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

Ouagadougou

Ouagadougou, often called Ouaga, is the capital and largest city of Burkina Faso, serving as the nation's administrative, communications, cultural and economic centre. This vibrant West African city is home to a diverse population and offers a rich cultural experience.

Photo: Thierry Draus (CC BY 2.0)

Quick facts

Population
Currency
West African CFA franc (XOF)
Language
French
Timezone
GMT (UTC+0)
Local time now
21:20:11

Hotels in Ouagadougou

Ouagadougou offers a range of accommodation options for visitors to Burkina Faso's capital city. Hotels such as Hôtel Amiso, Hôtel Del Wendé, Hôtel Centrale, and RAN HOTEL SOMKETA provide places to stay throughout the city. 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 airport providing air access to Burkina Faso's capital city. This international airport connects travelers 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 looking to explore the city and beyond. Established rental agencies such as Europcar and Location de véhicules provide vehicle rental services to suit various travel needs. 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 cultural and historical attractions to explore. From significant public squares like Place du 2 Octobre and Place Naaba Koom to notable landmarks such as Flambeau de la Révolution and Palais Du Baloum Naba, the capital provides insight into Burkina Faso's heritage and urban character. 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 dining experiences across the city. Whether you're looking for local cuisine or international flavours, restaurants like Delwende, La Forêt, L'Eau Vive, Le P'tit Bazar, and Restaurant de Chine provide options for visitors and residents alike. 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 facilities for residents and visitors looking to cool off and enjoy aquatic activities. Piscine REC Center is among the swimming pool 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 variety of nightlife venues where locals and visitors can enjoy evenings out. From Havana Club to Nirvana and La Chine bar climatisé, the city has options for those looking to experience its social scene after dark. 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 where locals and visitors can enjoy drinks and socialise. Popular spots include Les Noces de Caanan, Jardin d'Ozone, Zaka, Maquis Porte 15, and Maquis porte 5, each providing their own atmosphere in 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 selection of cafes where visitors and locals can enjoy beverages and refreshments. Notable establishments include Bon The, Faso café, Café Veslan "Le Plaisir", Bonjour, and Chateau St Valentin, each providing a place to relax and experience local cafe culture. 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

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

Nature & Wildlife in Ouagadougou

Ouagadougou offers several natural spaces for visitors to experience green areas and outdoor environments. Notable spots include Jardin du Maire, Jardin du 8 Mars, and other parks scattered throughout the city such as Place Naba Koom and Rond-Point des Nations Unis. 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 tropical savanna climate with distinct seasonal variations. The city has a hot, dry season and a warm, wet season, with the harmattan winds bringing cooler, drier air during parts of the year. Visitors should prepare for intense heat during peak months and potential rainfall during the rainy season.

Interesting Facts About Ouagadougou — Weird & Wonderful

  • The city's name is often shortened to 'Ouaga' by locals and visitors alike.
  • The inhabitants of Ouagadougou are called ouagalais.
  • The spelling 'Ouagadougou' derives from French orthography common in former French African colonies.
  • Ouagadougou is the administrative, communications, cultural and economic centre of Burkina Faso.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ouagadougou

What is the currency used in Ouagadougou?

The currency used in Burkina Faso is the West African CFA franc (XOF).

What language is spoken in Ouagadougou?

French is the official language of Burkina Faso and Ouagadougou, though various local languages are also spoken by residents.

What is Ouagadougou's role in Burkina Faso?

Ouagadougou is the capital and largest city of Burkina Faso, serving as the nation's administrative, communications, cultural and economic centre.

What are the inhabitants of Ouagadougou called?

The inhabitants of Ouagadougou are called ouagalais.

Map of Ouagadougou

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