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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 is surrounded by the Koulikoro Region.

Quick facts

Population
1,809,106 (city)
Currency
West African CFA franc (XOF)
Language
French
Timezone
GMT (UTC+0)
Local time now
21:19:17

Hotels in Bamako

Bamako offers a range of hotel accommodations for visitors, from established properties like Hotel Residence Margot and Casa du Fleuve to smaller boutique options such as Hôtel Les Colibris. Whether you're traveling for business or leisure, the city's hotel sector provides various choices to suit different preferences and budgets. 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 rental services. Companies such as LOCATION PTIVEE, Parc Auto du 3ème Pont de l'amitié PAPA, and Dimo trans provide access to transportation throughout the city and beyond. 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 striking 26 March Monument and Monument à Patrice Lumumba to religious sites like Mosquée Djire and the Maison Africaine de la Photographie, the capital provides diverse experiences for travelers exploring Mali. 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 establishments ranging from casual eateries to university restaurants. Whether you're looking for local Senegalese cuisine at Restaurant Senegalaise or grilled specialties at PTIT GRILL, the city's restaurant scene reflects its cultural diversity. 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 locals and visitors seeking aquatic recreation. Piscine CRES is among the swimming pool options 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 offers a lively nightlife scene with venues scattered throughout the city. From night-clubs like Ibiza night-club and Night-Club Coffre-Fort to bars and clubs found along rue princesses de badalabougou, the capital provides evening entertainment options for visitors and locals alike. 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 social atmosphere. Popular bars in the city include BlaBla, La Source, Bonne Cœur, and Bunker, each providing their own take on nightlife in Mali's capital. 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 selection of cafes where visitors and locals can enjoy refreshments and coffee. Options in the city include Cafetaria Aosis, Buttons, Potterhead Cafe, Café Coffee Day, and Café Amazon. 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 both everyday essentials and local goods. From established retailers like SODOUF and Alimentation Dicko to specialized businesses such as Fofy Industries, Emak Med, and Moulins du Sahel Mali, visitors and residents can find a range of products 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 to explore, including green areas and nature reserves. These outdoor destinations provide a glimpse into the local environment and recreational opportunities within the city. 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 humid conditions, while the dry season offers more comfortable temperatures. Visitors should prepare for warm weather year-round.

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 on all sides by the Koulikoro Region
  • Bamako serves as both the capital and largest city of Mali

Frequently Asked Questions About Bamako

What is the population of Bamako?

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

What currency is used in Bamako?

Mali uses the West African CFA franc (XOF) as its official currency.

What language is spoken in Bamako?

French is the official language of Mali, though various local languages are also spoken by residents.

What region is Bamako in?

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

What is the timezone in Bamako?

Bamako operates on Africa/Bamako timezone.

Map of Bamako

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