The Interchange Tower – photo: Mr Kabwende

WHERE TO STAY

While Kinshasa may appear to be one of those cities that never sleeps, the same cannot be said for its visitors. A diverse range of accommodation options is available to visitors, catering to various budgets and preferences. 

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The Pullman Hotel Kinshasa

Popular among international business travelers, the Pullman Grand Hotel Kinshasa offers an array of amenities, including an outdoor pool, a fitness center, and three bars and restaurants. Its exceptional location on the banks of the Congo River adds to its appeal. Similarly, the Fleuve Congo Hôtel, aptly named for its stunning river view, is situated just a five-minute drive from the Kin Plaza Mall shopping center, catering to guests in the same category. Another standout option in the embassy district is the Kin Plaza Arjaan by Rotana, conveniently located at the intersection of Justice and Uganda Avenues.

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Equipped with an outdoor pool, a sun terrace, and a fitness center, the Memling Hotel also offers compelling features. For a more budget-friendly option, the Royal Hotel, located just 350 meters from the zoo and neighboring the similar Selton Hotel, is worth considering. Special mention goes to its charming patio, perfect for enjoying breakfast.

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For even more affordable accommodations, the Ixoras Hotel and the Pour Vous Hotel provide excellent alternatives to the previously mentioned options. Lastly, let’s not overlook the KALz Guest House and the 159, two guesthouses offering a range of amenities in a cozy setting (around ten rooms for the former and just five for the latter), making them ideal for families.

WHERE TO EAT

Arôme restaurant

Kinshasa, cosmopolitan and embracing the world, offers a diverse culinary scene. For adventurous food enthusiasts, its streets are teeming with bar-terraces or ngandas where you can sample local delicacies paired with ice-cold local beers, whether it’s day or night. We suggest trying the flavorful grilled goat skewers with pili pili, or perhaps opting for a hearty pondu (cassava leaf stew). 

One of the most renowned ngandas is Le Flore, situated at 1015 Avenue Tombalbaye. Similarly, for a delightful and straightforward experience, head to Chez Maman Colonel in the Moulaert neighborhood for grilled meats and fish, a must-visit spot in Kinshasa.  

Back on Avenue Tombalbaye, this time at number 20, you’ll find the elegant and upscale ambiance of Limoncello, renowned for its mouthwatering wood-fired pizzas. Another well-known Italian restaurant celebrated for its impeccable service and top-notch Mediterranean cuisine is A Casa Mia, a reliable choice. Pizzas are also a highlight at O Poeta, located near the Tunisian embassy, a Portuguese restaurant that also boasts an impressive selection of grilled dishes. The same goes for Chez Gaby (Avenue Roi Beaudoin), another Portuguese eatery where you can indulge in the famous cossas (shrimp) among other delights. Just a stone’s throw away, the newly opened 3Z offers a delightful setting and home-style Congolese cuisine. 

At Seray Mediterranean Lounge, the culinary delights are matched by the captivating performances on stage. For those craving French gastronomy with a hint of fusion, Cercle Gourmand offers a delightful dining experience within the stunning surroundings of the golf club. And let’s not forget the delightful surprise of Savoyard fondue at Fondue & Fondue / Meat The Cheese on Colonel Lukusa Avenue! 

On the prestigious Boulevard du 30 Juin, you’ll find two notable Asian eateries:  Le Mandarin and Bamboo, offering a popular Chinese menu and a Thai fusion concept, respectively. For a unique dining experience, head to the Majestic River boat-restaurant (Avenue Kalémie) located in a stunning marina, where you can enjoy a fusion of cuisines while taking in views of the Congo River and Brazzaville. When it comes to fusion cuisine, local talent Christian Yumbi shines at his gourmet restaurant, Arôme. As a versatile event venue, serving as both a restaurant and banquet hall, the Chapiteaux du GB complex hosts numerous private and public events, highly valued by locals.

For those with a sweet tooth and lovers of gourmet snacks, the Congolese capital also offers coffee shops like Roots for All. Bakeries, pastry shops, and ice cream parlors—such as Eric Kayser, Pâtisserie Nouvelle, Paul, Chantilly, Crepolia, and Nice Cream, among others—add to the array of delights available. 

WHERE TO GO OUT

Boulevard du 30 juin in Kinshasa, Congo

Kinshasa’s nightlife is known for its vibrant energy. Atmosphère Night Club, located at the Pullman Grand Hotel, is currently the go-to spot with its themed nights, often featuring internationally renowned DJs. Other venues are also gaining popularity, like Klub (a Kinshasa nightlife staple, with Richard Kabala’s remarkable touch), Sky Lounge (the city’s first rooftop terrace offering excellent tapas), New Kwilu Bar (known for its “Ibiza” vibe), La Datcha (with its unique Russian mountain chalet decor), and Taboo Club (a restaurant-lounge where you can dine and dance to local tunes).

But Kinshasa isn’t just alive at night; it’s equally charming during the day. Some places cater to families and young children. One such destination is Congo Loisirs amusement park, offering a variety of fun and sporty activities like go-carting, inflatable castles, and trampolines. The city is also home to the Aquasplash water park and Kin Bowling, offering entertainment for all ages.

WHERE TO EXPLORE

The National Museum in Kinshasa

Designated a “creative city” by UNESCO, Kinshasa boasts an incredibly rich cultural life, notably characterized by a vibrant music scene (see sidebar), which is reflected in its urban landscape. 

During city strolls, visitors can admire Kinshasa’s iconic monuments, such as the Franco Luambo Statue located at Place des Artistes in Matongé, or the Lumumba Statue at Place de la Reconstruction, facing the renowned Tour de l’Echangeur. The Pleureuse (Justice Square, facing the Court of Cassation), the Drummer of Tam-Tam by artist André Lufwa (near the Kinshasa International Fair or FIKIN), and the Monument to Pan-African Athletes (not far from Nsele Valley Park) complete this impressive array of landmarks. Beyond its impressive statues, Kinshasa holds a wealth of lively heritage treasures waiting to be explored. These include the renowned National Museum, the Academy of Fine Arts, Notre Dame Cathedral (erected in 1947), and the Liyolo Foundation—named after the renowned sculptor Alfred Liyolo—dedicated to promoting Congolese art.

Yet, discussing Kinshasa’s heritage wouldn’t be complete without mentioning its remarkable natural surroundings. The city center and the surrounding area feature a wide range of green spaces, some of which host particularly abundant wildlife. For instance, there’s Nsele Valley Park and, along the route, Picasso Beach, a sandy stretch alongside the Nsele River, roughly thirty minutes from Kinshasa. Another must-visit destination is Mbudi Nature‘s rocky shoreline and lively rapids. Let’s not overlook the Kisantu Botanical Garden, the city’s verdant oasis established in 1933; the sanctuary for great apes, Lola ya Bonobo (located 25 km from Kinshasa); and nearby, the tranquil Ma Vallée and CEMKA lakes. However, it takes four to six hours by road to reach the Zongo Falls and their magnificent, misty cascade.

WHERE TO SHOP

La Symphonie des Arts

In Kinshasa, a hub for fashion enthusiasts, there’s something to suit every taste in terms of fashion. For instance, you can choose from outfits and costumes made of pagne fabric (available at La Maison du Pagne or Okapi), modern styles crafted from wax fabric (found at Kinya), and trendy pieces from the boutiques at the Le Premier Shopping Center.

For those with a passion for craftsmanship, design, and art, Kinshasa offers numerous workshops and galleries (such as Palanca, Bandombe, Symphonie des Arts, and more) to explore.  Alternatively, you can find what you’re looking for in dedicated stores like Je Gagne Ma Vie or Le Miel Design. Don’t forget to check out cultural spaces like Texaf Bilembo and the Delvaux Artisanal City as well. 

If you’re ever stuck for gift ideas, keep it simple: a local icon t-shirt or samples of locally made jams and fruit juices (such as those from brands like Le choix de Nadine, JAMBO, and Les confitures de Nilou) will surely delight your friends and family. For these items, The Store concept store (located at 76 avenue de la Justice) is a great choice. Alternatively, you might stumble upon some hidden treasures while browsing through the aisles of the city’s numerous markets. The largest one is the Central Market, constructed in 1943, followed eight years later by the Gambela Market. Other notable markets include the Fabric Market, the Spice Market (known as “Somba Zigida”), the Arts and Crafts Market (referred to as the “Thieves Market”), and the New DAIPN Market.