Democratic Republic of the Congo · Local picks
100+ Places to Visit in Democratic Republic of the Congo
These are the places worth your time in DR Congo, from Kinshasa's music districts, markets and bonobo sanctuary to the falls of Kongo Central, the art of Lubumbashi and the Wagenia fishermen of Kisangani. Classics sit beside lesser-known corners, so every kind of traveller finds something to love.
Places to Visit in Kinshasa
Nature and Outdoors
- Lola ya Bonobo (Mont Ngafula)
The world's only sanctuary for orphaned bonobos, set in forest on the edge of the city. - Jardin Botanique de Kinshasa (Gombe)
A shady, restored botanical garden in the city centre, ideal for a quiet walk. - Rapides du Fleuve Congo (Kinsuka)
Watch the mighty river tumble through the rapids beside the fishing village of Kinsuka. - Lac Ma Vallée (Mont Ngafula)
A green lake and forest escape on the city's edge, popular for weekend lunches. - Petites Chutes de la Lukaya (Mont Ngafula)
Small waterfalls and pools outside the city where families come to picnic and swim.
Arts and Culture
- Musée National de la République Démocratique du Congo (Gombe)
A modern national museum with masks, statues and instruments from every corner of the country. - Académie des Beaux-Arts (Gombe)
The country's leading art school, with sculpture-filled grounds and students happy to show their work. - Mausolée de Laurent-Désiré Kabila (Gombe)
The memorial to the former president, set among the government buildings near the Palais de la Nation. - Monument Patrice Lumumba (Limete)
A tall statue of the independence hero by the Échangeur, a place of pride for many Congolese. - Cathédrale Notre-Dame du Congo (Lingwala)
The capital's main Catholic cathedral, where Sunday mass is full of powerful choral singing. - Halle de la Gombe (Gombe)
The Institut français arts centre, with concerts, films, theatre and exhibitions. - Texaf Bilembo (Gombe)
A cultural space with exhibitions on Kinshasa history and contemporary Congolese art. - Orchestre Symphonique Kimbanguiste (Kinshasa)
Central Africa's famous symphony orchestra, which performs classical music in the capital. - Sapeurs of Matonge (Matonge)
Look out for La Sape dandies parading in designer suits on weekends and at events. - Palais du Peuple (Lingwala)
The parliament complex, a striking building on the edge of the Stade des Martyrs.
Things to Do
- Boulevard du 30 Juin (Gombe)
The capital's grand avenue, lined with offices, banks and monuments, best walked on a calm Sunday morning. - Tour de l'Échangeur (Limete)
A tall concrete landmark of the Mobutu era rising above one of the busiest junctions in Kinshasa. - Stade des Martyrs (Lingwala)
The huge national stadium where a Leopards match or a big concert is an experience in itself. - Beach Ngobila (Gombe)
The busy port where boats cross to Brazzaville, a vivid slice of river life. - Sunset on the Congo River (Gombe)
Watch the sun go down over Brazzaville from a riverside terrace in Gombe.
Shopping and Markets
- Grand Marché de Kinshasa (Gombe)
The vast central market, loud, crowded and the best introduction to Kinshasa trade. - Marché de la Liberté (Masina)
A huge local market in the east of the city, full of fabric, food and everyday goods. - Marché Gambela (Kasa-Vubu)
A busy neighbourhood market known for fresh produce, smoked fish and street snacks. - Kin Marché (Gombe)
A well-stocked supermarket for snacks, toiletries and Congolese coffee to take home. - Wax fabric stalls of Grand Marché (Gombe)
Pick a pagne in bold Congolese wax prints and have it tailored in a couple of days.
Bars and Nightlife
- Matonge nightlife strip (Kalamu)
The legendary district for live rumba, ndombolo bands and late nights in open-air bars. - Bandal nightlife (Bandalungwa)
Lively local bars and grills where Kinois gather for beer, music and dancing. - Primus beer gardens of Kintambo (Kintambo)
Simple terraces where cold Primus and grilled meat flow late into the evening.
Restaurants
- Chez Mama Colonel (Bandalungwa)
A famous local spot for grilled fish and chicken eaten with chikwangue and pili pili. - Inzia (Gombe)
A restaurant devoted to traditional Congolese dishes, from moambe to liboke. - Malewa canteens (Kinshasa)
Street canteens serving fufu, pondu and makayabu at simple benches, the true taste of the city. - Mbinzo at Marché Gambela (Kasa-Vubu)
Try fried caterpillars, a seasonal Congolese delicacy, from market cooks.
Stays
- Pullman Kinshasa Grand Hotel (Gombe)
A big, well-known international hotel with pools, restaurants and secure grounds. - Fleuve Congo Hotel (Gombe)
A riverside high-rise hotel with views over the Congo River. - Rotana Kinshasa (Gombe)
A modern hotel with good restaurants and a rooftop feel in the business district. - Hotel Memling (Gombe)
A classic central hotel close to Boulevard du 30 Juin, used for decades by visitors. - Hotel Béatrice (Gombe)
A mid-range central hotel on the main boulevard. - Hotel Sultani (Gombe)
A smaller central hotel favoured by business travellers.
Events
- Independence Day celebrations (Kinshasa)
Parades, music and flags across the capital on 30 June. - Fête de la Musique Kinshasa (Gombe)
Free concerts across the city on the June music day, organised with the Institut français. - Sunday church choirs (Kinshasa)
Join a service anywhere in the city for joyful gospel singing.
Places to Visit in Kisantu
Nature and Outdoors
- Jardin Botanique de Kisantu (Kisantu)
A beautiful botanical garden founded by Jesuits, with an arboretum, orchids and riverside paths.
Arts and Culture
- Cathédrale de Kisantu (Kisantu)
A large brick cathedral near the botanical garden, worth a stop on the road west.
Places to Visit in Mbanza-Ngungu
Nature and Outdoors
- Grottes de Mbanza-Ngungu (Mbanza-Ngungu)
Limestone caves outside a hilltown, explored with a local guide.
Places to Visit in Matadi
Nature and Outdoors
- Chutes de Zongo (Zongo)
Spectacular falls on the Inkisi river, a popular weekend trip from Kinshasa. - Chutes de Yellala (Yellala)
Powerful rapids that blocked early navigators from sailing further up the Congo River. - Barrages d'Inga (Inga)
The huge hydroelectric dams on the Inga rapids, visible from the road.
Things to Do
- Pont Maréchal (Matadi)
The great suspension bridge over the Congo River, the symbol of Matadi. - Port of Matadi viewpoint (Matadi)
Watch ships manoeuvre in the steep, rocky gorge of the river from the hills above town.
Arts and Culture
- Pierre de Diogo Cão (Yellala)
Rock inscriptions left by Portuguese navigators in the fifteenth century near the Yellala falls. - Matadi to Kinshasa railway station (Matadi)
The terminus of the historic railway built through the Crystal Mountains.
Stays
- Hotel Ledya (Matadi)
A long-established hotel above the town with views of the river.
Shopping and Markets
- Marché Central de Matadi (Matadi)
The busy town market, packed into the steep streets near the port.
Places to Visit in Muanda
Nature and Outdoors
- Parc Marin des Mangroves (Muanda)
The country's only marine park, protecting mangroves, manatees and nesting turtles. - Plage de Muanda (Muanda)
The country's short Atlantic coast, with long sandy beaches and fishing boats.
Things to Do
- Banana (Banana)
The tiny port at the river mouth where the Congo meets the Atlantic.
Restaurants
- Fresh seafood at Muanda beach (Muanda)
Grilled fish and prawns straight from the boats on the beach.
Events
- Weekend at the beach (Muanda)
Congolese families flock to the coast for weekends and holidays.
Places to Visit in Lubumbashi
Arts and Culture
- Musée National de Lubumbashi (Lubumbashi)
A fine collection of masks and statues from the Luba, Songye and Chokwe peoples. - Picha Art Centre (Lubumbashi)
The team behind the Lubumbashi Biennale, with exhibitions and workshops for contemporary art. - Cathédrale Saints-Pierre-et-Paul (Lubumbashi)
A handsome brick cathedral in the colonial city centre.
Events
- Rencontres Picha, Lubumbashi Biennale (Lubumbashi)
A respected contemporary art biennale held across the city.
Things to Do
- Stade TP Mazembe (Kamalondo)
Home of one of Africa's most successful football clubs, electric on match days. - Terril de Lubumbashi (Lubumbashi)
The huge black slag heap of the old copper smelter, a symbol of the city. - Lubumbashi Golf Club (Lubumbashi)
A historic golf course with green fairways among the trees.
Nature and Outdoors
- Zoo de Lubumbashi (Lubumbashi)
A simple city zoo set among old trees, popular with families at weekends.
Shopping and Markets
- Marché Mzee Kabila (Lubumbashi)
The main city market, ideal for fabric, spices and everyday life. - Malachite and copper crafts (Lubumbashi)
Look for malachite carvings and copper crosses, the traditional crafts of Katanga.
Stays
- Pullman Lubumbashi Grand Karavia (Lubumbashi)
A large resort-style hotel by a lake, with gardens and a golf course nearby. - Park Hotel Lubumbashi (Lubumbashi)
A well-known hotel in the centre of town.
Restaurants
- Bukari and grilled fish canteens (Lubumbashi)
Eat the city's favourite meal, maize meal with fish or meat, at a local canteen.
Bars and Nightlife
- Simba beer terraces (Lubumbashi)
Open-air bars serving Simba, the local beer of Katanga.
Cafés
- Coffee at the Grand Karavia (Lubumbashi)
A calm terrace for coffee and breakfast.
Places to Visit in Kisangani
Nature and Outdoors
- Chutes Wagenia (Kisangani)
The Wagenia fishermen balance on wooden scaffolds in the rapids to set their conical baskets. - Fleuve Congo at Kisangani (Kisangani)
Watch the great river at the last navigable point below the Boyoma falls. - Chutes de la Tshopo (Tshopo)
Waterfalls on the Tshopo river next to the old hydroelectric dam.
Arts and Culture
- Cathédrale Notre-Dame du Rosaire (Kisangani)
A large cathedral in the town centre with a strong local congregation. - Université de Kisangani (Kisangani)
A historic university with a botanical collection and lively student life.
Shopping and Markets
- Marché Central de Kisangani (Kisangani)
The main market, full of smoked fish, palm oil and forest produce.
Restaurants
- Grilled capitaine at riverside stalls (Kisangani)
River fish grilled over charcoal, best with chikwangue.
Bars and Nightlife
- Riverside terraces of Kisangani (Kisangani)
Relaxed bars for a cold drink and music by the river.
Events
- Fishing season at the Wagenia rapids (Kisangani)
Fishing activity peaks with the river's rising and falling levels.
More to Explore
We are still checking these with fresh sources, so confirm opening times before you go.
- Jardin Zoologique de Kinshasa (Gombe, Kinshasa)
The old city zoo, a simple, local family outing close to the centre. - Mont Ngaliema (Ngaliema, Kinshasa)
The hill where Stanley camped in 1881, with views across the Congo River rapids. - Île Mbamu (Pool Malebo, Kinshasa)
A large river island in Pool Malebo reached by boat, with sandbanks and fishing camps. - Marché des Valeurs (Gombe, Kinshasa)
An artisan market for carvings, masks, malachite and paintings, where bargaining is expected. - Kin ArtStudio (Lemba, Kinshasa)
An artist residency and studio space championing young Kinshasa painters and performers. - Chez Ntemba Kinshasa (Gombe, Kinshasa)
A long-running nightclub known for rumba and Congolese dance music. - Sky lounge at Hotel Pullman Kinshasa Grand Hotel (Gombe, Kinshasa)
A smart hotel bar for cocktails with views over the river towards Brazzaville. - Restaurant Limoncello (Gombe, Kinshasa)
An Italian restaurant popular with residents for pizza and pasta. - Le Roof at Fleuve Congo Hotel (Gombe, Kinshasa)
Refined dining at the top of the riverside hotel, with sunset views over the water. - Chez Flore (Gombe, Kinshasa)
A homely Congolese restaurant known for generous plates of local food. - Liboke stalls at Kinshasa riverside (Gombe, Kinshasa)
Fish steamed in banana leaves with spices, sold fresh near the river. - Pâtisserie Nouvelle (Gombe, Kinshasa)
A long-standing bakery and café for croissants, cakes and coffee. - Café du Rond-Point (Gombe, Kinshasa)
A relaxed spot for coffee and breakfast in the city centre. - Café Kivu at Kin Plaza (Gombe, Kinshasa)
Sip coffee grown on the slopes around Lake Kivu. - Boat trip on Pool Malebo (Pool Malebo, Kinshasa)
A river outing among fishing pirogues and water hyacinth, best arranged through a reputable operator. - Festival Jazz Kif (Gombe, Kinshasa)
An annual jazz festival bringing Congolese and international musicians to the capital. - Kinshasa Fashion Week (Gombe, Kinshasa)
Congolese designers show bold new collections in the capital of style. - Musée de l'Institut des Musées Nationaux du Congo, Mont Ngaliema (Ngaliema, Kinshasa)
The older national collection site on Mont Ngaliema, with statues of colonial figures stored in the grounds. - Cimetière de la Gombe (Gombe, Kinshasa)
The old colonial cemetery, a quiet place full of stories of the early city. - Musée de Matadi (Matadi, Matadi)
A small museum on the history of the port and the railway to Kinshasa. - Hôtel Métropole Matadi (Matadi, Matadi)
A historic colonial-era hotel near the port. - Grilled fish stalls at Matadi port (Matadi, Matadi)
Simple stalls serving river fish with plantain and pili pili. - Riverside bars of Matadi (Matadi, Matadi)
Relaxed terraces for a cold drink while the ships go by. - Mangrove boat trip from Muanda (Muanda, Muanda)
Glide through quiet channels where the great river meets the sea. - Phare de Muanda (Muanda, Muanda)
A lighthouse viewpoint over the Atlantic coastline. - Mangrove Lodge (Muanda, Muanda)
A beachside stay used by weekenders from Kinshasa. - Lac Kipopo (Kipopo, Lubumbashi)
A lake outside the city with trees, birds and a calm weekend atmosphere. - Lac Tshangalele (Likasi road, Lubumbashi)
A large reservoir lake used for boating and picnics. - Chutes de Lofoi (Kundelungu, Lubumbashi)
One of Africa's tallest waterfalls, on a remote plateau reached by expedition. - Hotel Lubumbashi Tourist (Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi)
A central option for a short stay. - Restaurants of Avenue Kasa-Vubu (Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi)
A central street of restaurants serving Congolese, Greek and Lebanese dishes. - Chez Ntemba Lubumbashi (Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi)
The original branch of the famous nightclub, loved for rumba nights. - Musée Kipopo (Kipopo, Lubumbashi)
A small art school and studio site linked to the famous Lubumbashi painters. - Palm Beach Hotel (Kisangani, Kisangani)
A riverside hotel used by visitors and aid workers. - Hotel Wagenia (Kisangani, Kisangani)
A well-known hotel in the town centre. - Pirogue trip on the Congo River (Kisangani, Kisangani)
Head out by pirogue with a guide to see riverside villages.