Last updated: October 2026
Things to do in Kampala range from royal Buganda tombs and a minaret with views over seven hills to live cultural shows and sunset boat trips on Lake Victoria. Many visitors treat the city as a one-night stop before a safari and miss most of it. This guide lists the 15 best attractions and day trips, with fees, opening times and simple itineraries. If you have one day, climb the Uganda National Mosque minaret, visit the Kasubi Tombs and end with an evening show at Ndere Cultural Centre.
Key takeaways
- The Uganda National Mosque minaret in Old Kampala gives the best view of the city. Foreign visitors pay about UGX 25,000.
- The Kasubi Tombs, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, fully reopened in 2025 after restoration. Non-resident foreigners pay $20.
- Ndere Cultural Centre runs evening shows on Wednesdays and Fridays at 7:00 PM and on Sundays at 6:00 PM.
- Ggaba landing site and Lake Victoria boat trips are a short drive from Muyenga in south east Kampala.
- Entebbe, Ngamba Island, Mabamba Swamp and Jinja are the best day trips from the city.
Kampala attractions at a glance
The table below summarises each attraction in the city. Fees are for foreign visitors and were reported in 2025 and 2026. Confirm at the gate, as prices change.
| Attraction | Area | Approx. fee (foreign visitors) | Time needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uganda National Mosque | Old Kampala | UGX 25,000 | 1 hour |
| Kasubi Tombs | Kasubi | $20 | 1 to 1.5 hours |
| Ndere Cultural Centre show | Ntinda | About UGX 95,000 | 3 hours |
| Uganda Museum | Kitante | About UGX 15,000 | 2 to 3 hours |
| Bahá’í House of Worship | Kikaya Hill | Free | 1 hour |
| Uganda Martyrs Basilica | Namugongo | Donation | 1 to 2 hours |
| Kabaka’s Palace, Mengo | Mengo | About $10 | 1 hour |
| Ggaba landing site | Ggaba | Free | 1 to 2 hours |
15 best things to do in Kampala
1. Climb the Uganda National Mosque minaret
The Uganda National Mosque stands on Old Kampala Hill. It was originally named after Muammar Gaddafi, who funded its completion, and was renamed in 2013.
It is the largest mosque in East Africa. A guide takes you through the main hall and up the minaret, which gives a 360 degree view over Kampala’s hills and on clear days to Lake Victoria.
Foreign visitors pay about UGX 25,000. Women receive head coverings and wraps at reception, included in the fee. Tourist visits pause during Friday midday prayers.
2. Visit the Kasubi Tombs
The Kasubi Tombs hold the burial places of four Kabakas, the kings of Buganda. The site is one of Uganda’s three UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The main thatched building burned in 2010. Local craftsmen rebuilt it using traditional Ganda methods, with support from Japanese restoration experts, and the site reopened fully in 2025.
Non-resident foreigners pay $20 and resident foreigners pay $15. The site opens from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
3. Watch a show at Ndere Cultural Centre
Ndere Cultural Centre on Ntinda–Kisaasi Road is the best place in Kampala to see Uganda’s music and dance in one evening. The resident Ndere Troupe performs dances from many of Uganda’s ethnic groups.
Shows run on Wednesday at 7:00 PM, Friday at 7:00 PM and Sunday at 6:00 PM, and last about three hours. The listed entry price for international visitors is about UGX 95,000, with an optional buffet dinner.
4. Explore the Uganda Museum
The Uganda Museum on Kira Road in Kitante opened in 1908 and is the oldest museum in East Africa. It covers archaeology, ethnography and traditional musical instruments.
Most visitors spend two to three hours here. The entrance fee for non-Ugandans is about UGX 15,000.
5. Visit the Bahá’í House of Worship
The Bahá’í House of Worship sits on Kikaya Hill, about 7 kilometres from the city centre off Gayaza Road. It is the Mother Temple of Africa for the Bahá’í Faith.
The domed temple stands in large, quiet gardens with views over Kampala. Entry is free and visitors of all faiths are welcome.
6. See the Uganda Martyrs Basilica at Namugongo
The Uganda Martyrs Basilica stands at Namugongo, about 11 kilometres north east of central Kampala. It marks the place where Christian converts were executed in 1886 under Kabaka Mwanga II.
Martyrs’ Day on 3 June is a public holiday. Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims, many walking from neighbouring countries, gather at the shrine each year.
7. Walk the Buganda Royal Mile and visit the Kabaka’s Palace
The Kabaka’s Palace at Mengo, also called the Lubiri, was built in 1922. The grounds include the underground chambers used as a prison under Idi Amin.
A straight road, the Royal Mile, links the palace to the Bulange, the Buganda parliament building. The man-made Kabaka’s Lake lies nearby.
8. Visit Rubaga and Namirembe cathedrals
Rubaga Cathedral is the seat of the Catholic Archdiocese of Kampala. Namirembe Cathedral is the oldest Anglican cathedral in Uganda.
Both stand on their own hills and give good views of the city. Visiting either is free.
9. Shop at Nakasero and Owino markets
Nakasero Market sells fresh produce, spices and household goods in the city centre. It is organised and manageable for first-time visitors.
St Balikuddembe Market, known as Owino, is far larger and busier. Go with a local guide and keep valuables out of sight.
For crafts, try the stalls around the Uganda National Cultural Centre and Buganda Road.
10. Eat fresh fish at Ggaba landing site
Ggaba is a fishing community on the shore of Lake Victoria, at the southern end of Ggaba Road. Boats bring in tilapia and Nile perch, and lakeside stalls cook them to order.
Ggaba is a short drive from Muyenga. Local boatmen also offer short trips on the lake from here.
11. Take a sunset boat trip on Lake Victoria
Lake Victoria is Africa’s largest lake. Sunset cruises leave from Munyonyo and Ggaba, south of the city.
Group cruises from Munyonyo start at around UGX 50,000 per person. Private boats cost more and can reach nearby islands.
12. Spend an evening in Kabalagala
Kabalagala, at the foot of Muyenga hill, is one of Kampala’s liveliest areas for food and nightlife. It has restaurants, bars and clubs for every budget.
Use a registered driver or ride hailing app to get back at night.
Best day trips from Kampala
13. Entebbe: botanical gardens and wildlife centre
Entebbe sits on a peninsula in Lake Victoria, about 40 kilometres from Kampala. The Entebbe Botanical Gardens and the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre make an easy half day.
Read the guide to getting from Entebbe Airport to Kampala for transport options and journey times.
14. Ngamba Island and Mabamba Swamp
Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary cares for orphaned chimpanzees. Boats leave from Entebbe.
Mabamba Swamp, west of Entebbe, is one of the best places in Uganda to see the rare shoebill stork. Birders go early in the morning by canoe.
15. Jinja and the source of the Nile
Jinja lies about 80 kilometres east of Kampala, where the Nile leaves Lake Victoria. Visitors come for white water rafting, kayaking and boat trips to the source.
Leave early to avoid traffic on the Jinja Road.
Suggested Kampala itineraries
One day in Kampala
- Morning: Uganda National Mosque and minaret, then Kasubi Tombs.
- Lunch: Nakasero area or Kabalagala.
- Afternoon: Uganda Museum or the Kabaka’s Palace.
- Evening: Ndere Cultural Centre show on a Wednesday, Friday or Sunday.
Two days in Kampala
- Day one: follow the one day plan.
- Day two: Bahá’í House of Worship and Namugongo in the morning, then Ggaba for lunch and a sunset boat trip on Lake Victoria.
Practical tips for sightseeing in Kampala
- Start early. Traffic builds from about 7:00 AM and again after 5:00 PM.
- Carry Ugandan shillings in small notes for entrance fees, guides and tips.
- Dress modestly for the mosque and cathedrals. Shoulders and knees should be covered.
- Hire a driver for the day to link several sites. It saves time and parking stress.
- Ask before photographing people, especially at markets and religious sites.
Where to stay for sightseeing
Muyenga is a convenient base for the south of the city, Ggaba and Lake Victoria. Bon Bini Residence offers apartments in Muyenga from $40 a night, with WiFi, daily housekeeping, 24/7 security and pool access.
The team can arrange a car and driver for day tours. To compare areas, read where to stay in Kampala.
Frequently asked questions
What is Kampala best known for?
Kampala is known for its seven original hills, the heritage of the Buganda Kingdom, lively nightlife and its position on the shore of Lake Victoria.
How many days do you need in Kampala?
One full day covers the main sights: the National Mosque, Kasubi Tombs and an evening show at Ndere. Two days let you add Namugongo, the Bahá’í Temple and Lake Victoria.
How much does it cost to visit the Kasubi Tombs?
Non-resident foreigners pay $20 and resident foreigners pay $15. The site opens from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Can you climb the minaret at the Uganda National Mosque?
Yes. The guided visit includes the climb up the minaret. Foreign visitors pay about UGX 25,000, and women receive coverings at reception.
What are the best day trips from Kampala?
Popular day trips include Entebbe’s botanical gardens and wildlife centre, Ngamba Island chimpanzee sanctuary, Mabamba Swamp for shoebills and Jinja at the source of the Nile.
Written by the Bon Bini Residence team in Muyenga, Kampala. We host business travellers, families and expats in our serviced apartments all year and update this guide as things change.
Need a base for exploring Kampala? See all apartments and check availability, or message us on WhatsApp at +256 706 444 444.
