Have you been Lome Togo before? Lome was my favorite francophone country. So, I thought to share my top best things to do in Lome Togo. When I first arrived in Lomé, I didn’t know what to expect. I’d heard whispers of this laid-back coastal city that sits right on the border between Togo and Ghana. Lomé is a place where French elegance meets raw African energy, and where the ocean breeze practically hugs you the moment you step off the plane. What I didn’t expect was to fall completely in love with it.
So, if you ever find yourself planning a trip to Togo (and you definitely should!), here are the absolute best things to do in Lomé:
And you’re about the soft girl life; I got you covered. You can easily plan your trip with Getyourguide tour. They will make your sightseeing easy. All you need is to sit back relax and enjoy your tour. I will recommend them as following a tour group is your best. They are also perfect if you’re solo traveler.
Pure Plage Hotel, Lome, Togo
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Best things to do in Lome Togo
Lome is easily my favorite francophone country. I really do love this country a lot. It is a beautiful place that stole my heart. However, it is giving me the vibe of Ouidah, Cotonou. They both are a little fetish. And that scares me, yet I would not mind living in this country. The environment is chic and fun.
I had so much fun going to the go cart area. Also, I loved the ambience of the Arcade venue. Just that I visited at Night. So, I was literarily exhausted that I could not wait to go back to my hotel.
Stroll Along the Lomé Beachfront and Catch the Sunset!
Lomé’s beachfront is the kind of place that makes you forget what day it is. The moment I got there, I kicked off my sandals and let the soft, golden sand slide between my toes while the sound of crashing waves played in the background. The beach stretches for miles, dotted with coconut trees, little wooden fishing boats, and locals playing football or jogging along the shore.
What makes it even more magical? The sunsets! I’m not exaggerating when I say they’re some of the best I’ve seen in my life. The sky turns into this wild canvas of pink, orange, and violet. And, if you happen to grab a drink from one of the beach bars, you’re in for pure bliss.
If you’re an early bird, the mornings are just as stunning. You’d see fishermen pulling in their nets, women balancing baskets on their heads, and kids running around laughing. It’s like watching the city wake up in slow motion.
Get Lost in the Lomé Grand Market (Marché de Lomé)
If you really want to feel the heartbeat of the city, the Grand Market is the place to be. It’s chaotic, loud, colorful, and absolutely fantastic! I went in thinking I’d just “browse for a few minutes,” and ended up spending almost three hours weaving through narrow alleys full of fabric, spices, jewelry, and local crafts.
You’ll find everything from the most vibrant wax prints (trust me, you’ll want to get a few yards of fabric) to traditional shea butter, handmade jewelry, and mouthwatering street snacks. I couldn’t resist grabbing some grilled corn and spicy kebabs from one of the vendors, and the flavor explosion was unreal.
One tip I’d give is to go with an open mind and a bit of patience. The market can feel like sensory overload at first, but once you embrace the rhythm and smile back at the friendly vendors, it becomes an adventure. Oh, and don’t forget to bargain as it’s part of the fun!
Step Into the Mysterious Akodésséwa Fetish Market
Okay, this one’s wild. The Akodésséwa Fetish Market (or Marché des Féticheurs) is not your average tourist attraction. It’s an experience that plunges you straight into West Africa’s spiritual traditions. I’d read about it before going, but nothing prepares you for seeing rows of talismans, herbs, bones, and animal parts used in traditional voodoo practices.
Now, before you get creeped out, it’s not as dark as it sounds. The people there are incredibly welcoming and often happy to explain what different objects are used for. I even met a priest who showed me how some charms are made for protection or healing. It’s part of Togo’s deep cultural heritage, and visiting gave me a whole new appreciation for how spirituality is woven into daily life here.
If you’re open-minded and curious about local beliefs, this place is a must-visit. Just remember to ask before taking photos and bring some small change if you want a guided explanation.
Visit the Independence Monument and the National Museum
For a dose of history, I made my way to the Independence Monument, an elegant white structure surrounded by palm trees, built to commemorate Togo’s independence from France in 1960. It’s a peaceful spot right in the heart of Lomé, and it makes for great photos, especially in the evening light.
Nearby is the National Museum of Togo, which I found surprisingly intimate and fascinating. It’s located inside the Palais de Congrès and offers a glimpse into Togo’s rich cultural tapestry like traditional musical instruments, ancient artifacts, and textiles that tell stories of the country’s many ethnic groups. It’s small but packed with personality. I left feeling like I’d just traveled through centuries in under an hour.
Explore the Lomé Cathedral and Its Surroundings
If you’re like me and love discovering architecture with a story, you’ll adore Cathédrale du Sacré-Cœur de Lomé. Built in the early 1900s, its red and white façade looks like something straight out of a postcard. The inside is calm and cool, offering a peaceful break from the bustle outside.
What I enjoyed most, though, was wandering around the nearby streets. There are cozy cafés, fabric shops, and friendly locals who are always ready for a chat. I ended up buying a handmade bracelet from a young artisan who told me about growing up near the cathedral as moments like that make traveling so special.
Taste the Local Flavors
One of the absolute highlights of Lomé for me was the food. Togolese cuisine is rich, hearty, and full of surprises. My first meal was fufu with sauce graine (a kind of palm nut soup), and I swear I still dream about it. Then came gboma dessi (a spinach stew with meat or fish) and akpan, a smooth fermented corn dessert that’s both sweet and tangy.
Street food here is a whole adventure on its own. You’ll find women frying up akara (bean cakes), men grilling fish by the roadside, and fruit sellers offering the juiciest pineapples you’ve ever tasted. I also had a life-changing bowl of spicy jollof rice at a small restaurant near the beach. Yes, Nigeria and Ghana may fight over who makes the best jollof, but Togo’s version deserves a seat at the table too!
Take a Day Trip to Lake Togo and Togoville
A short drive (or boat ride) from Lomé takes you to Lake Togo, a peaceful freshwater lagoon surrounded by fishing villages. I hopped on a pirogue (a traditional wooden canoe) to cross the lake and visit Togoville, a charming little town known for its role in Togo’s colonial history and voodoo culture.
What fascinated me most was how calm and spiritual the place felt. I visited the local church, learned about the German colonial past, and watched children playing by the water’s edge. There’s also a royal palace you can visit with a guide, and if you’re lucky, you might even meet a descendant of the original Togolese kings.
The ride back across the lake during sunset? Pure magic.
Enjoy Lomé’s Nightlife
Lomé’s nightlife is seriously underrated. When the sun sets, the city transforms into a lively hub of music, laughter, and dancing. I spent one evening at Le Patio, a stylish lounge where the DJ played Afrobeats, highlife, and a bit of French pop. Trust me, everyone was on their feet by midnight!
If you’re into beach vibes, check out Coco Beach or Pure Plage, where you can sip cocktails under the stars with the sound of waves in the background. I even stumbled upon a local reggae night once which is proof that in Lomé, good vibes are never hard to find.
Which of these best things to do in Lome Togo is your favorite? Are you planning a trip to this beautiful francophone country? Which of these best things to do in Lome Togo have you experienced before? Let me know your thoughts below.