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Kinshasa, the capital of DR Congo
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Kinshasa

Kinshasa is the capital and largest city of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, serving as the nation's leading economic, political, and cultural centre. As one of the world's fastest-growing megacities, it stands as Africa's third-most populous city and hosts significant institutional buildings including the People's Palace and Palace of the Nation.

Photo: Francis Shok Mweze (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Quick facts

Population
17,032,322 (city, 2024)
Currency
Congolese franc (CDF)
Language
French, Kikongo, Lingala, Tshiluba, Swahili
Timezone
WAT (UTC+1)
Local time now
03:58:57

Hotels in Kinshasa

Kinshasa offers a range of hotel options for visitors, including establishments such as Le Village, hotel Picadilly, Picasso, Bibi Play's, and Hotel Ixhoras. Whether you're travelling for business or leisure, you'll find accommodation choices throughout the city. See all hotels →

Le Village
1.5 km from centre
hotel Picadilly
3.3 km from centre
Picasso
3.6 km from centre

Airports in Kinshasa

We're still gathering airports listings for Kinshasa — check back soon.

Car Hire in Kinshasa

We're still gathering car hire listings for Kinshasa — check back soon.

Things to Do in Kinshasa

Kinshasa offers diverse attractions for visitors, from cultural landmarks like the Monument des Artistes to historic sites such as the Baobab et tombe circulaire de Mfumu Nvula. Whether you're interested in religious heritage, local art, or exploring the vibrant neighborhoods, the city presents a range of experiences to discover. See all things to do →

Baobab et tombe circulaire de Mfumu Nvula
840 m from centre
Laura K
3.7 km from centre
PAROISSE SAINT JOSEPH
3.9 km from centre
Monument des Artistes
4.0 km from centre
Ndaku ya la vie est belle
4.0 km from centre
Monument President Kasa-Vubu
4.6 km from centre

Restaurants in Kinshasa

Kinshasa offers a diverse dining scene with restaurants ranging from casual eateries to more established venues. Whether you're seeking authentic local cuisine or familiar dishes, you'll find options like Chez Flore, Cheetah 2, Chez ma Mamy, Restaurant Chez Maman Judith, and Le Goyavier throughout the city. See all restaurants →

Chez Flore
congolese · 1.2 km from centre
Cheetah 2
1.4 km from centre
Chez ma Mamy
2.2 km from centre

Swimming Pools in Kinshasa

Kinshasa offers swimming pool facilities for residents and visitors seeking aquatic recreation. Petite Piscine St-Raphaël is among the swimming venues available in the city. See all swimming pools →

Petite Piscine St-Raphaël
2.8 km from centre

Spas in Kinshasa

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

Nightlife in Kinshasa

Kinshasa offers a lively nightlife scene for visitors and locals alike. Venues like Boyoma Boyoma provide spaces to experience the city's entertainment and social culture after dark. See all nightlife →

Boyoma Boyoma
7.4 km from centre

Bars in Kinshasa

Kinshasa's bar scene offers a range of local venues where visitors can experience the city's social atmosphere. From established spots like Muntu Wa Nzambe and Chez Maman Chantal to newer options such as Le goùt du changement and N'oublie pas 1822, there are various bars to explore throughout the city. See all bars →

Muntu Wa Nzambe
1.2 km from centre
Chez Maman Chantal
1.4 km from centre
Le goùt du changement
1.5 km from centre

Cafes in Kinshasa

Kinshasa offers a selection of cafes where visitors and locals can enjoy refreshments. Options in the city include establishments such as CAFETARIA and RACHEL, providing convenient spots to relax and take a break. See all cafes →

1.17
3.4 km from centre
CAFETARIA
3.8 km from centre
1.14
3.9 km from centre

Shopping in Kinshasa

Kinshasa offers a range of shopping options for visitors and residents alike. From established commercial complexes like Complexe commercial MB and Maison commerciale to individual boutiques such as La reference and Boutique Qi Sheng, the city provides various retail destinations to explore. See all shopping →

La reference
3.5 km from centre
Maison commerciale
7.5 km from centre
Complexe commercial MB
7.7 km from centre

Nature & Wildlife in Kinshasa

Kinshasa offers several natural spaces where visitors can experience the city's green areas. From parc de bon lieu to local natural attractions, these destinations provide opportunities to connect with nature within the urban landscape. See all nature & wildlife →

Place Commerciale
3.7 km from centre
parc de bon lieu
3.8 km from centre
Place Echangeur
6.2 km from centre
Terrain Tshobo
6.8 km from centre

Climate snapshot

Kinshasa experiences a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. The city has distinct wet and dry seasons, with the wet season bringing heavy rainfall and the dry season offering clearer, sunnier conditions.

Interesting Facts About Kinshasa — Weird & Wonderful

  • Kinshasa was formerly named Léopoldville from 1881 to 1966, before being renamed following independence.
  • It is the world's seventh-most populous city proper and the fourth-most populous capital city globally.
  • The city is the most densely populated city in the DRC, concentrated in a relatively compact urban area.
  • Kinshasa houses the African Union City, one of the continent's most significant institutional complexes.
  • Major industries in the city include manufacturing, telecommunications, banking, and entertainment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kinshasa

What is the official language spoken in Kinshasa?

French is the official language of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and it is widely spoken in Kinshasa as the primary language of government, business, and education.

What currency is used in Kinshasa?

The Congolese franc (CDF) is the official currency of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and is used throughout Kinshasa.

How large is Kinshasa's population?

Kinshasa has a population of approximately 17,032,322 within the city proper as of 2024, making it the third-most populous city in Africa.

What are the main economic sectors in Kinshasa?

Kinshasa's economy is centred on manufacturing, telecommunications, banking, and entertainment, making it the DRC's leading economic hub.

What important government buildings are located in Kinshasa?

Kinshasa hosts several significant institutional buildings including the People's Palace, Palace of the Nation, Constitutional Court, Court of Cassation, and the African Union City.

Map of Kinshasa

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