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Bamako

Bamako is the capital and largest city of Mali, located on the Niger River in the southwestern part of the country. The city sits near the rapids that divide the upper and middle Niger valleys and serves as the cultural and economic heart of Mali.

Quick facts

Population
1,809,106 (city)
Currency
West African CFA franc (XOF)
Language
French
Timezone
GMT (UTC+0)
Local time now
02:59:21

Hotels in Bamako

Bamako offers a range of hotel options for visitors to Mali's capital city. Accommodation choices include establishments such as Hotel Residence Margot, Casa du Fleuve, and Hôtel Les Colibris, providing visitors with various places to stay during their time in the city. 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 and auto services for visitors and residents. Options include providers like LOCATION PTIVEE, Parc Auto du 3ème Pont de l'amitié PAPA, Dimo trans, auto école Tigana, and Bagadadji chez Bamadou Toure, giving you flexibility for exploring Mali's capital. 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 tapestry of cultural and historical attractions. From the Maison Africaine de la Photographie to notable monuments like the 26 March Monument and Monument à Patrice Lumumba, the capital city provides insight into Mali's heritage and artistic traditions. 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 variety of dining options reflecting the city's rich culinary traditions. From casual spots like Restaurant Universitaire Hirondelle and PTIT GRILL to establishments such as Restaurant Senegalaise and Restaurant CRES, visitors and locals can explore authentic regional flavors and international offerings throughout the capital. 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 facilities for residents and visitors looking to enjoy water recreation. 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 mix of clubs and venues where locals and visitors gather after dark. From established spots like Ibiza night-club and Google VIP to other entertainment destinations, the city's evening scene reflects its energetic cultural spirit. 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 offers a selection of bars where locals and visitors can enjoy drinks and socialise. Notable venues in the city include BlaBla, La Source, Bonne Cœur, and Bunker, each providing their own atmosphere for an evening out. See all bars →

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

Cafes in Bamako

Bamako offers a variety of cafes where visitors and locals can relax and enjoy refreshments. Popular options include Cafetaria Aosis, Buttons, Potterhead Cafe, Café Coffee Day, and Café Amazon, each providing a casual atmosphere for dining and socializing. 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 variety of shopping options for visitors and residents alike. From local retailers like Fofy Industries and SODOUF to everyday essentials at Alimentation Dicko, you'll find everything from food supplies at Moulins du Sahel Mali to medical products at Emak Med throughout the city. 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 for visitors seeking outdoor experiences, including nature reserves and green areas throughout the city. From the Espace vert to designated natural reserves, there are opportunities to experience the natural environment within Mali's capital. 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 hot, tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The rainy season brings relief from the intense heat, while the dry season is characterized by hot, dusty conditions typical of the Sahel region.

Interesting Facts About Bamako — Weird & Wonderful

  • Bamako is positioned on the Niger River near the rapids that divide the upper and middle Niger valleys
  • The city is completely surrounded by the Koulikoro Region
  • Bamako is Mali's largest city and serves as the nation's capital

Frequently Asked Questions About Bamako

What is the population of Bamako?

Bamako had a population of 4,227,569 in 2022, making it Mali's capital and largest city.

Where is Bamako located?

Bamako is located in the southwestern part of Mali on the Niger River, surrounded by the Koulikoro Region.

What currency is used in Bamako?

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

What language is spoken in Bamako?

French is the official language of Bamako and Mali, though Bambara is widely spoken by locals.

What region is Bamako in?

Bamako is located in the southwestern part of Mali and is surrounded by the Koulikoro Region.

Map of Bamako

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