead of racing the whole list. Mid-range ground costs are about 30–90 USD per person per day, excluding international flights. Best time: The dry season for the most comfortable travel. Rankings, stay length and cost bands on this page come from Global Itinerary’s trip-planning models.
Best time
The dry season for the most comfortable travel
Weather
Largely warm year-round with distinct wet and dry seasons
Experiences
Things to do in Kampala
1
Nommo Gallery
2
Uganda Museum
3
Uganda National Mosque
4
Bahai Temple
5
Kasubi tombs
6
Wamala tombs
7
Namirembe Cathedral
8
Ggaba Beach and KK Beach
Budget travel
Free things to do in Kampala
Uganda National Mosque
Bahai Temple
Namirembe Cathedral
Ggaba Beach and KK Beach
Mostly free or pay-what-you-like — always double-check opening times and any seasonal fees before you go.
Plan your trip
Kampala itinerary (4 days)
- 1
Day 1
Icons & landmarks
- Visit Nommo Gallery
- Visit Uganda Museum
- Visit Uganda National Mosque
- Eat at Great Wall
- 2
Day 2
Culture & neighborhoods
- Visit Bahai Temple
- Visit Kasubi tombs
- Visit Wamala tombs
- Eat at Fang Fang
- 3
Day 3
Markets, parks & hidden corners
- Visit Namirembe Cathedral
- Visit Ggaba Beach and KK Beach
- Visit One Love Beach
- Eat at Pizza or BBQ night at the Red Chilli Hideaway
Budget
Kampala trip cost
Budget
USD 15–35
per person / day
Mid-range
USD 30–90
per person / day
Luxury
USD 105–170+
per person / day
Typical on-the-ground spend in Kampala, Uganda. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury. Figures exclude international flights.
Trip budget estimator
Typical mid-range for Kampala
Estimated total (USD)
$1,760
≈ $880 per person · $251 per day group total
Ground costs ≈ $55/person/day (lodging + food + transport + activities)
Defaults match Kampala mid-range ground costs (budget 15–35 · mid 30–90 · luxury 105–170+ USD/day). Edit freely — flights vary by origin.
Where to eat
Local favourites
Great Wall
Owned by Chinese from Beijing, this clean and comfortable restaurant serves big portions of tasty, classic dishes. Menu is in English and si
Fang Fang
Large, plush, well furnished place with many private side and meeting rooms. Well stocked bar. Authentic menu and cuisine.
Pizza or BBQ night at the Red Chilli Hideaway
Even if you're not staying there it might be interesting to spend an evening at this backpacker hangout and get some good travel tips from f
The Roots Restaurant
A fancy downtown villa serving traditional Ugandan cuisine. Best known for their luwombo and fish dishes. Try snagging a table in their gard
The Lawns Restaurant & Lounge Bar
Plot 34, Impala Avenue, Upper Kololo Terrace, Kololo, Kampala. Features a wide variety of fusion delights from all across continent. Only re
Biyani House Uganda
Offers a happy hour.
Where to stay
Tourist favourites & top-rated
Lusam Inn Resthouse
Double room with own bathroom a walk uphill from the Taxi Park.
Marie Hotel
Kawanda Country Inn
Fan double room with own bathroom and TV and free breakfast.
- $
Hotel Harambe
Twin/double rooms with own bathroom and cable TV. Has free WiFi.
Tuhende Safari Lodge
Has a dorm with 3 beds per dorm.
Shopping
- Owino market
- Nakasero market
- Exposure Africa Crafts Village
- Garden City
- Uganda Crafts 2000 Ltd.
- Kasumba Square Mall
Nightlife
- Evening out in Kabalagala
- Evening out in Bukoto
- Expat night at Bubbles O’Leary’s
- Clubbing in the Industrial Area
- The Lawns Restaurant & Lounge Bar
- Cafe Javas
Museums & culture
- Nommo Gallery
- Uganda Museum
- Uganda National Mosque
- Bahai Temple
- Namirembe Cathedral
In pictures
Kampala gallery
Photos: Chapelle musa, Owobusingye, Rajah Siwale, Z thomas, Tusk media — via Wikimedia Commons
Good to know
Kampala travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit Kampala?
The dry season for the most comfortable travel.
How many days do I need in Kampala?
Plan at least 4 days in Kampala for the highlights on our suggested itinerary; add more time for day trips.
Where should I stay in Kampala?
Popular stays in Kampala include Lusam Inn Resthouse, Marie Hotel, Kawanda Country Inn. Book central areas if you want to walk to major sights.
How much does a trip to Kampala cost?
On the ground in Kampala (excluding international flights), budget travellers often spend about 15–35 per person per day, mid-range about 30–90, and luxury about 105–170+ (USD). Typical on-the-ground spend in Kampala, Uganda. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury.
Keep exploring
