Kinshasa, Capital city in Democratic Republic of Congo.
Kinshasa is the capital and largest city of the Democratic Republic of Congo, spreading along the riverfront through several districts. On the opposite side of the water lies Brazzaville, capital of the Republic of Congo, visible in the distance as the two cities face each other across the wide current.
A trading post emerged along the riverbank in the early 1880s, founded under the name Léopoldville. Decades later the city received its current name as the country gained independence and sought a new identity.
Street corners and public squares fill with local musicians playing rumba and soukous, sounds that shape the daily rhythm of the city. Markets spread through entire neighborhoods, offering fabrics, handmade crafts, and freshly prepared meals as vendors and shoppers engage in a constant exchange of words and gestures.
The international airport sits east of the city center and connects the area with other continents. Within the city visitors move by shared taxis or private vehicles, as the road network is extensive but public transit remains limited.
The two capital cities of Kinshasa and Brazzaville are the only capitals in the world close enough to see each other directly across water. On clear days visitors can stand by the riverbank and watch buildings and movement in the neighboring city across the current.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
Martyrs' stadium
1 km
Stade Tata Raphaël
2.1 km
Palace of the Nation
4.2 km
National Museum of the Democratic Republic of Congo
2.1 km
Palais du Peuple
1.5 km
Central Market, Kinshasa
1.2 km
Kinshasa botanical garden
1.4 km
Stade 24 Novembre
131 m
National Library of the Democratic Republic of Congo
3.8 kmTexaf Bilembo
4.3 kmLe Messager
4.5 kmScenic viewpoint
4.3 kmMongita
87 mRobo Roulage De Pont Kapi
1.1 kmGolfclub Kinshasa
2 kmGreatwhite
2 kmPatrice Lumumba
3.7 kmStatue, Work of art
4 kmWork of art, sculpture
3.7 kmCentre Wallonie-Bruxelles
2.2 kmLaura K
1.4 kmMzee Laurent Désiré Kabila
3.7 kmMonument President Kasa-Vubu
2 kmMonument des Artistes
2.2 kmMonument du soldat congolais
2.3 kmMonument
3.4 kmMonument
3.3 kmPLACE DES ANCIENS COMMBATTANTS
3 km
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes