Famously known for being Africa’s most beautiful city, Kigali is Rwanda’s capital and largest city nestled in the heart of the country and one of the cleanest, safest and quietest city with well-maintained streets, roads and organised buildings compared to others countries in Africa.

Kigali city was founded as an administrative outpost in 1907 and became the capital of the country on independence in 1962 with an area of 730sq km divided into 3 districts Gasabo, Kicukiro and Nyarugenge.

The city being geographically located in the heart of Rwanda acts as a centre of vibrant culture, arts and a rich historical background from the1994 Rwandan Genocide. It is also a centre of transportation because it is the starting point for tourists and this makes it easy to be accessed by road from other neighbouring countries.

Places to Visit in Kigali City

Pay Respect at Kigali Memorial Genocide

The Genocide is perhaps the most visited landmark in Kigali city set out with a good reason of history leading up to the 1994 Rwanda Genocide. The memorial contains poignant displays of approximately 250,000 victims, photographs and belongings, bringing the realities of atrocities to life. It serves as a memorial and learning centre whereby it helps to put in context why and how the Genocide happened and also plays a vital role in educating Rwanda’s new and future generation about the genocide and Rwanda’s history.

Inspect the Kandt House Museum

Formerly known as museum of natural history, Kandt House Museum is the best museum in Kigali, purposely built to document the beauty of Rwanda including animals, birds, volcanoes, and mineral riches. Located about 1 kilometer from the city centre, the museum is dedicated to Richard Kandt and Comprises of 3 Main Sections, The first Part is the Rwandan Life before the Colonial period, The Second part unfolds the life of the Rwandan people during the Colonial period under the Germans and Belgians and the Third Part that unfolds the roots of Kigali before, during and after the Colonial rule when Kigali became the capital city in 1962.

The kandt house museum is usually open daily from 8am-6pm and only closed on 7th April and the last Saturday of the month (Umuganda days).

Visit the Inema Art Centre

The Inema art centre was found in 2012 by 2 brothers Innocent Nkurunziza and Emmanuel Mkuranga who are self-taught artists, with the aim of harnessing Rwanda’s untapped potential for art and showcasing the African sculptures and paintings. The centre is the place to go if you’re interested in contemporary art in Kigali. It’s also possible to witness the country’s best artist at work. The inema art centre also organizes yoga classes for visitors, concerts, art exhibitions and workshops, training classes, and traditional dance performances. Visitors can also purchase artworks from the galley, leatherwork, and jewelry, among other things, making their visit more rewarding.

Explore the Rwanda Art Museum

The former presidential palace museum located in kanombe, 4km from Kigali international airport is one of the eight museums that make up the institution of national museums of Rwanda. This interesting place used to house Rwanda’s former presidents Juvenal Habyarimana and Pasteur Bizimungu and it contains the wreckage of the presidential plane that crashed on April 6, 1994, just before the start of the Genocide. Pieces of the Falcon 50 aircraft rise like pinnacles from the grass. The contemporary museum also exhibits magnificent pieces of art for both local and international artists.

Take a Cultural Tour to Nyamirabo Women’s Centre

Nyamirambo women’s centre is a non-governmental organization found in the suburb of Kigali opened in 2007 by the local Rwandan women who were victims of gender based violence. The organization promotes gender equality and eliminates gender based violence and discrimination through organizing computer literacy classes and English language training, as well as providing modern sewing machines to women for tailoring where they make Rwandan clothes, bags and accessories from local materials. The Nyamirambo area is regarded as the most vibrant quarter of the city and the women’s centre organizes walking tours to neighboring villages where tourists can visit local markets and interact with the locals, homesteads, taste a typical Rwandan meal and hair salons, among other things, to gain a better understanding of Rwandan culture.

Marvel at the Kigali Convention Centre

The Kigali Convention Centre is built in the heart of Kigali, next to the famous Radisson Blue Hotel. The convention center has attractive and unique architectures built in a beehive shape with beautiful lights that look amazing at night and is thought to be inspired by the Kings’ palace in Nyanza. The convention center was designed specifically for conventions, multi-day meetings, and events, among other things. The convention center includes a cafe where visitors can enjoy Rwandan coffee, a restaurant, and a meeting space, among other things.

Hike Mount Kigali

Mount Kigali is arguably one of the most eye catching attractions that attract visitors while on a Rwanda tour due to its being located in the city. It’s the highest hill in Kigali city, standing at 6000 feet, and the best destination for adventurous visitors.  Hiking this hill begins near the Sun City Hotel in Nyamirambo. Mount Kigali has gentle slopes, making it ideal for lazy climbers, and on top, it offers beautiful views of Kigali city with the opportunity to take great photos, and horse riding from the Fazenda Sangha horse ranch platform, where you can ride through the countryside and around Mount Kigali, rewarding your tour with great experiences while in Kigali city. While at the top you can also stop for food and a beer at Mera Neza bar.

Swing By the Kigali Public Library

The public library is designed in a unique and attractive style and provides a serene environment with a collection of electronic and physical books for those who love reading books. It also serves as avenue for workshops and visitors are given free access to computers, projectors and internet. For those interested in buying books can visit ikirezi bookshop.

Discover the Story Behind Hotel Des Mille Collines

Hotel des mille collines is one of the best hotels in Kigali famously known for featuring in the 2004 Hollywood movie “Hotel Rwanda” which followed the story of a Hutu manager Paul Rusesabagina who saved 1000 Tutsi people by hiding them in hotel rooms during the 1994 Rwanda genocide. The hotel draws many visitors who come to tour Kigali city because of its enchanting history. Hotel des Mille Collines has 112 guest rooms, a conference room, a bar, a restaurant, a swimming pool, a health club, a lounge area, gardens, and other luxury amenities.

Fine Tune Your Haggling Skills at Kimironko Market

Kimiromko market is the city’s largest, busiest and most popular local market. During the local market visit, you will be able to learn more about Rwandan culture, foodstuff, fruits, vegetables, electronics, clothes, fabrics, baskets, souvenirs, craft shops, and so on, allowing you to interact with Rwandans and learn about their lifestyles, culture, and offers a great shopping and exciting evening see sighting experience.

Kigali’s Vibrant Nightlife

Kigali is not just a place to explore by day; its nightlife scene is equally engaging. The city offers a range of bars, lounges, and nightclubs where locals and tourists come together to enjoy good music, dance, and food. From live jazz performances to contemporary Afrobeat hits, there’s something for everyone. The city’s vibrant nightlife reflects its youthful energy, with plenty of spots offering an inviting atmosphere to unwind and socialize

Where to Stay in Kigali City

 Radisson Blu Hotel

This hotel is located 5kilometers from the bustling city centre and Kigali international airport. The contemporary hotel offers all of the luxuries and amenities that one would expect from a global hospitality chain. The hotel has 291 rooms and suites that are ideal for both luxury tourists and business tourists, each with a private balcony and free high speed WI-FI. It also has 2 on-site restaurants, including one with all-day dining that serve up continental and Rwandan favorites as well as the Super Breakfast Buffet. For a light bite or a relaxing nightcap, visit the Lounge Bar.

The hotel also offers 650 parking bays. After a day exploring Kigali you can maintain your workout regimen in our fitness center and relax in the outdoor swimming pool.

Kigali Serena Hotel

Kigali Serena hotel is a perfect suit for those looking for the best accommodation and services. It is conveniently located on an enchanting boulevard in the heart of Kigali in a secure location just 5 minutes’ walk from the central business district and it features a sensational rich blend of Rwandan heritage, art and culture that highlights the lavish lounge where you can relax or hold a meeting. This hotel has 148 rooms and suits that offer a private and peaceful environment like no other for discerning international diplomats and executives.

Park Inn by Radisson Kigali

The Park Inn by Radisson Kigali is part of the Radisson international hotel chain and it’s a mid-range option for both tourists and business travelers. There are 161 modern rooms and suits available and have amenities like free high-speed Wi-Fi and vibrant furnishings, so you can stay connected in comfort. When it comes to dining, the Live Inn Room Restaurant offers a modern, cozy atmosphere, along with a delectable range of international dishes.

New Zebra Hotel Kigali

This redefined budget hotel is located in Kigali central business district and one of the finest examples of its kind with beautiful 12 vast rooms carved from stone with local African design and other facilities like a separate patio, a kitchen, a bar and serene central garden that truly feels like paradise on earth.