Ouagadougou is the capital and largest city of Burkina Faso, in West Africa. Locals often call it "Ouaga", and the city works as both a national centre and a gateway into the country. Visitors arrive expecting a busy, lively place, and that is much of what they find.
What to expect
- Markets: The city is known for its bustling markets, where the rhythm of everyday trade is easy to observe and join in with.
- Festivals: Cultural festivals give the city much of its energy through the year.
- Cinema: Ouagadougou is regarded as the centre of West African cinema and is home to the FESPACO film festival, which draws filmmakers and audiences from across the region.
- Museums: Several museums present local art and history, a good starting point for understanding the country before exploring further.
Planning a visit
Ouagadougou suits travellers interested in art, film and the daily life of a major African city. The museums offer context, while the markets and festivals offer people and colour. If your interest is in cinema, timing a trip around FESPACO can make the visit especially memorable, since the city's streets and venues are busy with the event. Allow time to wander rather than rushing between sights, as much of the appeal lies in the city's atmosphere.
The city is also known as Wagadugu, the older spelling used in some sources. Whichever name you use, it is a useful base for discovering Burkina Faso's culture at a human pace.
