Mbarara City is known for its traditional dishes, including Eshabwe (a sauce made from butter and milk), Kalo (a type of cassava bread), and Nyama (grilled meat).

Mbarara City has a well-developed transportation system, with taxis and buses being the most common modes of transportation. Motorcycle taxis, known as boda bodas, are also a popular way to get around the city.

Mbarara City is known for its proximity to Lake Mburo National Park, which is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including zebras, giraffes, and buffaloes. Other popular tourist attractions in Mbarara City include Igongo Cultural Centre, which showcases the traditional lifestyle of the Ankole people, and the Mbarara Municipal Stadium.

Mbarara City has a tropical savanna climate, with temperatures that range from 20 to 28 degrees Celsius throughout the year. The rainy season is from March to May and from September to November, while the dry season is from December to February and from June to August.

According to the 2014 national census, the population of Mbarara City was 195,013.

Historically, the Banyankore and Mbarara City has been known as a cattle rearing zone and for a good reason. The city has some of the largest cattle farms in Uganda. The main cattle breed is the long horned Ankole cattle.