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Kinshasa, the capital of DR Congo
Flag of DR Congo Capital of DR Congo

Kinshasa

Kinshasa is the capital and largest city of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, standing as one of the world's fastest-growing megacities. The city is the leading economic, political, and cultural center of the DRC, hosting major institutions and diverse industries.

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
22:19:14

Hotels in Kinshasa

Kinshasa offers a range of hotel accommodation choices for visitors to the city. Options include establishments such as Le Village, hotel Picadilly, Picasso, Bibi Play's, and Hotel Ixhoras, each providing different experiences for travellers. 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

We're still gathering things to do listings for Kinshasa — check back soon.

Restaurants in Kinshasa

Kinshasa offers a variety of dining experiences, from casual eateries to established restaurants. Popular options include Chez Flore, Cheetah 2, Chez ma Mamy, Restaurant Chez Maman Judith, and Le Goyavier, each providing their own character and cuisine to the city's food scene. 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 several swimming pool facilities for residents and visitors seeking leisure and 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 diverse nightlife scene for visitors and locals alike. From venues like Boyoma Boyoma, the city provides various entertainment options after dark in this dynamic Central African capital. See all nightlife →

Boyoma Boyoma
7.4 km from centre

Bars in Kinshasa

Kinshasa's bar scene offers a variety of local establishments where visitors can experience the city's vibrant social culture. Popular venues include Muntu Wa Nzambe, Chez Maman Chantal, Le goût du changement, N'oublie pas 1822, and Business Moto. 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's cafe scene offers locals and visitors a chance to experience the city's social culture. Popular venues like CAFETARIA and RACHEL are among the cafes where you can enjoy refreshments in the heart of DR Congo's capital. 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 variety of shopping options for residents and visitors, from established commercial complexes like Complexe commercial MB to dedicated boutiques such as Boutique Qi Sheng and Somida. Whether browsing La reference or exploring other local retail destinations, shoppers can find diverse goods throughout the city's commercial areas. 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 spaces for nature enthusiasts, including parc de bon lieu and other green areas like Terrain Tshobo. These natural areas provide opportunities to experience the environment within the city. 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 has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. The city experiences a rainy season and a drier season, with humidity generally high throughout the year due to its equatorial location.

Interesting Facts About Kinshasa — Weird & Wonderful

  • Kinshasa was formerly named Léopoldville from 1881 until 1966, when it was renamed.
  • It is the third-largest metropolitan area and third-most populous city in Africa.
  • The city is the world's seventh-most populous city proper and the fourth-most populous capital city globally.
  • Kinshasa is the most densely populated city in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
  • The city houses the People's Palace, Palace of the Nation, Constitutional Court, and African Union City among other significant institutional buildings.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kinshasa

What currency is used in Kinshasa?

The Democratic Republic of the Congo uses the Congolese franc (CDF) as its official currency.

What language do people speak in Kinshasa?

French is the official language of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and is widely spoken in Kinshasa, alongside several local languages.

How large is Kinshasa's population?

Kinshasa has a city population of 17,032,322 as of 2024 and is one of the world's fastest-growing megacities.

What is Kinshasa's role in the DRC?

Kinshasa is the capital and largest city of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, serving as the leading economic, political, and cultural center of the country.

What major institutions are located in Kinshasa?

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

What is Kinshasa's ranking among African cities?

Kinshasa is the third-most populous city and third-largest metropolitan area in Africa.

Map of Kinshasa

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