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Assigamé Market, Togo - Things to Do in Assigamé Market

Things to Do in Assigamé Market

Assigamé Market, Togo - Complete Travel Guide

Assigamé Market is located in the vibrant coastal city of Lomé, the capital of Togo. This bustling marketplace represents one of West Africa's most authentic trading experiences, where traditional commerce thrives alongside modern urban life. The market serves as a cultural crossroads where locals and visitors can immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Togolese life, from colorful textiles and handcrafted goods to aromatic spices and fresh produce. Lomé itself is a captivating blend of colonial French architecture, traditional African culture, and contemporary West African urban energy. The city stretches along the Atlantic coast, offering beautiful beaches, lively neighborhoods, and a thriving arts scene. As Togo's economic and cultural hub, Lomé provides visitors with an authentic glimpse into West African life while maintaining the infrastructure and amenities needed for comfortable travel.

Top Things to Do in Assigamé Market

Explore Assigamé Market

Navigate through the labyrinthine corridors of this sprawling traditional market, where vendors sell everything from vibrant kente cloth to traditional medicines and fresh produce. The market offers an authentic sensory experience with the sounds of haggling, aromatic spices, and colorful displays creating an unforgettable atmosphere. This is the perfect place to practice your bargaining skills and purchase genuine Togolese crafts and textiles.

Booking Tip: Visit early morning (7-9 AM) for the best selection and cooler temperatures. Bring small CFA franc notes for easier transactions, and expect to negotiate prices down by 30-50% from initial offers. Consider hiring a local guide for 5,000-10,000 CFA francs to help navigate and translate.

Visit Independence Monument and Surroundings

Explore the historic heart of Lomé around the Independence Monument, which commemorates Togo's freedom from colonial rule. The area features beautiful colonial architecture, government buildings, and tree-lined boulevards that showcase the city's French colonial heritage. Walking through this district provides insight into Togo's political history and urban development.

Booking Tip: Best visited in late afternoon when the harsh sun subsides, around 4-6 PM. Entry to the monument area is free, but consider joining a walking tour for 15,000-25,000 CFA francs to learn about the historical significance. Photography may be restricted near government buildings.

Relax at Lomé Beach

Unwind along the Atlantic coastline where golden sand beaches stretch for miles, offering a perfect respite from the bustling city. Local fishermen launch their colorful pirogues from the shore, creating picturesque scenes throughout the day. The beach comes alive in the evenings with local families, food vendors, and sometimes impromptu music performances.

Booking Tip: Visit during late afternoon for the best light and cooler temperatures. Beach access is free, but chair rentals cost around 2,000 CFA francs. Be cautious of strong currents and always swim near lifeguarded areas. Local seafood vendors offer fresh grilled fish for 3,000-8,000 CFA francs.

Experience Local Cuisine

Dive into Togo's rich culinary traditions by sampling local specialties like fufu with groundnut soup, grilled tilapia, and akassa (fermented corn dish). Street food stalls around Assigamé Market and throughout Lomé offer authentic flavors at incredibly affordable prices. The blend of West African ingredients with French colonial influences creates a unique and flavorful cuisine.

Booking Tip: Start with established restaurants for your first meals, then gradually try street food as your stomach adjusts. Meals at local eateries cost 1,500-5,000 CFA francs, while upscale restaurants charge 8,000-15,000 CFA francs. Always choose busy stalls with high turnover for the freshest food.

Visit Akodésséwa Fetish Market

Explore one of West Africa's largest traditional medicine markets, where vendors sell herbs, animal parts, and ritual items used in traditional Vodou practices. This unique cultural experience offers insight into traditional healing practices and spiritual beliefs that remain important in Togolese society. The market provides a fascinating glimpse into the intersection of traditional and modern medicine in West Africa.

Booking Tip: Visit with a knowledgeable guide who can explain the cultural significance and help navigate sensitive cultural protocols. Guide services cost 10,000-20,000 CFA francs. Photography may require permission and small payments to vendors. Respect local customs and avoid touching items without permission.

Getting There

Lomé is accessible via Gnassingbé Eyadéma International Airport (LFW), located about 5 kilometers from the city center. Major airlines including Air France, Brussels Airlines, and Ethiopian Airlines provide connections through European and African hubs. Overland travel is possible from neighboring Ghana (border crossing at Aflao) and Benin, with shared taxis and buses providing affordable transport options. The land borders are generally straightforward for tourists with proper documentation.

Getting Around

Lomé's compact size makes it easily navigable by motorcycle taxi (zémidjan), which costs 200-1,000 CFA francs for short trips around the city. Shared taxis (taxi collectif) run along major routes for 150-300 CFA francs, while private taxis can be negotiated for 2,000-5,000 CFA francs depending on distance. Walking is feasible in the central areas, though the tropical heat makes early morning or late afternoon the most comfortable times. Car rentals are available but not necessary for exploring the city center and Assigamé Market area.

Where to Stay

City Center near Independence Monument
Kodjoviakopé (beachfront area)
Tokoin district
Nyékonakpoè neighborhood
Djidjolé area
Agoè-Nyivé district

Food & Dining

Lomé's dining scene ranges from bustling street food stalls to upscale restaurants serving both local and international cuisine. Around Assigamé Market, numerous food vendors offer authentic Togolese dishes like akume (corn porridge), grilled fish, and spicy stews at very reasonable prices. The beachfront area features several restaurants specializing in fresh seafood, while the city center has French-influenced bistros and Lebanese restaurants catering to expatriate communities. Don't miss trying local specialties like fufu, palm wine, and the excellent locally-brewed Awooyo beer.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Lome

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

La Table Du DG

4.6 /5
(387 reviews) 2

HOTEL RESIDENCE MOKAA & KANCHAN'S KITCHEN

4.5 /5
(201 reviews)
lodging

MAHARAJA

4.5 /5
(169 reviews)

Flav-ours PIZZERIA

4.5 /5
(142 reviews)

Café LOFT by Iconic

4.5 /5
(131 reviews)

Restaurant Robinson

4.5 /5
(130 reviews) 2

When to Visit

The best time to visit Lomé and Assigamé Market is during the dry season from November to March, when temperatures are more moderate (25-30°C) and rainfall is minimal. December through February offers the most comfortable weather with lower humidity and pleasant evening breezes from the Atlantic. The rainy season (April to October) brings higher temperatures and frequent afternoon showers, though morning market visits remain enjoyable. Harmattan winds from December to February can bring dust but also cooler temperatures, making this period ideal for extended outdoor exploration.

Insider Tips

Learn basic French phrases as English is less commonly spoken; even simple greetings will earn you better prices and warmer interactions at the market
Carry a mix of small denomination CFA franc notes (500, 1000, 2000) as vendors often claim they cannot make change for larger bills
Visit Assigamé Market on weekday mornings for the best selection and fewer crowds, avoiding Mondays when some vendors may be closed after weekend markets

Explore Activities in Assigamé Market