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German Colonial Buildings, Togo - Things to Do in German Colonial Buildings

German Colonial Buildings

German Colonial Buildings, Togo - Complete Travel Guide

Lomé, the capital of Togo, stands as a fascinating testament to West African colonial history, where German colonial architecture from the late 19th and early 20th centuries creates a unique urban landscape along the Atlantic coast. The city's German Colonial Buildings, constructed during Togo's period as a German protectorate from 1884 to 1914, showcase distinctive European architectural styles adapted to tropical climates, featuring wide verandas, high ceilings, and ornate facades that have weathered decades of coastal weather. Today, these historic structures serve various purposes - from government offices and museums to cultural centers and private residences - offering visitors a glimpse into Togo's complex colonial past while functioning as integral parts of modern Lomé. The juxtaposition of German colonial architecture against busy African street life, bustling markets, and contemporary developments creates an intriguing cultural tapestry that makes Lomé one of West Africa's most architecturally diverse capitals.

Top German Colonial Buildings

the German Colonial Architecture District

Wander through the historic quarters of Lomé to discover well-preserved German Colonial Buildings, including the former Governor's Palace, colonial administrative buildings, and residential structures with their characteristic red-tiled roofs and expansive verandas. Many of these buildings now house government offices, cultural institutions, and businesses, allowing you to observe how colonial architecture has been repurposed for modern use.

Booking Tip: Self-guided exploration is free, but consider hiring a local guide for $15-25 per day to provide historical context and access to buildings not normally open to tourists. Best visited in early morning or late afternoon to avoid harsh midday sun.

the Togo National Museum

Housed in a beautifully restored German colonial building, the National Museum offers insights into Togo's pre-colonial, colonial, and post-independence history. The museum's architecture itself is as compelling as its exhibits, featuring original German construction techniques and period details that have been carefully preserved.

Booking Tip: Entry costs around $3-5 for foreigners. Open Tuesday through Sunday, 9 AM to 5 PM. Photography permits cost extra, so budget an additional $2-3 if you want to take pictures inside.

Tour the Independence Monument Area

This area showcases the transition from colonial to independent Togo, with German Colonial Buildings surrounding the modern Independence Monument. The contrast between architectural styles tells the story of Togo's journey from German colony to French mandate to independent nation, all within a compact, walkable area.

Booking Tip: Free to explore independently. Local guides often gather near the monument and charge $10-15 for detailed historical tours. Best photographed in golden hour light, around 6-7 PM.

Colonial Buildings Along Boulevard du 13 Janvier

This main thoroughfare features some of Lomé's most impressive German colonial architecture, including former trading houses, administrative buildings, and residential compounds. Many buildings retain original architectural details like decorative cornices, shuttered windows, and tropical adaptations of European design elements.

Booking Tip: Combine with shopping and dining as many colonial buildings now house restaurants, shops, and cafes. Allow 2-3 hours for a thorough exploration. Some buildings offer rooftop or upper-floor views for a small fee ($1-2).

the Grand Marché in Colonial Setting

The Niamey (Grand Market) operates in and around several German colonial-era buildings, creating a unique shopping experience where traditional West African commerce takes place within European colonial architecture. The market buildings themselves showcase how colonial structures have been adapted for local commercial use over more than a century.

Booking Tip: Free to enter, but bring small denominations of West African CFA francs for purchases. Best visited in morning (8-11 AM) when it's cooler and vendors are setting up. Bargaining is expected, start at 30-40% of asking price.

Getting There

Lomé is accessible via Gnassingbé Eyadéma International Airport, located about 5 kilometers northeast of the city center, with direct flights from major West African cities and connecting flights through Casablanca, Saint Vincent, or Turkey. Overland travel is possible from neighboring Ghana (Aflao border crossing is just 2 kilometers from Lomé) and Benin, with shared taxis and buses providing regular service. The city is also reachable by road from other West African capitals, though journey times can be long due to border procedures and road conditions.

Getting Around

Lomé's German Colonial Buildings are concentrated in the city center and can be easily explored on foot, as most sites are within walking distance of each other. Motorcycle taxis (zémidjans) are the most popular local transport, costing $0.50-2 per ride, while shared taxis follow set routes for similar prices. For more comfort and flexibility when touring multiple colonial sites, consider hiring a private taxi for half or full days ($25-40), or rent a car if you're comfortable with local driving conditions and have an international driving permit.

Where to Stay

City Center (near colonial buildings)
Kodjoviakopé (beachfront area)
Baguida (upscale coastal district)
Agoe (residential area)
Tokoin (business district)
Nyékonakpoé (local neighborhood)

Food & Dining

Lomé's dining scene reflects its colonial heritage and coastal location, with several restaurants housed in restored German Colonial Buildings offering both local Togolese cuisine and international dishes. Try traditional specialties like fufu with palm nut soup, grilled tilapia, or akassa (fermented corn dish) at local establishments, many of which operate from colonial-era buildings around the city center. The beachfront areas offer excellent seafood restaurants, while the city center features a mix of street food vendors, casual eateries in colonial buildings, and upscale restaurants that blend French colonial influences with West African flavors.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Lome

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

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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

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When to Visit

The best time to visit Lomé for exploring German colonial architecture is during the dry season from November to March, when rainfall is minimal and temperatures are more comfortable for walking tours. December through February offers the most pleasant weather with lower humidity and occasional harmattan winds that provide relief from the heat. Avoid the heavy rainy season from June to September, as frequent downpours can make walking tours difficult and some colonial buildings may have limited access due to weather-related maintenance issues.

Insider Tips

Many German Colonial Buildings are still functioning government offices or private residences, so always ask permission before photographing and respect 'no entry' signs
The best light for photographing colonial architecture is during the golden hours just after sunrise (6:30-8 AM) and before sunset (5:30-7 PM) when the tropical sun isn't too harsh
Several colonial buildings house small cafes or shops on their ground floors - these offer great opportunities to see interior colonial features while supporting local businesses

Activities in German Colonial Buildings