About Bamako
Bamako is the capital of Mali, home to around 4,227,569 people.
Best time
The dry season for the most comfortable travel
Weather
Largely warm year-round with distinct wet and dry seasons
Experiences
Things to do in Bamako
1
Mali National Park
2
Bamako Botanical Gardens
3
Bamako Zoo
4
National Museum of Mali
5
Muso Kunda Museum of Women
6
Grand Mosque of Bamako
7
Sacred Heart Cathedral
8
Cultural Palace Hamadou Hampaté Ba
Budget travel
Free things to do in Bamako
Mali National Park
Bamako Botanical Gardens
Grand Mosque of Bamako
Sacred Heart Cathedral
Mostly free or pay-what-you-like — always double-check opening times and any seasonal fees before you go.
Plan your trip
Suggested itinerary
- 1
Day 1
Icons & landmarks
- Visit Mali National Park
- Visit Bamako Botanical Gardens
- Visit Bamako Zoo
- Eat at Pizzeria de Guido
- 2
Day 2
Culture & neighborhoods
- Visit National Museum of Mali
- Visit Muso Kunda Museum of Women
- Visit Grand Mosque of Bamako
- Eat at Hotel Badala
- 3
Day 3
Markets, parks & hidden corners
- Visit Sacred Heart Cathedral
- Visit Cultural Palace Hamadou Hampaté Ba
- Eat at Le Relax
Where to eat
Local favourites
Pizzeria de Guido
Decent Italian restaurant - just don't expect taxi drivers to know where it is.
Hotel Badala
Very well run, little known restaurant/brasserie. Excellent food (the Pave du boeuf is yummy). Excellent service. Small pool, outside tables
Le Relax
Reasonably priced restaurant (around 2000 to 5000 XOF). Vegetarian options are available. Cake, ice cream and other sweets are available in
La Fourmi
Azar
Le Miniprix
Supermarket Le Miniprix is actually the best one with the best service and with the lowest prices. They have a very clean store and are open
Where to stay
Tourist favourites & top-rated
- $
Hotel Dafina
On a quiet street within walking distance of several restaurants (Vietnamese, Chinese, French) and a well stocked supermarket. Small swimmin
Hotel Lac Débo
Hotel Le Rabelais
Has a pool, French restaurant and bar. Food good but not cheap. Make and sell their own ice cream! You can pay to use the pool if you're not
Hotel Yamey
Azalai Grand Hotel
Swimming pool, tennis court, internet access. The hotel is by far one of the oldest in town. Nice-sized, very clean rooms with large windows
Nightlife
- Ibiza
Museums & culture
- National Museum of Mali
- Muso Kunda Museum of Women
- Grand Mosque of Bamako
- Sacred Heart Cathedral
- Cultural Palace Hamadou Hampaté Ba
In pictures
Bamako gallery
Keep exploring
