Top 10 Things to Do in Kampala, Uganda

I spent about a week in Kampala, the lively capital of Uganda, and I was determined to experience as much as possible. Kampala is vibrant, chaotic, full of history, and offers some of the most unique cultural experiences in East Africa. I asked my hostel in Kampala for tips, hopped on a boda-boda (motorcycle taxi), and explored the city. To my surprise, you can see a lot of the main sights in Kampala, Uganda in just one or two days if you plan well.

If you’re wondering about the top things to do in Kampala, Uganda, here’s my personal list of highlights.

1. Bahá’í Temple – Bahá’í House of Worship

The Bahá’í Temple in Kampala is one of a kind—it’s the only Bahá’í House of Worship in Africa. Located on Kikaya Hill, it’s a peaceful escape from the busy city, surrounded by beautiful gardens and greenery. I had previously seen the Bahá’í gardens in Israel, so I was excited to visit the temple here. The Bahá’í faith is relatively young and blends elements of nine religions. Each temple has nine entrances and a central dome. From the hilltop, you’ll also enjoy stunning panoramic views of Kampala’s hills and neighborhoods.

2. Kasubi Tombs

The Kasubi Tombs are one of the most important cultural and spiritual sites in Uganda. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the burial place of the kings of the Buganda Kingdom (called Kabakas). The site is also an architectural treasure, with traditional reed and wood structures. Unfortunately, a fire in 2010 destroyed some of the main buildings, but restoration continues. A visit here gives you a deep insight into Buganda traditions and history.

3. Owino Market

If you want to experience everyday life in Kampala, Owino Market is a must. It’s said to be the largest market in East Africa, and walking through its narrow alleys is an adventure in itself and you can get lost easily. You’ll find everything from mountains of second-hand clothes to fresh produce and electronics. Bargaining is part of the fun here—but leave your valuables at the hostel because the market is famously hectic.

4. Lubiri Palace

Lubiri Palace, also known as Mengo Palace, was once the home of the King of Buganda. Today it’s a mix of grandeur and history, and tours around the palace reveal Uganda’s turbulent political past. You can take a tour to learn more about the history of the place.

5. Idi Amin’s Torture Chambers

Right next to Lubiri Palace are the prison chambers built during the rule of Idi Amin, Uganda’s former dictator. On the tour, I learned about the dark history of this place and found out how the chambers were designed to trick prisoners. The chambers didn’t have any bars, so the prisoners thought there was an escape route. But the cells were built on a higher level than the hallway, creating a ditch that was flooded with electrified water. Anyone who tried to swim to freedom was tragically electrocuted.

6. Old Taxi Park

The Old Taxi Park in downtown Kampala is absolute chaos in the most photogenic way possible. Hundreds of white matatus (minibuses) are squeezed in, honking and maneuvering in ways that seem impossible. I wouldn’t spend long here, but it’s fascinating to see how such a system actually works. It’s also a perfect spot for street photography if you want to capture the pulse of Kampala. If you’ve been traveling overland in Africa for a while, you’ve probably seen this kind of places before though. It’s very chaotic!

7. Gaddafi National Mosque (Uganda National Mosque)

The Gaddafi National Mosque is one of the top sights in Kampala and one of the largest mosques in Africa. Idi Amin started the project, but when funds were running low, Colonel Gaddafi of Libya financed its completion, hence the name.

8. Buganda Craft Village

If you’re looking for souvenirs in Kampala, head to the Buganda Craft Village. You’ll find handmade jewelry, batik fabrics, banana-leaf figures, wooden carvings, clothes, bags, sculptures, and colorful paintings. Be ready to bargain!

9. Muyenga Tank Hill

If you’d like a change from the buzzing streets of Kampala, head to Muyenga—sometimes called the Beverly Hills of Kampala. This leafy, upscale neighborhood feels worlds away from the chaos of downtown. You can take a walk up to Muyenga Tank Hill, where you get sweeping views of the city and even glimpses of Lake Victoria in the distance. The area is calm and green, safe to walk around, and there are also small cafes and restaurants tucked into the hillsides.

10. Lake Victoria

No trip to Kampala is complete without seeing Lake Victoria, the largest lake in Africa. You can visit Ggaba, a bustling local fishing village. Alternatively, relax at lakeside hotels like Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort & Spa or Yellow Haven Lodge.

If you have more time, take a day trip to Jinja, the adventure capital of Uganda, where the Nile River begins. You can get there easily using either local matatus or more comfortable Pineapple Express, a private transport service.

Getting Around in Kampala

The best way to get around Kampala is by boda-boda (motorcycle taxis). They’re fast, cheap, and can weave through the traffic jams that cars can’t. Always agree on the price before hopping on!

Where to Stay in Kampala

If you’re on a backpacker’s budget, there are a few hostels in Kampala. I stayed at Fat Cat Backpackers, but unfortunately they closed down during Covid. However, there are other great options, such as Bushpig Backpacker Hostel and Ubuntu Hivve Hostel.

If you prefer hotels, Kampala has plenty of choices—from budget guesthouses to luxury stays. Areas like Kololo, Nakasero, and Muyenga are ideal if you want safer neighborhoods with good restaurants, shops, and nightlife nearby. I also really liked the location of my hostel, which was close to Acacia Mall. There were lots of restaurant options around, the mall had a big supermarket, and it was super easy to catch boda-bodas from there to explore the city.

One of the best hotel options in Kampala is the Kampala Serena Hotel. I had also stayed at Serena Hotels in Rwanda, and they consistently offer excellent quality and service.

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