Top Things to Do in Kinshasa

About the City

Kinshasa: A City of Vibrant Contrast Standing on the banks of the majestic Congo River, Kinshasa is a city where the pulse of Africa beats loudly. It's the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, known for its lively music scene, where the rhythmic beats of soukous and rumba fill the air, and impromptu street performances are commonplace. In Kinshasa, life is never dull; the streets are a kaleidoscope of bustling markets, vibrant fabrics, and mouthwatering street food. It's a place where you can dance till dawn or soak in the art at the vibrant Académie des Beaux-Arts. But Kinshasa is also a city facing challenges, where the spirit of resilience is as evident as its electric atmosphere. The city confronts issues like traffic congestion that can test the patience of saints, and infrastructure that sometimes struggles to keep up with its growing population. From its enchanting river views and swaying palms to the hum of urban hustle, Kinshasa is a city of extremes. It's a place where affluence and poverty share the same streets, where hope and hardship walk hand in hand. But above all, it's a city with a heart that doesn't stop beating, a place where the energy and determination of its people are the real treasures.

Things to Do in Kinshasa

Crunch into Kwanga

Food & Drink

Feast your chompers on Kwanga, Congo’s dense and flavorful cassava dough loaf. Your jaw’s gonna get a workout, but your soul will be singin’ with every chew!

Play Beach Volleyball at Tshangu Beach

Outdoors

Dig your toes into the sand and serve up a storm playing beach volleyball with the locals. Sun, sand, and spikes – it’s the perfect way to make new friends and get a killer workout!

Ride like a Local on a Chukudu

The Unexpected

Hop on a chukudu, Kinshasa’s traditional wooden scooter, and test your balance skills. You’ll zip (or wobble) through the streets like never before - it's eco-friendly fun on two wobbly wheels!

Navigate the Colourful Chaos of Kinshasa’s Markets

The Unexpected

Haggle your way through the ever-buzzing mercados and score some vibrant African fabrics! You'll feel like a bargaining pro by the time you're done, and you'll walk away with some snazzy patterns to b...

Master the Lingala Language

The Unexpected

Challenge yourself to learn the lingua franca of Kinshasa, Lingala! Grab a few phrases and surprise the locals with your linguistic prowess. Boni? (How are you?)

Unleash Your Inner Artist at a Pottery Workshop

The Unexpected

Get those hands dirty and your creative juices flowing at a local pottery workshop. Make something cool, have a laugh and take home a souvenir that has a bit of your soul in it!

Cycle the City

Outdoors

Pedal power to the people! Grab a bike and let those calves loose on the streets of Kinshasa. It's the greenest way to sightsee, breeze through the traffic, and feel like the city's rolling under your...

Paddleboard on the Congo

Outdoors

Hop on a paddleboard and become one with the flow of the majestic Congo River. Glide on the water, work those core muscles, and enjoy sightseeing from a fresh perspective!

Rock Climb at the Zongo Falls Cliffs

Outdoors

Strap on harnesses and get a grip on the wild rock faces of the Zongo Falls Cliffs. Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned pro, the sheer cliffs offer a thrilling vertical challenge!

Mountain Bike the Mantumba Trail

Outdoors

Gear up for an off-road escapade and cycle the rugged Mantumba Trail. Experience the adrenaline rush as you navigate through the heart of nature's untamed paths!

Nibble on Ngoma ya Ngombe

Food & Drink

Test your taste buds with Ngoma ya Ngombe, a beef skewer dish that's chargrilled to smokey perfection and served with a side of lip-smacking spicy sauce!

Groove to the Kinshasa Beat

Sights

Immerse yourself in the rhythms of Congo at a live music venue, where the beats are so dense, you could slice 'em with a knife. Tap your feet, shake your hips, and let the music take control!

Discover the Street Art Scene

Sights

Get lost in the urban jungle of Kinshasa's graffiti and murals that splash color on every corner, telling stories more vivid than a paintbrush could ever narrate.

Dance the Soukous

Sights

Move your hips to the infectious beat of Soukous, Kinshasa's electric dance music that'll have your feet movin' faster than a riverboat on the Congo!

Witness the Mausoleum of Laurent-Désiré Kabila

Sights

Pay your respects at the Mausoleum of Laurent-Désiré Kabila, where history etches deep lines into Kinshasa's face. A somber yet powerful spot that whispers tales of a nation's past.

Get Jazzy at Fête de la Musique

Sights

Swing to the soulful tunes at Fête de la Musique, where jazz notes hang thick in the air like Kinshasa's humidity. Let the rhythm lead you in a dance of musical celebration under the stars!

Feast on Fumbwa

Food & Drink

Get adventurous with Fumbwa, a wild and leafy green stew that's earthy, garlicky, and full of surprises. It's tradition in a bowl, bringing a punch of the Congo's forests to your palate.

Chew on Chikwangue

Food & Drink

Grab a bite of Chikwangue, a lip-smacking cassava bread that's the Congo's answer to a baguette. Dense, chewy, and utterly delicious, it's the ultimate snack to keep you going!

Munch on Makayabu

Food & Drink

Dive into the salty sea flavors with Makayabu, a dried and salted fish that's a staple in Kinshasa's culinary scene. Perfectly paired with fufu or rice, it'll have you hooked with the first bite!

Venture Through the Vibrant Matongé District

The Unexpected

Duck in and out of the bustling alleyways of Matongé for a sensory overload of sights and sounds. From the sizzling street food to the infectious beat of Congolese rumba, this place is a merry-go-roun...