Kampala, the largest and Capital City of Uganda is a place of boundless glamour and wonders hidden within the 7 spectacular hills on which it sits. Each of these wonders have breathtaking history, beautiful sceneries and capable of creating memories that can last a lifetime. This City is known as International visitors as a starting point to different safari destinations in the country yet it is a wonderful destination itself. Here is the list of top things to do in Kampala;

Tours of Kasubi Tombs

Being the burial place for four of Buganda Kingdom’s Monarchs, tours of the UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the things you can’t afford to miss in Kampala. It is both a spiritual and cultural site whose significance goes to the entire country and not just Buganda Kingdom. You will be amazed by the different structures with unique cultural significance but the main building (Muzibu Azaala Mpanga), the Royal Tombs, wives’ houses and other decorations are made of traditional materials.

Make a pilgrimage to Uganda Martyrs Shrine at Namugongo

Namugongo was on 3^rd June 1886 taken by shock when over 26 young men were burned or stabbed to death on orders of Kabaka Mwanga for refusing to denounce their faith. The Shrine (known as Namugongo Martyrs Shrine) was established within the area to honor the lost lives. Get a chance to explore the Martyrs Trail as you pilgrimage to Uganda Martyrs Shrine. Every 3^rd of June is “Uganda Martyrs Day” celebrated with pilgrimages from across the country and beyond.

Learn about Uganda’s pre-colonial, colonial and post-colonial history at the Uganda Museum

Established in 1908, the Uganda Museum is so far the oldest Museum within the East African region and exhibits the country’s rich cultural heritage with natural-historical and ethnological significance. These attractions take visitors through the colorful and painful past of Uganda with musical instruments, fossilized remains dating back to as early as 8 million years ago, vintage vehicles, and surprisingly cultural village where huts that represent architectural designs and symbols of main tribes (Acholi, Ateso, Ganda, Bunyoro and many others) can be visited.

Browse the craft markets

Most roads in Kampala are dotted with craft markets but Buganda Road has the largest Craft Market although another significant one is behind the National Theatre. While here, you will see interesting art and crafts in form of artistic paintings, baskets, jewelry, African wear, sandals, pottery and so much more. Besides the two mentioned places that are permanent, there are also weekly as well as monthly craft markets and they include in Makindye Division and in front of Railway Station. Just make a stop to admire the objects and even get a chance to interact with different enthusiastic artists who might make something quick for you.

Admire the jaw-dropping designs of Uganda National Mosque

If you ever desire to relish the 360-degree views over Kampala City, then Uganda National Mosque shouldn’t miss on your bucket list of places to visit in Kampala. This Mosque opened its doors in 2006 and has since then become an important spot for Muslim population but its 65-meter Minaret rewards visitors with breathtaking views of the City.

Explore the quiet areas of Kampala City by Bike

Exploring Kampala on foot is a good idea but biking along the quiet areas of Kololo, Central Business District, Muyenga, Makindye and others is wonderful given the bike paths and lanes in these areas. These are not ordinary bike rides but there are a number of landmarks in these areas such as the Independence Monument at the junction of Nile Avenue and Speke Road.

Savour some of the mouth-watering local dishes

There are a number of local top notch restaurants in Kampala offering extraordinary culinary experience for visitors interested in savouring on Ugandan dishes. One of these must-visit restaurants is 2K Restaurant where meals are prepared with fresh, locally-sourced flavors, expert skills and high quality produce to make mouth-watering dishes. There are also a number of Thai, Chinese, Indian and Italian restaurants across the City for visitors interested in International cuisines.

Ride on a boda boda

There is no better and more thrilling way to discover Kampala City than riding on a Boda boda (motorbike taxi). Make sure that you are braced in a helmet as the rider takes you through every nook and cranny of Kampala instead of trekking through the hills to discover different areas.

Take a day trip to Mabamba Bay Wetland

Visitors that can bear to leave the City can opt for a day trip to Mabamba Bay Wetland, on the shores of Lake Victoria. This site is known for over 300 bird species with the most popular being shoebill storks. Also expect to see grey plantain eater, grey-crowned cranes, crested eagles and Hammerkop among others.

Make a stop at Owino and Nakasero Markets

Owino and Nakasero Markets are not only popular City Markets but also historical hotspots that will take your breath away. The latter for instance used to be one of the City’s main Trade routes since the 1890s although what remains of it is the vibrant market where local women hustle to make a living. Some of the freshest and most delicious fruits can be found in this market and Owino on the other hand is more chaotic market place where different items including African print fabrics, souvenir, fruits and vegetation and second-hand clothes can be found.

Visit Mengo Palace (Lubiri)

Mengo Palace is another popular cultural site in Kampala and Uganda as a whole, and is the historical official residence of Kabaka (King) of Buganda. Near Mengo Lubiri is Amin Dada (former President) torture chamber and even when the beautiful frontage of the Palace was changes, it still has reminders of Amin’s dictatorship.

Enjoy a show at Uganda National Theatre

Unwind by catching a show (music, film, drama and dance performances) at Uganda National Theatre. Grab a cold drink and secluded spot to catch afro-fusion jams, comedy night and other open-stage grooves during your visit and there is surprisingly a nearby Craft market where you can get an assortment of African crafts and souvenirs.

Visit Makerere University

Makerere is the oldest University in East Africa, founded in 1922 as a technical school and has stood-out as a Center of Academic Excellence in the African Continent. Popularly known as the “Harvard of Africa”, it boasts of outstanding landscape, verdant gardens and most interestingly historical buildings and monuments with exciting meanings.