Kigali

The city of Kigali has made a complete 180-degree turn since the Rwandan genocide. There are busy marketplaces and spice-scented street booths where previously marauding gangs and death squads roamed.

The decrepit barrios now exude the vitality of daily life in Kigali, and the emergence of gleaming steel towers on the horizon is only another proof of the influx of foreign investment in these sections.

The moving Genocide Memorial and the majestic presidential palace are two sights that must not be missed.

Apart from that, it's simply a question of soaking up the newfound national pride, shopping for Rwandan handicrafts in bazaars, and downing cool beers in rowdy nightclubs.

• Location: Kigali, Rwanda
• Timing: Open all day
• Famous for: Tourists visiting Rwanda's national parks and following mountain gorillas usually arrive in Kigali.
• Entry Fee: Free
• Best Time To Visit: The coolest months are April through June, whereas travelers who arrive during June, July, August, and September may expect milder, drier weather in Kigali, making this the greatest time to visit the city.