All citiesKigali Things to do and walking itinerary
Rwanda Kigali travel guide
20 things to do in Kigali, where to stay, airport transfers. Pick places on the map and get a day-by-day walking route from your hotel with steps, kilometres and minutes.
Top things to do in Kigali
- Sainte-Famille Church — building in Rwanda (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Nyandungu Urban Wetland Eco-Tourism Park — Nyandungu Swamp Tourism Park is a 134-hectare Rwandan tourism park located between Gasabo and Kicukiro Districts that enables people to travel to enjoy the natural and wildlife of the Nyandungu Swamp. (visit ≈ 45 min)
- Kigali Genocide Memorial — Memorial of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Kandt House Museum — natural history museum in Kigali, Rwanda (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Rwanda Art Museum — Museums in Kigali, Rwanda (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Rebero Genocide Memorial — Memorial of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Nyanza-Kicukiro Genocide Memorial — Memorial of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Campaign Against Genocide Museum — Memorial of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Anti-corruption Monument of Rwanda — 12m high monument that was built to recognise Rwanda’s anti-corruption policies by the Qatari government in 2019, during the International Anti-Corruption Excellence Awards. (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Kinyinya Genocide Memorial — memorial of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Kinyinya, Kigali, Rwanda (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Jabana Genocide Memorial — Memorial of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Memorial of Belgian Peacekeepers — Memorial of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Gahanga Genocide Memorial — Memorial of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Saint Michael Cathedral in Kigali — cathedral in Kigali, Rwanda (visit ≈ 35 min)
- Kibagabaga Genocide Memorial — Memorial of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Nyanza-Kicukiro Memorial Garden — Memorial Garden of Nyanza-Kicukiro (visit ≈ 45 min)
- St Charles Lwanga Church — church in Nyamirambo, Rwanda (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Rubirizi Genocide Memorial — Memorial of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Onatracom Masjid Al Fat'h Mosque — Mosque in Kigali, Rwanda (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Nyarutarama Recreation Park — park in Rwanda (visit ≈ 45 min)
2-day Kigali walking itinerary
Starting point: Kiyovu. The top 7 places at a normal pace (up to ~10 km of walking a day), in this order. Change places or your hotel on the map and the route is recalculated; distances are estimates with a street allowance.
- Day 1 (≈ 9.0 km · 12,190 steps · 2 h 0 min on the way): Saint Michael Cathedral in Kigali → Memorial of Belgian Peacekeepers → Onatracom Masjid Al Fat'h Mosque → St Charles Lwanga Church
- Day 2 (≈ 6.4 km · 8,610 steps · 1 h 25 min on the way): Kandt House Museum → Kigali Genocide Memorial → Sainte-Famille Church
Where to stay in Kigali
- Kiyovu: Green and quiet near the centre; home to historic hotels.
- Kimihurura: A lively area full of restaurants and bars.
- Nyarutarama: Golf course and upscale hotels; calm and modern.
- Kacyiru: Hotels near ministries and the convention centre.
- Remera: Near the airport; good-value hotels and local eateries.
Getting from the airport to Kigali
- Kigali International (KGL): Taxi or the Move app ≈ 25 min.
Getting around
The city is hilly but safe; use moto-taxis for short hops, or a taxi or Move for comfort. Helmets are compulsory on moto-taxis.
Classic places to eat
- Question Coffee: Café sourcing Rwandan coffee from women farmers; offers coffee workshops.
- Repub Lounge: Rwandan dishes on a terrace with city views; try the brochettes.
- Heaven Restaurant: Open-air dining with African-inspired dishes; a Kiyovu classic.
- Hôtel des Mille Collines: Lunch by the pool of the historic hotel.
- Khana Khazana: A much-loved Indian restaurant open for many years.
- Pili Pili: Bar-restaurant with a pool and views; lovely at sunset.
Romantic views
- Mount Kigali (Sunset): The view over the city's green hills is beautiful at sunset.
- Nyandungu Eco-Park (Early morning): Wetland boardwalks full of birdsong are very peaceful in the morning.
- Nyamirambo (Evening): With colourful shops and street life, the city's liveliest quarter is fun in the evening.
Good to know before visiting Kigali
- Fine: Plastic bags are banned and confiscated on arrival.
- Fine: Littering is fined; cities are kept very clean.
- Fine: Photographing military sites, airports, bridges and government buildings is prohibited.
- Warning: Malaria is a risk; ask your doctor about prevention and use repellent.
- On the last Saturday morning of each month, community work (Umuganda) halts traffic and shops.
- Be quiet and respectful at genocide memorials.
- Emergency: police 112, ambulance 912
- Plugs: C/J, 230V
- Tap water: Don't drink tap water; use bottled.
- Tipping: About 10% is customary.
Sources: UK FCDO — Foreign travel advice: Rwanda, Wikivoyage — Rwanda, T.C. Dışişleri Bakanlığı — Türk vatandaşlarının tabi olduğu vize uygulamaları · For information only; rules change, check official sources before you go. Last checked: 2026-10
Kigali travel FAQ
- How many days do you need in Kigali?
- The top 7 places in the centre take about 2 days at a normal pace on a walking route from your hotel.
- What are the top things to do in Kigali?
- Highlights: Sainte-Famille Church, Nyandungu Urban Wetland Eco-Tourism Park, Kigali Genocide Memorial, Kandt House Museum and Rwanda Art Museum. The map has 20 things to do in total.
- Where to stay in Kigali?
- Kiyovu: Green and quiet near the centre; home to historic hotels. Other options: Kimihurura, Nyarutarama, Kacyiru and Remera.
- How do you get from the airport to Kigali city centre?
- Kigali International (KGL): Taxi or the Move app ≈ 25 min.
- How do you get around Kigali?
- The city is hilly but safe; use moto-taxis for short hops, or a taxi or Move for comfort. Helmets are compulsory on moto-taxis.
- What is the emergency number in Kigali?
- Emergency: police 112, ambulance 912.
- Do you tip in Kigali?
- About 10% is customary.
Nearby cities
Gitega · Kampala · Nairobi · Juba · Dodoma · Zanzibar (Stone Town) · Lilongwe · Bangui
All cities