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Bamako

Bamako is the capital and largest city of Mali, situated along the Niger River in West Africa. As the country's economic and cultural hub, it serves as the main entry point for visitors exploring Mali's rich heritage.

Photo: Rgaudin (Public domain)

Quick facts

Population
1,809,106 (city)
Currency
West African CFA franc (XOF)
Language
French
Timezone
GMT (UTC+0)
Local time now
17:13:40

Hotels in Bamako

Bamako offers a range of accommodation options for visitors to Mali's capital city. From Hotel Residence Margot to Casa du Fleuve and Hôtel Les Colibris, you'll find various hotels to suit your travel needs. See all hotels →

Hotel Residence Margot
645 m from centre
Mess Des Officiers De Badalabougou
705 m from centre
Casa du Fleuve
898 m from centre

Airports in Bamako

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

Car Hire in Bamako

Bamako offers several car hire options for visitors and residents needing vehicle rentals. Local providers such as LOCATION PTIVEE, Parc Auto du 3ème Pont de l'amitié PAPA, and Dimo trans operate throughout the city to serve your transportation needs. See all car hire →

LOCATION PTIVEE
926 m from centre
Parc Auto du 3ème Pont de l'amitié PAPA
2.6 km from centre
Dimo trans
3.2 km from centre
auto école Tigana
3.3 km from centre

Things to Do in Bamako

Bamako offers visitors a rich blend of cultural and historical attractions. From the impressive mosques like Mosquée Djire and Mosquée Privée to significant monuments including the 26 March Monument and Monument à Patrice Lumumba, alongside the Maison Africaine de la Photographie, the capital provides diverse experiences for travelers seeking to understand Mali's heritage. See all things to do →

MOSQUEE DJIRE
796 m from centre
MOSQUEE PRIVEE
Commune V · 1.0 km from centre
Maison Africaine de la Photographie
2.5 km from centre
26.March Monument
2.7 km from centre
Monument à Patrice Lumumba
3.1 km from centre
Eglise
Commune VI · 3.2 km from centre

Restaurants in Bamako

Bamako offers a range of dining establishments catering to different tastes and budgets. From Restaurant Universitaire Hirondelle to Restaurant Senegalaise and PTIT GRILL, visitors can explore various culinary options throughout the city. See all restaurants →

Restaurant Universitaire Hirondelle
339 m from centre
Restaurant CRES
463 m from centre
Cantine universitiare
485 m from centre

Swimming Pools in Bamako

Bamako offers swimming pool facilities for residents and visitors looking to enjoy water activities. Piscine CRES is among the swimming pools available in the city. See all swimming pools →

Piscine CRES
487 m from centre

Spas in Bamako

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

Nightlife in Bamako

Bamako's nightlife offers a vibrant selection of venues where locals and visitors can enjoy evening entertainment. From established clubs like Ibiza night-club and Google VIP to other popular spots such as Night-Club Coffre-Fort and Diamant Inter, the city provides diverse options for those seeking to experience the capital's after-dark atmosphere. See all nightlife →

rue princesses de badalabougou
849 m from centre
Diamant Inter
2.1 km from centre
Google VIP - Bamako
3.2 km from centre

Bars in Bamako

Bamako's bar scene offers a variety of venues where locals and visitors can enjoy drinks and socialize. From established spots like BlaBla and La Source to newer destinations such as Bonne Cœur and Bunker, there are several options to explore across the city. See all bars →

bar
736 m from centre
BlaBla
894 m from centre
La Source
1.0 km from centre

Cafes in Bamako

Bamako's cafe scene offers a range of options for coffee and casual dining. Popular venues include Café Coffee Day, Café Amazon, Potterhead Cafe, Buttons, and Cafetaria Aosis, each providing their own atmosphere for visitors and locals alike. See all cafes →

Cafetaria Aosis
commune v · 788 m from centre
Buttons
3.5 km from centre
Potterhead Cafe
coffee_shop;ice_cream · 4.7 km from centre

Shopping in Bamako

Bamako offers a range of local shopping options, from industrial suppliers like Fofy Industries and Moulins du Sahel Mali to retail establishments such as SODOUF, Emak Med, and Alimentation Dicko. Whether you're looking for everyday goods or specialized products, these businesses serve the city's shopping needs. See all shopping →

Fofy Industries
739 m from centre
SODOUF
986 m from centre
Emak Med
1.0 km from centre

Nature & Wildlife in Bamako

Bamako offers several natural spaces and wildlife areas for visitors to explore, including green spaces and nature reserves. From the Espace vert and other outdoor areas to the Nature reserve, the city provides opportunities to experience the natural environment alongside its urban landscape. See all nature & wildlife →

Espace vert
1.7 km from centre
Terrain de football
1.8 km from centre
espace vert
Commune V · 2.4 km from centre
Nature reserve
Commune V · 2.5 km from centre
Monument KONOBA
3.5 km from centre
Rond-Point de Sogolon
3.7 km from centre

Climate snapshot

Bamako experiences a tropical savanna climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The rainy season brings lush vegetation and cooler conditions, while the dry season is characterized by hot, dusty harmattan winds from the Sahara.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bamako

What currency is used in Bamako?

The currency used in Bamako and throughout Mali is the West African CFA franc (XOF).

What language is spoken in Bamako?

French is the official language and is widely spoken in Bamako, alongside Bambara, the most common local language.

What timezone is Bamako in?

Bamako is in the Africa/Bamako timezone, which is UTC+0 year-round (no daylight saving time).

Where is Bamako located?

Bamako is located in West Africa along the Niger River and is the capital of Mali.

How large is Bamako's population?

Bamako has a city population of approximately 1,809,106 people, making it Mali's largest city.

Map of Bamako

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