Centre, Burkina Faso Travel Guide

Centre Region, Burkina Faso: Explore Ouagadougou's vibrant markets, historical landmarks, and immerse yourself in rich cultural traditions and local hospitality.

The Centre region of Burkina Faso is a treasure trove of cultural and historical wonders. At its core lies the vibrant capital city of Ouagadougou, known for its bustling markets, captivating museums, and rich artistic scene. The National Museum is a must-visit, showcasing the country's diverse cultural heritage and traditional crafts. A stroll through the lively streets of Ouagadougou will lead you to the Grand Mosque and the Cathedral of Ouagadougou, two architectural marvels that stand as symbols of the region's religious diversity. The city's parks, such as Parc Bangr-Weoogo, offer serene escapes from the urban hustle, providing lush greenery and a chance to see local wildlife. Beyond the capital, the Centre region's villages offer a glimpse into traditional Burkinabe life. Visitors can experience local festivals, traditional music, and dance, all while enjoying the warm hospitality of the Burkinabe people. The region's cuisine, with its unique flavors and ingredients, is another highlight, offering a culinary journey that is both delightful and memorable.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Centre.

Carry cash as many local markets and vendors do not accept credit cards.
Learn a few phrases in French, the official language, to help with communication.
Visit during the dry season from November to February for more comfortable weather.
Respect local customs and dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites.
Try local dishes like Tô and Riz Gras for an authentic culinary experience.

Top City Travel Guides in Centre

The cities of Centre, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Ouagadougou

Ziniaré

Explore Centre: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Top Attractions & Sightseeing in Centre

Top-rated picks

Best Attractions

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Parc Bangr Weogo

Discover the lush tranquility of Parc Bangr Weogo, a serene park in Ouagadougou perfect for nature lovers and families seeking relaxation.

3.9

Maison du Peuple

Explore the heart of Ouagadougou at Maison du Peuple, a vibrant cultural center celebrating art and community in Burkina Faso.

3.7

Ciné Neerwaya

Experience the vibrant cinematic culture of Ouagadougou at Ciné Neerwaya, where local stories come to life on the big screen.

3.8

FESPACO

Experience FESPACO, Africa's premier film festival in Ouagadougou, where vibrant cinema meets cultural celebration in an unforgettable setting.

3.9

Best landmarks in Centre

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Parc Bangr Weogo

Explore the serene beauty of Parc Bangr Weogo, a lush park in Ouagadougou perfect for relaxation, wildlife watching, and enjoying nature.

3.9

Maison du Peuple

Explore the vibrant art and culture of Burkina Faso at Maison du Peuple in Ouagadougou, a hub of creativity and community.

3.7

Ouagadougou Thomas Sankara International Airport

Discover the vibrant culture and stunning landscapes of Burkina Faso at Ouagadougou Thomas Sankara International Airport, your gateway to adventure.

3.8

CANAL OLYMPIA

Discover the best in film at Canal Olympia, Ouagadougou's premier movie theater showcasing local and international cinema.

4.3

Best restaurants in Centre

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La Perle

Experience authentic Burkinabé flavors at La Perle in Ouagadougou - where culinary excellence meets cultural richness.

4.1

Koffi GOMBO

Discover authentic Burkinabé cuisine at Koffi GOMBO in Ouagadougou – where tradition meets taste!

4.1

P'tit Paris Gounghin

Discover the essence of Ouagadougou's culinary scene at P'tit Paris Gounghin with exquisite local and international dishes.

4.3

SIKA LOUNGE

Discover the culinary delights of SIKA LOUNGE in Ouagadougou - where local flavors meet international cuisine in a vibrant atmosphere.

4.2

Best bars in Centre

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SIKA LOUNGE

Discover the lively atmosphere and delicious cuisine at SIKA LOUNGE, a premier bar and restaurant in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

4.2

Le Titis

Discover vibrant nightlife and local culture at Le Titis, a lively bar in Ouagadougou offering refreshing drinks and a welcoming atmosphere.

3.8

Yin Yang

Experience the lively nightlife at Yin Yang Bar in Ouagadougou, where great drinks and a vibrant atmosphere await!

3.9

The Taxi Brousse

Discover the lively atmosphere of The Taxi Brousse in Koulouba, Ouagadougou, where locals and tourists come together to unwind with affordable drinks and great company.

3.7

Best nightclubs in Centre

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ZÉBIÉ NIGHT-CLUB

Discover the heart of Ouagadougou's nightlife at ZÉBIÉ NIGHT-CLUB, where the music is vibrant and the atmosphere is electric.

4.0

SUNSET OUAGA

Discover the vibrant nightlife of Ouagadougou at Sunset Ouaga, where lively music, delicious drinks, and a warm atmosphere await every visitor.

4.0

The Mask

Discover the electrifying nightlife of Ouagadougou at The Mask, a premier disco club where music and dance unite in vibrant celebration.

4.0

Level Night Club

Discover the lively nightlife of Ouagadougou at Level Night Club, where great music and vibrant energy create unforgettable memories.

3.6

Best shops in Centre

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Centre commercial de Ouaga 2000

Discover the lively Centre Commercial de Ouaga 2000, a premier shopping destination in Ouagadougou featuring local and international brands, dining, and entertainment.

3.8

Orca Deco Burkina

Explore Burkinabe craftsmanship at Orca Deco Burkina, where unique furnishings meet vibrant design in Ouagadougou.

4.1

Liza Market Kwame N'krumah

Discover Liza Market Kwame N'krumah: A vibrant shopping and cultural experience in the heart of Ouagadougou, showcasing local flavors and crafts.

4.1

Home Market

Discover the vibrant culture of Ouagadougou at Home Market, where local flavors and international goods come together in a lively shopping experience.

4.1

Explore Centre on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Centre, mapped for you.

Centre Essentials

Centre, a region in Burkina Faso, is best accessed through Ouagadougou, the capital city, where the Ouagadougou International Airport (OUA) is located. From the airport, you can take a taxi or rent a car to travel to various towns and cities within the Centre region. The journey from Ouagadougou to Koudougou, a major city in Centre, takes about 2 hours by road.
Within the Centre region, you can travel by taxis, minibuses, or rented cars. Taxis are widely available and are a convenient option for short distances. Minibuses (known as 'bush taxis') operate on fixed routes between towns and villages. Renting a car provides the flexibility to explore the region at your own pace. Ensure you have a GPS or a reliable map, as road signs may not always be clear.
The official currency in Burkina Faso is the West African CFA Franc (XOF). Credit cards are accepted in some hotels and restaurants in larger towns, but cash is preferred, especially in smaller establishments and rural areas. ATMs are available in major towns like Koudougou and Ouagadougou, so it's advisable to withdraw sufficient cash before heading to more remote areas.
Centre is generally safe for tourists, but it is important to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night, especially in unfamiliar areas, and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. Some areas, particularly outskirts of larger towns, may have higher crime rates targeting tourists, so remain vigilant. Always use reputable taxi services and avoid displaying valuable items openly.
In case of emergency, dial 17 for police assistance and 18 for fire services. For medical emergencies, you can contact local hospitals or clinics in major towns. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available in larger towns where you can purchase over-the-counter medications. Keep emergency contact numbers handy and know the location of the nearest embassy or consulate.
Fashion: Do dress modestly; local customs favor conservative clothing. Avoid wearing revealing outfits. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting religious sites, dress appropriately and remove shoes if required. Public Transport: Do be respectful and avoid eating or drinking on public transport. Give up your seat to elderly passengers. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake and a smile. Use the right hand for handshakes and giving items. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and drinks. Accept food offerings graciously, as refusing hospitality can be considered impolite.
To experience Centre like a local, visit traditional markets in towns like Koudougou, where you can buy fresh produce and handcrafted goods. Engage with locals; they are usually friendly and willing to share stories about their culture and heritage. Don’t miss the Sabou Crocodile Sanctuary for a unique wildlife experience. Try local foods like tô (a type of porridge) and sample the diverse array of local beverages.

When is the best time to visit Centre?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Centre

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Centre. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloBonjour
  [bɔ̃ʒuʁ]
- GoodbyeAu revoir
  [o ʁə.vwar]
- YesOui
  [wi]
- NoNon
  [nɔ̃]
- Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît
  [sil vu ple]
- Thank youMerci
  [mɛʁ.si]
- Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi
  [ɛksky.ze mwa]
- How are you?Comment ça va?
  [kɔ.mɑ̃ sa va]
- Fine. And you?Bien. Et vous?
  [bjɛ̃ e vu]
- Do you speak English?Parlez-vous anglais?
  [paʁ.le vu ɑ̃.ɡlɛ]
- I don't understandJe ne comprends pas
  [ʒə nə kɔ̃.pʁɑ̃ pa]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJe voudrais voir le menu, s'il vous plaît
  [ʒə vudʁɛ vwaʁ lə mə.ny sil vu ple]
- I don't eat meatJe ne mange pas de viande
  [ʒə nə mɑ̃ʒ pa də vjɑ̃d]
- Cheers!Santé!
  [sɑ̃.te]
- I would like to pay, pleaseJe voudrais payer, s'il vous plaît
  [ʒə vudʁɛ pe.je sil vu ple]
- Help!Au secours!
  [o sə.kur]
- Go away!Allez-vous-en!
  [ale vu zɑ̃]
- Call the Police!Appelez la police!
  [a.pe.le la pɔ.lis]
- Call a doctor!Appelez un docteur!
  [a.pe.le ɛ̃ dɔk.tœʁ]
- I'm lostJe suis perdu
  [ʒə sɥi pɛʁ.dy]
- I'm illJe suis malade
  [ʒə sɥi ma.lad]
- I'd like to buy...Je voudrais acheter...
  [ʒə vudʁɛ aʃ.te]
- I'm just lookingJe regarde juste
  [ʒə ʁə.ɡaʁd ʒyst]
- How much is it?C'est combien?
  [sɛ kɔ̃.bjɛ̃]
- That's too expensiveC'est trop cher
  [sɛ tʁo ʃɛʁ]
- Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix?
  [pu.ve vu bɛ.se lə pʁi]
- What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?
  [kɛl œʁ ɛ.til]
- It's one o'clockIl est une heure
  [il ɛ yn œʁ]
- Half past (10)Dix heures et demie
  [di.zœʁ e də.mi]
- MorningMatin
  [ma.tɛ̃]
- AfternoonAprès-midi
  [a.pʁɛ mi.di]
- EveningSoir
  [swaʁ]
- YesterdayHier
  [jɛʁ]
- TodayAujourd'hui
  [o.ʒuʁ dɥi]
- TomorrowDemain
  [də.mɛ̃]
- 1Un
  [œ̃]
- 2Deux
  [dø]
- 3Trois
  [tʁwa]
- 4Quatre
  [katʁ]
- 5Cinq
  [sɛ̃k]
- 6Six
  [si]
- 7Sept
  [sɛt]
- 8Huit
  [ɥit]
- 9Neuf
  [nœf]
- 10Dix
  [di]
- Where's a/the...?Où est un/une...?
  [u ɛ ɛ̃/yn]
- What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?
  [kɛl ɛ l.a.dʁɛs]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Pouvez-vous me montrer (sur la carte)?
  [pu.ve vu mə mɔ̃.tʁe syʁ la kaʁt]
- When's the next (bus)?Quand est le prochain (bus)?
  [kɑ̃ ɛ lə pʁo.ʃɛ̃ bus]
- A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ....)
  [œ̃ bi.jɛ (puʁ ....)]

History of Centre

Centre in Burkina Faso is a region rich with history, dating back to ancient times when it was inhabited by various indigenous peoples. The area was part of the larger Mossi Kingdoms, which were established around the 11th century. These kingdoms were known for their sophisticated political structures and military prowess.
Ouagadougou, the capital city of Burkina Faso and the main hub of the Centre region, has its roots as the capital of the Mossi Kingdom of Ouagadougou. Founded around the 15th century, it became a major center for trade, culture, and governance. The Mogho Naba, or the king of the Mossi people, established his palace here, which remains an important cultural site.
In the late 19th century, the French began their colonization efforts in West Africa, including the area now known as Burkina Faso. By 1919, the territory was officially named Upper Volta, with Ouagadougou as a central administrative city. The colonial period brought significant changes, including infrastructure development and the introduction of new governance systems.
Burkina Faso gained independence from France on August 5, 1960. The Centre region, with Ouagadougou at its heart, played a pivotal role in the country's post-independence history. The city has been the stage for various political movements and historical events, including the 1983 revolution led by Thomas Sankara, who is celebrated for his progressive policies and efforts to transform the nation.
The Centre region is a melting pot of cultures and traditions. The annual FESPACO (Panafrican Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou) is one of the most significant cultural events in Africa, attracting filmmakers and artists from across the continent. Traditional music, dance, and crafts also thrive in this region, reflecting the rich heritage of the Mossi people and other ethnic groups.
Ouagadougou and the surrounding Centre region boast numerous landmarks that reflect its historical and cultural evolution. The Grand Mosque, the Cathedral of Ouagadougou, and the Moro-Naba Palace are just a few examples of the architectural marvels that tell the story of the region’s diverse influences and historical significance.