Things to do in Kampala City

How to spend a day in Kampala? If you only have 1 day to see Kampala, I highly recommend a one-day Kampala City Tour with a guide that can tell you everything about this capital city of Uganda and its history. On this tour, you will visit most well-known monuments and top tourist attractions in Kampala. Along the way you can taste Kampala's streetfood on the colorful markets and submerge yourself in Uganda's vibrant culture.

1. Uganda National Mosque with 360° city view

With its impressive architectural design, the Uganda National Mosque - also known as the Gaddafi National Mosque or Kampala Central Mosque - is a prominent landmark in the city on Kampala Hill in Old Kampala. This iconic Old Kampala Mosque is one of the best places to visit in Kampala as it's the largest mosque in East Africa offering a wonderful blend of Islamic culture and architectural grandeur.

The mosque (initially built by Idi Amin Dada) got its nickname Gaddafi Mosque because the former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi funded various infrastructure projects, including the mosque, which became a symbol of the historical ties between Libya and Uganda during Gaddafi’s rule. Following Gaddafi’s fall from power in 2011, the name of the mosque became a subject of controversy and got renamed to Uganda National Mosque.

Explore the mosque's premises and admire the panoramic views of Kampala on top of the minaret. It’s a 300-steps climb to get a 360-degree view over Kampala city from the top, but it’s 100% worth the ascent. Also, don’t forget to look down the winding staircase inside the minaret, one of the Instagrammable photo spots in Kampala.

2. Gaddafi Mosque

The entrance ticket for the Gaddafi Mosque is about 5 US Dollars (20,000 UGX) for foreign internationals. That includes a guide and a scarf to cover the women's head, arms, and legs. If you book a Kampala City Tour with Sites Travel, they already included the ticket in the walking tour.

The Uganda National Mosque is one of the best places to visit in Kampala as it provides a glimpse into the Muslim community's vibrant cultural practices, and it offers some of the best views of Kampala city. A good beginning of your Kampala Walking Tour as you get to know the city and its surrounding ‘seven hills’ from a birds-eye perspective.

There's also another mosque in Kampala that is worth visiting, called Kibuli Mosque. It's the second most popular mosque in Uganda after the Gadhafi Mosque. It's located in Kibuli, a place with the largest population of Muslims in Kampala.

3. Visit the UNESCO Kasubi Tombs

Kampala hosts one of the 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Uganda, the famous Kasubi Royal Tombs. These royal burial grounds hold great cultural significance for the Buganda Kingdom. Observe the traditional architecture, learn about the kingdom's history, and gain insight into the traditions of the Buganda people, including their spiritual beliefs & rituals associated with the last resting place of the kings and royals.

4. Explore the Uganda Museum

Learn about Uganda’s past at the Uganda Museum, the oldest museum in East Africa. The museum offers an impressive collection of artefacts, exhibits on traditional crafts, and displays of Uganda's diverse cultural heritage. The Uganda National Museum offers a captivating journey through time and offers a unique opportunity to learn about Uganda's pre-colonial, colonial, and post-colonial history, as well as the country's ethnic groups, traditions, and customs. A must-visit for our history lovers and everyone who wants to learn more about Uganda.

The National Museum also hosts the annual Amakula International Film Festival in Kampala where visual content is celebrated and promoted with a focus on African cinema.

5. Kabaka's Palace & Idi Amin's Torture Chambers

When you visit Kampala, make sure to explore the historic Kabaka's Palace, also known as the Lubiri Palace. Situated on the Royal Mile in the heart of Kampala city, the Lubiri Palace served as the residence of the Kabakas. The Kabakas were the traditional rulers of the Buganda kingdom, dating back to the 19th century during the reign of Kabaka Mwanga II. Today, the palace also houses the Buganda Parliament (Lukiiko), where the Lukiiko convenes to discuss and deliberate on matters related to the Buganda kingdom's governance, culture, and development.

Idi Amin’s Torture Chambers, also known as the Haunted Mansion or Amin's Haunted House is one of the most sad but interesting places to visit in Kampala. It is a building with a dark history associated with the regime of former Ugandan President Idi Amin. During Idi Amin's presidency, Uganda witnessed widespread human rights abuses and political repression. Many individuals were subjected to torture and violence under Amin's regime.

The Haunted Mansion is believed to be one of the places where Amin's security forces carried out their brutal activities. Stories and rumors of paranormal occurrences, ghostly apparitions, and lingering negative energies have emerged over the years, contributing to the haunted reputation of the site.

When you visit the site, you will encounter a dark concrete tunnel with prison cells. These cells used to be separated by an electrified body of water to prevent prisoners from escaping. Each torture cell had over 100 people with no ventilation, water, or food.

Unfortunately, over 200,000 people died in these torture chambers. When you visit Idi Amin's Torture Chambers you can still see heartbreaking messages on the walls of the torture cells written by former prisoners. Other signs you can find are bullet holes and scratches of resistance. I found the torture chambers impressive and ominous. It gave me goosebumps all over.

You'll also find the remains of Mutesa’s Rolls-Royce which was destroyed by Idi Amin. Nowadays, the palace is called Mengo Palace due to its location on (Nkaawo) Mengo Hill, one of the 7 Kampala Hills.

6. Royal Mile of the Buganda Kingdom

Travelers should add a walk along The Royal Mile to their list of things to see and do in Kampala. The Royal Mile is a historic road connecting important sites, and landmarks associated with the kingdom and holds significant cultural and political importance for the Buganda people.

Lubiri Palace or Kabaka's Palace (no. 4 in this Kampala article)

The Bulange Parliament Building (or Bulange Mengo) serves as the administrative and cultural headquarters for the kingdom's affairs. Here, you can learn about the political system of the Buganda Kingdom and witness the cultural ceremonies and events that take place. It also houses the offices of the Katikkiro (Prime Minister).

Naggalabi Buddo Coronation Site where Buganda kings get traditionally crowned.

Kabaka's Lake also known as Luggard's Lake, was created during the reign of Kabaka Mwanga II. The lake not only adds to the beauty of the area but also holds historical and cultural importance within the Buganda Kingdom.

By exploring this historic activity, you learn more about the Buganda people's identity. So, take a stroll along The Royal Mile and let the stories of the Buganda Kingdom unfold before you.

7. The colourful Owino Market

Officially (re)named St. Balikuddembe Market, no visit to Kampala is complete without experiencing the vibrant atmosphere of the Owino Market, the largest market in Kampala!

Second-hand market in Kampala

This bustling market, commonly referred to as "Kampala's second-hand market" is a treasure trove for thrift shoppers. They have everything from unique clothing and shoes to accessories; all at affordable prices. So, unleash your inner fashionista as you browse through second-hand items, giving them a new life and adding a touch of individuality to your wardrobe.

Labyrinth of alleys

Visit Kampala and get lost in the many small alleys that feel like a labyrinth filled with stalls offering colorful fabrics, traditional crafts, clothing, traditional Ugandan food, and lots of souvenirs. Engage with friendly vendors, bargain for unique finds, and embrace the lively atmosphere of this bustling open-air Owino Market. I was happy our guide Grace knew exactly what alleys to go through and what stalls to show us to learn some interesting facts about certain products. 100% one of the best outdoor activities in Kampala!

Open-air St. Balikuddembe Market

They renamed Owino Market into St. Balikuddembe Market in honor of a prominent Ugandan martyr named Charles Lwanga, who was canonized as Saint Charles Lwanga Balikuddembe. Balikuddembe is a local term that means "the one who brings peace". The name change pays homage to this important figure in Ugandan history and to emphasize the market's connection to the local community.

8. Eat Local Ugandan Cuisine (Rolex tasting)

When in Kampala, you can’t miss out on tasting some flavors of the Ugandan cuisine. Things you must taste and eat in Downtown Kampala are local dishes like matoke (cooked banana), luwombo (stewed meat wrapped in banana leaves), and Rolex (a popular street food comprising a rolled chapati with eggs and vegetables).

So when you buy a Rolex in Uganda, you don’t get a watch but a rolled chapati with eggs! A Ugandan Rolex is a great street food that you find along the road. We did Rolex tasting on our Kampala City Tour, where we got to see how they make this fresh local Ugandan dish.

We also tasted freshly made Banana pancakes and some G-nut sauce. Head to local restaurants and Kampala street food stalls to experience the authentic tastes of Uganda.

If you have more time, you can also opt for a Ugandan Cooking Class with authentic Ugandan dishes or do a half or full-day food tour in Kampala. A food tour is one of the cool things to do in Kampala because it's very interactive and a great way to support the vendors and their families.

Are you a lover of coffee? Check out 1000 Cups of Coffee, at PRISM Mall on Buganda Road - opposite the East African Craft Village. They also offer Coffee Safaris and options to experience their Roastery.

9. Ugandan Coffee Experience Class

Life is too short to drink terrible coffee! The Coffee Experience and Home Brewing Class in Kampala is an interactive and fun thing to do in Kampala if you want to learn more about Uganda's rich coffee heritage. The class delves into the progress (or lack thereof) in being recognized as a coffee giant and growing & processing methods. It also focuses on price transparency and the dynamics between coffee growers and coffee consumers.

You will analyze roast profiles, grind size, and various brewing methods, plus you will sample specialty Robusta and Arabica coffee. Interested in this coffee class?

10. Buy fresh fruits at Nakasero Market

In the heart of downtown Kampala, Nakasero Market is Kampala’s major food market; a bustling hub where locals, visitors, and businesses come together to buy and sell fresh food like colorful fruits, vegetables, grains, spices, meats, fish, and livestock like chickens.

It is the oldest and most iconic market in the city, offering a unique cultural experience for visitors. It’s also the place where most hotels buy their food.

So, the foodies among us will be in for a treat at Nakasero Food Market. Take a stroll through the food section and engage with the vendors to learn about traditional Ugandan ingredients and recipes.

Eat fresh fruits and sample some of the local street food, such as roasted plantains, grilled meats, and savory samosas, for a true taste of Uganda's culinary delights.

The lively atmosphere, bustling crowds, and eye-catching displays make it a photographer's paradise. Capture the essence of everyday life, and the friendly faces of the vendors as you document your visit to Nakasero Market.

Like to have a panoramic view of the Nakasero Market to photograph the food market from above? Go up the stairs at the nearby mall! If you're with a guide he or she can show you the way!

What I like about strolling the markets is that it's a cheap thing to do in Kampala as the markets don't have an entrance fee. I do recommend buying some souvenirs, and tasting local dishes and fresh fruits, like mango.