Omdurman Souq

Khartoum


This famous souq – the largest in Sudan – is abuzz with noise, activity and colour, and a couple of hours' exploration is bound to turn up all manner of surprises.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Khartoum attractions

1. Mahdi's Tomb

0.59 MILES

This rocket-topped tomb is worth making the effort to see. Respectfully dressed foreigners are generally allowed inside. The original was destroyed on…

2. Khalifa's House Museum

0.64 MILES

The Mahdi's successor lived across the street, and this 1887 museum showcases the history of the Mahdi era.

3. Hamed el-Nil Tomb

1.64 MILES

Every Friday afternoon you can see an incredible Sufi ritual, where a colourful local troupe of whirling dervishes belonging to the Sufi community stirs…

4. White Nile Bridge

2.31 MILES

The confluence of the Blue and White Niles, best seen from this bridge, is a languid high point of the world's longest river. You can actually see the…

5. National Museum

3.27 MILES

This museum, the best in Sudan, has some breathtaking exhibits. The ground floor covers the rise and fall of the kingdoms of Kerma, Kush and Meroe. There…

6. Coptic Church

3.6 MILES

Khartoum's Coptic minority uses this church off the main drag along the Nile. It's an elegant building, with two imposing bell towers.

7. Republican Palace Museum

4.08 MILES

Housed in a converted Anglican church, this is a hall of heroes, of sorts, with mementos such as presidential limos and General Gordon's piano. It's worth…

8. Al-Kabir Mosque

4.18 MILES

This architecturally impressive mosque is a major landmark in the centre.