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Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso
Flag of Burkina Faso Capital of Burkina Faso

Ouagadougou

Ouagadougou, often shortened to Ouaga, is the capital and largest city of Burkina Faso, serving as the nation's administrative, communications, cultural and economic centre. Home to nearly 2.5 million inhabitants known as ouagalais, the city represents the heart of West African culture and commerce.

Photo: Thierry Draus (CC BY 2.0)

Quick facts

Population
1,915,102 (city, 2012)
Currency
West African CFA franc (XOF)
Language
French
Timezone
GMT (UTC+0)
Local time now
03:02:01

Hotels in Ouagadougou

Ouagadougou offers a range of hotel options for visitors to Burkina Faso's capital city. From establishments like Hôtel Amiso and Hôtel Del Wendé to Hôtel Centrale and RAN HOTEL SOMKETA, there are accommodation choices available for different preferences and needs. See all hotels →

Hôtel Amiso
181 m from centre
Hôtel Del Wendé
244 m from centre
Delwende
253 m from centre

Airports in Ouagadougou

Ouagadougou is served by Aéroport International de Ouagadougou, the main aviation hub for the capital city and Burkina Faso. This international airport connects the city to regional and international destinations. See all airports →

Aéroport International de Ouagadougou
2.5 km from centre

Car Hire in Ouagadougou

Ouagadougou offers several car hire options for visitors and residents needing vehicle rentals. Providers like Europcar and Location de véhicules are available to help you arrange transportation throughout the city. See all car hire →

Europcar
1.9 km from centre
Location de véhicules
5.5 km from centre

Things to Do in Ouagadougou

Ouagadougou offers visitors a range of notable sites to explore, from the symbolic Flambeau de la Révolution and the historic Palais Du Baloum Naba to the city's significant public squares including Place des Cineastes, Place du 2 Octobre, and Place Naaba Koom. These landmarks reflect the city's cultural heritage and provide insight into the life and history of Burkina Faso's capital. See all things to do →

Place des Cineastes
61 m from centre
Flambeau de la Révolution
313 m from centre
Place du 2 Octobre
422 m from centre
Palais Du Baloum Naba
422 m from centre
Place Naaba Koom
540 m from centre
Murenduit
755 m from centre

Restaurants in Ouagadougou

Ouagadougou offers a variety of restaurants where visitors can enjoy both local and international dishes. Establishments such as Delwende, La Forêt, L'Eau Vive, Le P'tit Bazar, and Restaurant de Chine provide dining options throughout the city. See all restaurants →

Delwende
253 m from centre
La Forêt
327 m from centre
L'Eau Vive
381 m from centre

Swimming Pools in Ouagadougou

Ouagadougou offers swimming pool facilities for residents and visitors looking to cool off and enjoy water activities. Piscine REC Center is among the options available in the city. See all swimming pools →

Piscine REC Center
1.7 km from centre

Spas in Ouagadougou

We're still gathering spas listings for Ouagadougou — check back soon.

Nightlife in Ouagadougou

Ouagadougou offers a selection of nightlife venues for visitors and locals seeking evening entertainment. Popular spots including Havana Club, Nirvana, La Chine bar climatisé, and StarNight provide options for socializing and enjoying the city's nighttime atmosphere. See all nightlife →

Havana Club
971 m from centre
Nirvana
1.1 km from centre
La Chine bar climatisé
1.5 km from centre

Bars in Ouagadougou

Ouagadougou offers a variety of bars and social venues where locals and visitors can enjoy drinks and conversation. Popular spots include Les Noces de Caanan, Jardin d'Ozone, Zaka, and several maquis establishments throughout the city. See all bars →

Les Noces de Caanan
61 m from centre
Jardin d'Ozone
238 m from centre
Zaka
572 m from centre

Cafes in Ouagadougou

Ouagadougou offers a variety of cafes where locals and visitors can enjoy refreshments and relax. Popular spots include Bon The, Faso café, Café Veslan "Le Plaisir", Bonjour, and Chateau St Valentin, each providing its own unique atmosphere in the heart of the city. See all cafes →

Bon The
1.6 km from centre
Faso café
1.7 km from centre
Café Veslan "Le Plaisir"
2.1 km from centre

Shopping in Ouagadougou

See all shopping →

energy vivo
795 m from centre
Magasin Mégamonde
837 m from centre
distributeur des produits nestlé
1.1 km from centre

Nature & Wildlife in Ouagadougou

Ouagadougou offers several green spaces and natural areas where visitors can experience local flora and outdoor environments. Notable locations include Jardin du Maire, Jardin du 8 Mars, and Place Naba Koom, which provide peaceful settings within the city. See all nature & wildlife →

Jardin du Maire
88 m from centre
Place Naba Koom
540 m from centre
voomle100
589 m from centre
Rond-Point des Nations Unis
887 m from centre
Jardin du 8 Mars
997 m from centre
Jardin de Yennenga
2.0 km from centre

Climate snapshot

Ouagadougou experiences a Sahelian climate with hot, dry conditions for much of the year. The rainy season brings relief during summer months, while cooler, harmattan winds characterize the dry season.

Interesting Facts About Ouagadougou — Weird & Wonderful

  • The city's name is often shortened to 'Ouaga' by locals and visitors alike.
  • Ouagadougou's spelling follows French orthography, a legacy of the country's colonial history.
  • The inhabitants of Ouagadougou are called 'ouagalais'.
  • With over 2.4 million residents as of 2019, Ouagadougou is Burkina Faso's largest city and primary economic centre.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ouagadougou

What is the population of Ouagadougou?

Ouagadougou had a population of 2,415,266 in 2019, making it the largest city in Burkina Faso.

What are the inhabitants of Ouagadougou called?

The inhabitants of Ouagadougou are called ouagalais.

What is Ouagadougou's role in Burkina Faso?

Ouagadougou is the capital and administrative, communications, cultural and economic centre of Burkina Faso.

Why is Ouagadougou's name spelled the way it is?

The spelling of Ouagadougou is derived from French orthography, common in former French African colonies.

Is Ouagadougou also known by another name?

Yes, the city's name is often shortened to 'Ouaga' by residents and visitors.

Map of Ouagadougou

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