What are the best things to do in Ouagadougou?
Top picks in Ouagadougou include Grand Mosque of Ouagadougou, Ouagadougou Cathedral, National Museum, Museum of Music. See the full list and itinerary on this Ouagadougou travel guide.
🇧🇫 Burkina Faso travel guide
Africa · Western Africa
Ouagadougou Travel Guide
Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
Photo: Thierry Draus · CC BY 2.0
Why visit Ouagadougou
Travel guide for Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso — practical tips, places to visit, and planning help.
Ouagadougou is a stop in Burkina Faso, not a country-in-a-weekend. Plan about 2 days. If time is short, prioritise Grand Mosque of Ouagadougou, Ouagadougou Cathedral, National Museum instead of racing the whole list. Mid-range ground costs are about 35–95 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 Ouagadougou
1
Grand Mosque of Ouagadougou
2
Ouagadougou Cathedral
3
National Museum
4
Museum of Music
5
Bangr Weogo park
6
Garden of Ouaga-Loudun Friendship
Budget travel
Free things to do in Ouagadougou
Grand Mosque of Ouagadougou
Ouagadougou Cathedral
Bangr Weogo park
Garden of Ouaga-Loudun Friendship
Mostly free or pay-what-you-like — always double-check opening times and any seasonal fees before you go.
Plan your trip
Ouagadougou itinerary (2 days)
- 1
Day 1
Icons & landmarks
- Visit Grand Mosque of Ouagadougou
- Visit Ouagadougou Cathedral
- Visit National Museum
- Eat at Le Verdoyant
- 2
Day 2
Culture & neighborhoods
- Visit Museum of Music
- Visit Bangr Weogo park
- Visit Garden of Ouaga-Loudun Friendship
- Eat at Le Coq Bleu
Budget
Ouagadougou trip cost
Budget
USD 15–35
per person / day
Mid-range
USD 35–95
per person / day
Luxury
USD 110–180+
per person / day
Typical on-the-ground spend in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. 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 Ouagadougou
Estimated total (USD)
$1,935
≈ $968 per person · $276 per day group total
Ground costs ≈ $70/person/day (lodging + food + transport + activities)
Defaults match Ouagadougou mid-range ground costs (budget 15–35 · mid 35–95 · luxury 110–180+ USD/day). Edit freely — flights vary by origin.
Where to eat
Local favourites
Le Verdoyant
Somewhat expensive, near the Place de Nations Unites, serves excellent Lasagne, beware purse-snatchers and swindlers around the exit
Le Coq Bleu
Expensive
Le Vert Galant
Expensive
l'Eau Vive
Somewhat expensive, run by Catholic nuns
Where to stay
Tourist favourites & top-rated
Benoua Lodge Hotel a Ouagadougou
Quaint hotel/hostel with private rooms that have air-con, wifi, shower, sat TV, plus a garden-like restaurant and security on premises.
Villa Yiri Suma
Rooms built around a pretty lush inner courtyard with lots of artworks displayed. Wifi, air-con, bar, restaurant. A recreational centre with
Hotel Yibi
A good budget option. Rooms have air-con, Wi-Fi and TV. Nice cool pool and bar/restaurant.
Sopatel Silmandé Hotel
Hotel Palm Beach
Museums & culture
- Grand Mosque of Ouagadougou
- Ouagadougou Cathedral
- National Museum
- Museum of Music
In pictures
Ouagadougou gallery
Photos: Thierry Draus, Bsm15, Sputniktilt — via Wikimedia Commons
Good to know
Ouagadougou travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit Ouagadougou?
The dry season for the most comfortable travel.
How many days do I need in Ouagadougou?
Plan at least 2 days in Ouagadougou for the highlights on our suggested itinerary; add more time for day trips.
Where should I stay in Ouagadougou?
Popular stays in Ouagadougou include Benoua Lodge Hotel a Ouagadougou, Villa Yiri Suma, Hotel Yibi. Book central areas if you want to walk to major sights.
How much does a trip to Ouagadougou cost?
On the ground in Ouagadougou (excluding international flights), budget travellers often spend about 15–35 per person per day, mid-range about 35–95, and luxury about 110–180+ (USD). Typical on-the-ground spend in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury.
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