10 Best Things To Do In Lome, Togo

1. Explore the exhibits at Musée International d'Art d'Afrique

If you have always admired the beauty and intricacy of African Art, Musée International d'Art d'Afrique should be on your list of things to do in Lome, Togo. This museum once belonged to a European expatriate who showcased his many private collections. Then it was sold to a Chinese professor. Most of the art pieces you’ll find in this museum are centuries old. Although, keep in mind that the museum might be easy to miss, so do look out for the sign that says “MIAA” or make use of Google Maps.

Musée International d'Art d'Afrique

Address: 1603, Boulevard du Mono, Lome, Togo

Website: Musée International d'Art d'Afrique

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 8am - 5pm (closed on Sun)

2. Dine at Restaurant Côté Jardin

Have you explored most of the city and want to take a break to get away from the heat? Head to Restaurant Côté Jardin and sip on great cocktails that will make you feel refreshed in an instant. Known for its warm and fun atmosphere, the restaurant features a well-maintained garden that houses plenty of interesting woodwork and tropical plants. The pleasant surroundings and the interesting menu make this place special, and the dim lights exude a romantic vibe, so you can also plan a romantic dinner here if you and your significant other are vacationing together.

Restaurant Côté Jardin

Address: 5, rue Simon Dogbé Quartier Ocam, Lomé, Togo

Website: Restaurant Côté Jardin

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 11:30am - 2:30pm, 6pm -12am (closed on Sun)

3. Shop at Grand Marché

Set near Lome Cathedral, Grand Marche, or Lome Grand Market, is where you can go to shop for anything your heart desires. Be it clothes, fruits, meat, vegetables, or trinkets, you will find everything here during your trip. Here, tourists will often hear African music performed by local musicians, so there’s never a dull moment in this market. It is also divided into three parts: Atipoji, Assivito, and Asigame. Grand Marche is famous for offering different types of spices such as nutmeg, cinnamon sticks, clove, and star anise, among others.

Grand Marché

Address: Rue Du Grand Marche, Lome Togo

Website: Grand Marché

4. Learn Togo's history at Togo National Museum

A small museum in Lome, Togo, Togo National Museum is a museum filled with different types of exhibits. Founded in 1975, the museum is a great place to experience and explore the authentic Togolese culture. You’ll find well-lit displays that tell stories of the local culture as well as a plethora of traditional art. Other than these, there are also old photos, wood carvings, clay pots, musical instruments, paintings, and several objects that date back thousands of years ago.

Togo National Museum

Address: Palais des Congrès, Lome, Togo

5. Check out the beautiful Lomé Cathedral

Situated just a hop, skip, and jump away from the main market, Lome Cathedral is a testimony to the country’s colonial history, which is represented mostly in its architecture. Lome Cathedral is also famously called “Sacred Heart Cathedral”. This is one of the main Catholic church districts in the country. Considered a significant building in Lome, the cathedral was built by German colonials.

The Lomé Cathedral

Address: 10 Rue Du Marechal Foc, Lome Togo

6. Spend some time at Centre Culturel Français

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Operated by the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Centre Culturel Français, also called the French Institute, is renowned for promoting the language and the culture of France. There are nearly over 900 of these institutions spread across the world. This institute in Togo partakes in exchanging artistic views, understanding the French intellectual system, and supporting the cultural development of Togo. The French Institute contributes to improving the dialogues between various cultures. You will find film viewings, exhibitions, and many other activities being held inside the institute.

Centre Culturel Français

Address: Administrative District, Ave de Gaulle, Lomé, Togo

Website: Centre Culturel Français

7. Walk through Village Artisanal

If you want to explore and witness the authentic, local culture, Village Artisanal is the place to be. While checking out every nook and cranny, you will see many local artisans doing their crafts, be it tailoring cloth, making leather shoes from scratch, or building tables and chairs. These items are all for sale at fixed yet affordable prices. You can support the community by purchasing any goods of your liking and taking a beautiful part of Lome home with you.

Village Artisanal

Address: Ave de la Nouvelle Marché, Lome, Togo

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 5:30pm (closed on Sun)

8. Snap a photo of Presidential Palace

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Want to capture amazing pictures during your trip to Lome, Togo? Why not stop by Presidential Palace for a while? The palace, besides being home to the president of Togo, is a fine example of modern architecture. You can capture a plethora of pictures of this modern masterpiece. What is more interesting here is that you get an opportunity to see the Presidential Palace’s guards dressed in uniform.

Presidential Palace

Address: Lome, Togo

9. Explore the world of Akodessewa Fetish Market

A thriving market in the capital of Togo, Akodessewa Fetish Market, also known as Marche des Feticheurs, is renowned as the world’s largest voodoo market. This will definitely be one of the most unique experiences during your travels in West Africa. As you stroll around the market, you will find a range of voodoo talismans and ingredients, including monkey heads, skulls, and skins of various dead animals. Whatever your need or ailment is, the healers of this unique voodoo market will have aid for everything.

Akodessewa Fetish Market

Address: Lome, Togo

Opening hours: 8:30am - 6pm (daily)

10. Walk around Monument de l’independence

If you have a few minutes to spare and want to do something worthwhile, then pay a visit to Monument de l’independence. You won’t regret it. The monument here was established to mark the country’s independence from France on April 27, 1960. It sits near a bustling street and features a carving of a human silhouette and is encircled by a well-manicured garden.

Monument de l’independence

Address: Ave 2 Fevrier, Lome, Togo

Have an amazing trip to Lome, Togo

Are you ready to embark on an adventure to Lome, Togo? We hope this list helps with organizing your trip to the city. Be it the attractions, food, or culture, Lome seems to have it all. Its unique attractions will have you falling in love with the city.