Everything you need to know about visiting Kigali, Rwanda - what to do, where to shop, where to eat, where to stay, and tips and tricks to navigate the city like a local
Recently added as a UNESCO World Heritage Site - Everyone in town will tell you that you can't leave Kigali without visiting the Genocide Memorial - an important place to learn about the recent history of the country and how they successfully navigated the difficult process of peace and reconciliation.
Visit the Nyamirambo Women's Center to purchase some handmade crafts or to take one of their many tours! You can go on a walking tour of their neighborhood or learn how to cook a traditional meal.
Visit the most famous art gallery in the country - explore their beautiful art and be sure to talk to one of the five artist brothers for whom it's named!
The best coffee in Rwanda! Schedule a tour to do a coffee tasting (cupping) experience or a full day to visit some coffee farms. Be sure to enjoy a coffee on their balcony and to bring some beans home for you and your friends.
If you're ready to get out of the city but don't want to go far, visit Umusambi to learn about how they are protecting cranes, and go on a nature walk to see some for yourself!
The most welcoming and beautiful shop in Rwanda. Claudine and Plaisir are the friendliest owners who can't wait to meet you and hear about your trip to Rwanda so far (and they also happen to have some beautiful women-made crafts). Be sure to ask them to show you the peace baskets and imigongo - the two most traditional Rwandan crafts.
While you can find almost everything in this shop, the best items to bring back are the handmade jewelry pieces, made from recycled brass and other items that would have otherwise ended up in a landfill.
Local market where you can find souvenirs, local fabric, and everything else you can think of! More chaotic than the other shops - keep your valuables close (but don't worry too much!)
One of Kigali's only hostels! Clean single and shared rooms right in the heart of Kigali (<5 minutes walking to the Convention Center and Kigali Heights). Plus, the coffee and food is hard to beat!
This location and the one in Kimihurura both have beautiful ambiance and great food - just beware of the bees if you order something with honey! They both also have a cute pan-African shop next door called Go Bananas.
One of Kigali's only hostels! Clean single and shared rooms right in the heart of Kigali (<5 minutes walking to the Convention Center and Kigali Heights). Plus, the coffee and food is hard to beat!
Relatively new BNB and restaurant in a great location of Kigali. Walking distance to the MTN Center (where you can get a sim card, a coffee, and some groceries), and tons of great restaurants.
Large Marriott with many restaurant offerings and a great buffet for any meal.
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General Tips and Tricks
Getting Around
Rwanda doesn't have Uber, but Kigali has Yego and VW Move, both of which have an app that you can download that works similarly (but not as efficiently as) Uber. VW Move might be slightly more expensive, but is more reliable with newer cars.
Motorcycle taxis are also very common - you can just flag one on the road. They will give you a helmet which is mandatory to wear (I recommend carrying a scarf with you to put under the helmet). If you're new to riding one, hold on to the bar on the back of the bike for stability and get on/off from the left side to avoid the exhaust pipe!
Walking is also a very safe and doable option! The city is very small, and there are sidewalks and streetlights everywhere. But beware, it's called 'The Land of a Thousand Hills' for a reason!
Money
Most places will take credit card, but you will need cash for transport, smaller markets, and tipping. I recommend I&M Bank or EcoBank ATMs - you can find both at Kigali Heights (the main, but small, mall).
The exchange rate is around 1 USD=1,250 RWF. The largest note is a 5,000 (approximately 4 USD).
Eating Out
Most cafes and restaurants take their time to serve your meal - when eating out, plan to spend 1.5-2 hours from start to finish.
Tipping isn't mandatory at restaurants, but very appreciated. Leaving between 2,000-5,000 RWF for a casual to nicer meal would be a very kind tip. It's best to ask your server how best to leave a tip to ensure that they receive it (generally cash is best).
Sim Cards
MTN is the main carrier. You can get a physical or eSim at one of their main branches (Remera or Nyarutarama). Be sure to bring your passport!
How to Dress
The country isn't too conservative, so most clothes are generally fine. It's rare to see people wearing shorts unless their exercising, but short skirts are not uncommon.
Don't feel like navigating the city on your own? Book a Kigali City Tour to easily visit many of these sites!
Hi Everyone!
My name is Gracie and I've been living in Kigali, Rwanda for the last 3.5 years! I fell in love with the "Land of a Thousand Hills" ever since I first visited in 2017 and have been fortunate to be able to live here and travel throughout the country. It's my goal to leave no stone unturned and to explore all that Rwanda has to offer.
It's my hope that through these guides, you will fall in love with Rwanda as much as I have. From 'must-sees' to my favorite hidden gems, I've done my best not to leave anything out.
