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

Things to Do in German Colonial Buildings

German Colonial Buildings, Togo - Complete Travel Guide

Germany ruled Togo for just 30 years, yet left behind some of West Africa's most impressive colonial architecture. These buildings, scattered across Lomé and other key towns, date from 1884 to 1914 and represent a unique blend you won't find elsewhere in the region. The structures showcase European design adapted to tropical conditions—wide verandas, high ceilings, and thick walls built to combat coastal heat. What makes Togo's colonial architecture particularly interesting is how it tells the story of multiple colonial powers. After World War I, the territory was divided between French and British administration, creating layers of architectural influence you can still trace today. Many buildings now house government offices, museums, or cultural centers. They've got continued relevance beyond their historical significance.

Top Things to Do in German Colonial Buildings

German Colonial Government Buildings Tour

Former German administrative buildings in Lomé offer some of West Africa's best-preserved examples of colonial architecture—red-tiled roofs, arched windows, and sturdy stone construction adapted for tropical conditions. Many still function as government buildings today. This creates interesting continuity of administrative use spanning over a century.

Booking Tip: Self-guided walking is possible, but hiring a local guide (around 15,000-25,000 CFA francs for half-day) provides valuable historical context. Early morning visits between 7-9 AM offer the best lighting for photography and cooler temperatures.

National Museum Architecture Appreciation

Housed in a beautifully restored German colonial building, Togo's National Museum showcases both the architecture itself and artifacts from the colonial period. The building demonstrates how European architects adapted their styles to West African climate. Wide verandas and high ceilings aren't just aesthetic choices. The museum's collection provides context for understanding the broader colonial experience across the region.

Booking Tip: Entry fees are typically 2,000-3,000 CFA francs. The museum is usually open Tuesday-Sunday, but hours can be irregular - call ahead or ask your hotel to confirm. Photography inside may require an additional fee of around 5,000 CFA francs.

Colonial Quarter Walking Experience

The old German quarter in Lomé contains several well-preserved colonial buildings within walking distance—former residences, administrative offices, and commercial buildings that now serve as art galleries, government offices, or private homes. This concentrated area works well for observing different types. You can see how colonial architecture adapted for modern use without losing its character.

Booking Tip: This is best done independently or with a local guide who knows which buildings are accessible to visitors. Budget around 20,000 CFA francs for a guided 3-4 hour walking tour. Comfortable walking shoes are essential as sidewalks can be uneven.

Railway Station and Infrastructure Heritage

The old German railway infrastructure, including the historic train station, represents colonial engineering at its most utilitarian—strong construction designed to withstand heavy use and tropical weather. The railway was important for moving goods from interior to coast. These buildings showcase how German planners approached infrastructure development with an eye toward permanence.

Booking Tip: The old railway areas can be explored independently, but some sections may be restricted. A local guide familiar with the area (15,000-20,000 CFA francs) can help navigate which areas are accessible and provide historical context about the railway's role in colonial administration.

Colonial Churches and Religious Architecture

Churches built during German colonial rule showcase architectural fusion between European ecclesiastical design and local building traditions—Gothic revival elements modified for tropical conditions with enhanced ventilation and adapted materials. These structures remain active places of worship. Living dimension to their historical significance adds authenticity you can't get from empty monuments.

Booking Tip: Most churches welcome respectful visitors outside of service times. Sunday services (usually 8-11 AM) can provide cultural insight but photography may be restricted. Modest dress is essential - long pants and covered shoulders for both men and women.

Getting There

Gnassingbé Eyadéma International Airport sits about 5 kilometers from downtown Lomé, where most German Colonial Buildings are concentrated. Direct flights connect from several African cities and Paris, while overland travel from neighboring Ghana, Benin, or Burkina Faso requires proper documentation and patience at border crossings. The coastal road from Accra takes about 3 hours. Most popular overland route.

Getting Around

Lomé is compact enough that many colonial buildings can be reached on foot, particularly those in the central administrative quarter. Motorcycle taxis are everywhere and cheap. Expect to pay 500-1,500 CFA francs per ride for short distances, while regular taxis cost 2,000-5,000 CFA francs within the city center but require upfront negotiation. For colonial sites outside Lomé, hire a car with driver for the day—around 35,000-50,000 CFA francs.

Where to Stay

Lomé City Center
Boulevard du 13 Janvier Area
Tokoin Quarter
Kodjoviakopé Beach Area
Djidjolé Residential District
Near University of Lomé

Food & Dining

French influences blend into traditional West African cuisine, reflecting Togo's colonial history in every meal. Local specialties include fufu with various sauces, grilled fish with spicy tomato sauce, and palm wine—many served in atmospheric colonial-era buildings. French-style bakeries and cafés serve excellent coffee. The Grand Marché area has authentic street food, while restaurants in the former colonial quarter lean more international. Palm wine bars provide uniquely Togolese dining.

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

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

Bar La Fierté

4.5 /5
(124 reviews) 2
bar

When to Visit

November to March offers the most comfortable conditions for walking around and photographing colonial architecture, with lower humidity and minimal rainfall. December and January are coolest. Extended outdoor exploration becomes more pleasant during these months, while harmattan winds from the Sahara create atmospheric lighting between December and February—though they can make photos hazy. The rainy season brings intense afternoon showers. They clear quickly though.

Insider Tips

Many colonial buildings serve as active government offices, so photography may be restricted or require permission—always ask before taking photos of building exteriors and never photograph military installations.
The German Cultural Center occasionally organizes special tours related to colonial architectural heritage. Check their schedule for unique access.
Early morning light provides the best conditions for architectural photography, while late afternoon visits can be uncomfortably hot. Harsh shadows ruin facades.

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