Things To Do
in Kinshasa
Kinshasa is the sprawling, energetic capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, sitting on the southern bank of the mighty Congo River opposite Brazzaville. The city is a cultural powerhouse known for its music scene (rumba and ndombolo), lively markets, and strong street life. Kinshasa combines modern business districts in Gombe with crowded residential neighborhoods, producing a city of sharp contrasts and constant activity.
Visitors will find warm hospitality, colorful markets, and a city that rewards curiosity while requiring caution and local awareness.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
You’ll land at N’Djili International Airport as the humid air of Kinshasa greets you. A friendly driver whisks you to your hotel in the Gombe district, where you settle into a stylish room overlooking the city. You then join a brief orientation stroll through nearby streets to get your bearings.
After a leisurely lunch of grilled fish and fufu, you meet a local guide for a deep dive into the city’s history and customs. You visit a lively coffee shop to taste Congolese roasts and chat with young entrepreneurs. Every corner reveals vibrant murals and the warm smiles of Kinshasa’s residents.
As the sun dips, you dine on spicy goat stew at a rooftop restaurant with panoramic views of the Congo River. Live soukous music drifts upward from a nearby club, inviting you to tap your feet. A gentle night stroll back to your hotel lets you soak in the city lights and buzzing energy.
You step into the bustling Marché Central, where vendors display piles of bright fabrics, fresh produce, and handcrafted trinkets. The air is alive with haggling voices and the scent of ripe mangoes and spices. A local artisan demonstrates traditional weaving techniques as you learn to barter like a pro.
A street food crawl leads you to stands offering smoked fish, cassava chips, and tangy palm wine served in handmade cups. You chat with friendly merchants who share stories of Kinshasa’s markets and their families’ legacies. Each bite, sweet or savory, paints a vivid picture of Congolese culinary traditions.
As dusk falls, you watch the market transform under the glow of kerosene lamps and lanterns. Musicians set up drums and guitars in a dusty corner, filling the air with upbeat rhythms. You join the impromptu dance circle, feeling the heartbeat of Kinshasa pulse through your feet.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $4-10 |
| ☕Coffee or soft drink | $1.50-4 |
| 🚌Local bus or shared taxi fare | $0.25-1 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (in city) | $2-8 |
| 🛏️Mid-range hotel (per night) | $50-120 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Vibrant music and cultural scene with world-class Congolese music.
- Authentic markets and street food offering rich local flavors.
- Warm, welcoming people and lively urban energy.
- Unique riverfront location on the Congo River with interesting day-trip options.
- Congested traffic and challenging road conditions.
- Safety risks including petty crime and occasional political unrest.
- Limited tourist infrastructure outside central neighborhoods.
- High humidity, heavy rains during the wet season and spotty public services.
- "Bonjour" - Hello / Good morning (French)
- "Mbote" - Hello (Lingala common greeting)
- "Nalingi nako?" - How are you? (Lingala: 'Nalingi nako?' is informal; 'Ndenge nini?' also used)
- "Merci" - Thank you (French)
- "S'il vous plaît" - Please (French)
- "Kobongisa" - Excuse me / Sorry (Lingala context: use polite French phrases in formal situations)
Places to Visit in Kinshasa
Visit one of these nice places.
Great for sunrise/sunset shots of river activity, boats and views across to Brazzaville; combine riverbank scenes with urban skyline compositions.
Vivid street photography: colorful produce, fabrics and the bustle of daily life — always ask permission before photographing individuals.
Green spaces and wildlife in the heart of the city provide contrasting nature shots and portraits within an urban setting.
Waterfalls and pools outside the city offer scenic nature shots, swimming areas and local leisure scenes for documentary-style photos.
Illuminated streets, hotel facades and nightlife spots capture the city’s more cosmopolitan side — take care and stay in well-lit, populated areas.
Food in Kinshasa
Kinshasa Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Cassava leaves cooked with palm oil, peanuts or meat — a staple leafy stew served with fufu or rice; widely available at market stalls and local restaurants.
Must-Try!
Chicken in a rich palm-nut and tomato sauce, often considered a national favorite; find it in traditional restaurants and larger eateries.
Starchy staple used to scoop up stews and sauces; commonly served with soups, fish or meat stews.
Fish or meat wrapped and cooked in banana leaves with spices — a flavorful dish found at markets and roadside vendors serving grilled or steamed specialities.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
One of the busiest markets for produce, spices and street food; ideal for trying fried plantain (dodo), brochettes (meat skewers) and fresh fish vendors. Watch your belongings and go with a local guide if you’re unfamiliar with the area.
Throughout Kinshasa you’ll find mobile vendors selling beignets, grilled fish, cassava chips and skewers — affordable, tasty and a core part of the food culture; choose busy stalls with high turnover for hygiene.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Polite greetings are essential: a handshake and brief conversation before business or other requests is customary. Using French or Lingala for simple greetings and thank-yous is appreciated.
Always ask before photographing people, markets or religious events; some people object to photos for privacy or cultural reasons. Avoid taking photos of military or government installations.
Dress conservatively, especially outside Gombe; showing respect to elders is important. Public displays of wealth can attract attention, so keep valuables discreet.
If invited to a local home, bring a small gift (sweets or token) and be prepared for generous hospitality; accept offers of food or drink as a sign of respect.
Safety
Tipping in Kinshasa
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not always expected; in hotels and upscale restaurants 5–10% is common if service charge is not included. Tip drivers and guides modestly (a few dollars) for good service; for casual street vendors tipping is rare.
The Congolese franc (CDF) is the local currency; cash is king, especially outside Gombe. Credit cards are accepted at some hotels and upscale restaurants, but many places are cash-only. Mobile money services (Orange Money, Airtel Money and local providers) are widely used; ATMs exist but can be unreliable or out of cash — carry enough local currency for the day.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Expect heavy, frequent downpours and high humidity; some rural roads become impassable and inner-city flooding or potholes can slow travel. Carry a waterproof jacket, sturdy shoes and plan extra travel time; many outdoor excursions are best scheduled in drier windows.
Generally drier, slightly cooler and easier for travel and day trips. This is the most comfortable time for exploring, outdoor activities and visiting water-adjacent sites without heavy rains.
April/May and September/October can be unpredictable with occasional heavy storms; watch local forecasts before booking excursions and be flexible with plans.
Kinshasa at Night
Hiking in Kinshasa
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular natural spot outside Kinshasa with waterfalls, pools and short trails — good for swimming, picnics and light hikes; commonly visited as a day trip.
Informal walking routes and viewpoints in suburban hill areas that offer city panoramas and opportunities for short hikes close to Kinshasa.
Guided walks along parts of the Congo River shoreline and nearby green areas for birdwatching and observation of river life; availability depends on local guides and seasonal access.
Airports
How to reach Kinshasa by plane.
Main international airport serving Kinshasa with flights to regional and international destinations; located east of the city with taxi or car transfer needed to central districts (allow significant travel time in traffic).
Smaller airfield closer to the city used for domestic flights, charters and smaller aircraft; services are limited and subject to operational constraints.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A large, youthful population forms the majority of Kinshasa’s residents, driving music, culture and informal commerce.
Lingala is widely spoken across the city and serves as a lingua franca in many neighborhoods; French is used in formal settings and business.
Clusters of diplomats, NGO workers and foreign businesspeople live and work largely in Gombe, creating pockets of international services and amenities.
Residents come from many ethnic groups across the DRC, contributing to varied languages, cuisines and cultural practices within the city.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport — local clubs and passionate supporters, with informal street and neighborhood games everywhere; attending a local match gives insight into community spirit.
Boxing has a history in urban areas and combat sports are practiced both recreationally and competitively in gyms around the city.
Growing interest among younger urban residents, with informal courts and some organized clubs.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Kinshasa.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist (stews based on cassava leaves, plantains, beans and rice) but many dishes include fish or meat. Ask explicitly for vegetable-based dishes and be prepared that protein may often be fish-based; French helps when communicating preferences.
Vegan options are more limited; cross-contamination is possible at busy market stalls. Carry snacks and inform restaurants clearly about allergies; bring translations in French or Lingala for important allergy notes.
Halal meats are often available in neighborhoods with Muslim communities; confirm with the vendor or restaurant. Many international hotels can accommodate special requests with advance notice.