population: 2.73 million

extension: 245.5 square kilometers

Museums

If you're in Bamako, Mali and interested in visiting museums, a must-visit place is the National Museum of Mali, which showcases artifacts related to the country's history and culture.

Other museums in Bamako that you may want to check out are the Musée du District de Bamako, showcasing traditional Malian crafts, and the Muso Kunda Museum, which highlights the rich cultural heritage of the Manding people.

If you're interested in exploring similar types of museums, you might consider visiting the Djenné Archeological Museum, located in the town of Djenné, which offers an extensive collection of archeological finds from the region. Another option could be the Maison des Artisans in Ségou, featuring traditional crafts and art from the region.

Food

Bamako, the capital city of Mali, is known for its diverse and flavorful cuisine. Here are some of the most recommended, popular, and typical dishes to eat according to local people in Bamako:

1. Jollof Rice: A spicy and flavorful rice dish made with tomatoes, onions, and a variety of spices, typically served with grilled chicken or fish.

2. Tô: A starchy porridge made from millet or sorghum, often served with a sauce made from vegetables, meat, or fish.

3. Maafe: A peanut butter-based stew made with a variety of meats, such as chicken, beef or goat, and served with tô or rice.

4. Brochettes: Skewered and grilled meat, typically made with beef, chicken, or goat, and served with a spicy tomato-based dipping sauce.

5. Beignets: Deep-fried dough balls, similar to donuts, often filled with sweet or savory fillings like chocolate or fish.

6. Yassa: A marinated grilled chicken or fish dish, flavored with garlic, lemon, and onion, and served with rice or tô.

7. Akara: Deep-fried black-eyed pea fritters, often served as a snack or breakfast food.

8. Capitaine fish: A type of fish found in the Niger River, typically grilled and served with a side of fried plantains or tô.

9. Dibi: Grilled lamb chops or skewers, typically served with onions, tomatoes, and a spicy mustard sauce.

10. Kedjenou: A slow-cooked chicken and vegetable stew, typically flavored with ginger and other spices, and served with rice or tô.

Activities

Here are some fun activities that locals in Bamako, Mali enjoy:

1. Visit the bustling markets: One of the best ways to experience the local culture is to wander around the colorful markets in Bamako such as the Marché Rose or the Marché Medina. You can find anything from fresh produce to traditional handicrafts and clothing.

2. Attend a live music or dance performance: Music and dancing are integral parts of Malian culture. Check out venues like the Institut français du Mali or Palais de la Culture Amadou Hampâté Bâ for live performances of traditional Malian music and dance.

3. Take a boat ride on the Niger River: The Niger River flows through Bamako and taking a boat ride along the river is a popular activity among locals. You can enjoy scenic views of the city while cruising down the waterway.

4. Visit historical sites: Bamako has several historical sites worth visiting including the Koulouba Hill, which has panoramic views of the city, and the Musée National, which showcases Mali's rich history and culture.

5. Taste the local cuisine: Food plays an important role in Malian culture, and there are many delicious traditional dishes to try in Bamako. Try local specialties like tô, a starchy porridge made from millet or sorghum, or jollof rice, a spicy rice dish cooked with vegetables and meat.