Lomé, the busy capital of Togo, is a coastal city that serves as the cultural and economic heart of this West African nation. Home to the Banjul of Togo, the city offers visitors a fascinating blend of traditional African culture, colonial French influences, and modern urban life along the Gulf of Guinea. The Banjul itself stands as a testament to Togo's rich heritage, housing an impressive collection of traditional artifacts, ceremonial objects, and historical exhibits that tell the story of the country's diverse ethnic groups and colonial past. Beyond the museum, Lomé captivates visitors with its bustling markets, beautiful beaches, and warm hospitality. The city's compact size makes it easily walkable, allowing travelers to experience everything from traditional fetish markets to contemporary art galleries, colonial architecture to modern restaurants, all within a relatively small area along the Atlantic coast.
Top National Museum
the Grand Marché and Fetish Market
Dive into Lomé's most authentic cultural experience by visiting the sprawling Grand Marché, one of West Africa's largest markets. The adjacent Fetish Market offers a unique glimpse into traditional Togolese spiritual practices with its collection of animal parts, herbs, and ceremonial objects used in voodoo rituals.
Booking Tip: No advance booking required; visit early morning (8-10 AM) for the best atmosphere and cooler temperatures. Bring small CFA franc notes for purchases and consider hiring a local guide for 5,000-10,000 CFA to navigate and explain the cultural significance.
Relax at Lomé Beach and Waterfront
Unwind along Lomé's palm-fringed coastline where the Atlantic Ocean meets golden sand beaches. The beachfront boulevard offers excellent sunset views, beachside restaurants, and opportunities to watch local fishermen bring in their daily catch.
Booking Tip: Beach access is free, but avoid swimming due to strong currents. Best visited during late afternoon for sunset (5-7 PM). Beachside restaurants charge 3,000-8,000 CFA for meals; negotiate prices for beach chairs and umbrellas.
Independence Monument and Cathedral
Discover Lomé's colonial and post-independence history through its architectural landmarks. The Independence Monument commemorates Togo's freedom from French rule, while the nearby Cathedral showcases beautiful colonial-era religious architecture.
Booking Tip: Free to visit both sites; best photographed in morning light (8-11 AM). Cathedral may be closed during midday; check service times if you want to experience a local mass. Allow 2-3 hours for both locations including walking time.
Local Cuisine and Cooking
Savor Togo's distinctive flavors through local specialties like fufu, akassa, and grilled tilapia. Many local restaurants and street vendors offer authentic dishes that blend West African ingredients with French culinary influences.
Booking Tip: Street food costs 1,000-3,000 CFA per meal, restaurant meals 5,000-15,000 CFA. Eat at busy stalls for freshness; avoid raw vegetables and drink bottled water. Peak dining times are 12-2 PM and 7-9 PM.
Traditional Arts and Crafts
Explore Lomé's busy arts scene through local galleries, craft workshops, and artisan studios. The city is renowned for its traditional textiles, wood carvings, and contemporary art that reflects both ancient traditions and modern African expression.
Booking Tip: Gallery visits are usually free; craft workshops cost 10,000-25,000 CFA per person. Best visited weekday mornings when artisans are most active. Always negotiate prices for purchases and ask about shipping options for larger items.
Getting There
Gnassingbé Eyadéma International Airport (LFW) serves Lomé and is located about 5km northeast of the city center. The airport receives flights from major African cities including Accra, Abidjan, and Casablanca, as well as some European destinations like Saint Vincent. Taxis from the airport to downtown cost around 5,000-8,000 CFA, while shared taxis (taxi-brousse) are available for about 1,000 CFA per person. Overland travel is possible from neighboring Ghana via the border crossing at Aflao-Kodjoviakopé, which is about 2 hours by bus from Accra. Bush taxis and buses also connect Lomé to other West African capitals, though road conditions can vary significantly during the rainy season.
Getting Around
Lomé is a compact city best explored on foot, especially in the downtown area where most attractions are within walking distance of each other. For longer distances, motorcycle taxis (zémidjan) are the most popular and affordable option, costing 500-2,000 CFA depending on distance. Regular taxis are available but more expensive at 2,000-5,000 CFA for most city trips; always negotiate the fare before starting your journey. Shared taxis run along major routes for about 200-500 CFA per person. Car rentals are available from international companies at the airport and downtown, though traffic can be chaotic and parking limited. Many visitors find that walking combined with occasional zémidjan rides provides the best balance of cost, convenience, and cultural immersion.
Where to Stay
City Center (near Banjul)
Beach Boulevard (oceanfront hotels)
Administrative Quarter (government district)
Tokoin District (residential area)
Nyékonakpoé (upscale neighborhood)
Bè District (local atmosphere)
Food & Dining
Lomé's dining scene offers everything from street food stalls to upscale restaurants serving both local and international cuisine. Traditional Togolese dishes like akassa (fermented corn porridge), fufu with palm nut soup, and grilled fish dominate local menus, while French colonial influence appears in bakeries and bistros throughout the city. The beachfront area features numerous seafood restaurants where fresh catch is grilled to order, typically costing 8,000-20,000 CFA per meal. Street food is abundant and delicious, with vendors selling everything from spicy kebabs (brochettes) to fried plantains for 1,000-3,000 CFA. The Grand Marché area is excellent for authentic local eating, while the administrative quarter offers more upscale dining options. Always choose busy establishments for the freshest food, and don't miss trying local beverages like bissap (hibiscus drink) or palm wine.
Top-Rated Restaurants in Lome
Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)
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When to Visit
The best time to visit Lomé is during the dry season from November to March, when temperatures are more comfortable (24-30°C) and rainfall is minimal. This period offers the most pleasant conditions for walking around the city, visiting outdoor markets, and enjoying beach activities. The harmattan winds from December to February can bring cooler temperatures and dusty conditions, but also create spectacular sunsets. April to June marks the beginning of the rainy season with increased humidity and afternoon thunderstorms, though mornings are often clear. July and August see the heaviest rainfall, which can make getting around more challenging but also brings lush green landscapes. September and October are transitional months with decreasing rainfall. Cultural events and festivals occur throughout the year, with many taking place during the dry season when outdoor celebrations are more feasible.
Insider Tips
Learn basic French phrases as it's the official language, though local languages like Ewe are widely spoken
Always carry small denomination CFA franc notes for markets and street vendors who rarely have change for large bills
Respect local customs when photographing people - always ask permission first and be prepared to pay a small fee, especially at markets and cultural sites