A port city on West Africa's coast with sandy beaches, active markets, and French colonial buildings. The Grand Mosque and Palais de Justice draw many visitors.
Lomé, the capital of Togo, extends along the Gulf of Guinea. Walk through the three-story Grand Market where the "Nana Benz" traders sell vibrant textiles, explore West African artifacts at the National Museum, or stroll the Atlantic beach promenade. In the city center, you'll find the 102-meter Hotel du 2 Février tower, while tech spaces and art galleries occupy renovated colonial buildings in the surrounding neighborhoods.
Getting Around Lomé
You can take motorcycle taxis (motos) throughout the city, or regular taxis for longer distances. The city center connects to other parts of Togo through the Lomé-Tokoin International Airport, 5 kilometers northeast of downtown. The Blueline Togo train service runs between central Lomé and Cacavéli.
Markets and Shopping Experience
The Grand Market spans three stories in the center of Lomé. On the first floor, you'll meet the "Nana Benz" - influential women traders who sell textiles from local producers, Europe, and India. The upper floors contain stalls with fresh produce, spices, traditional medicines, and household items. Local shoppers arrive early in the morning to purchase fresh ingredients.
Modern Architecture and Banking District
The Hotel du 2 Février rises 102 meters with modernist concrete and glass panels across 36 floors. The banking district includes the Central Bank of West African States and the West African Development Bank, making Lomé a key financial center in the region.
Tech and Arts Spaces
At WɔɛLab, you can join workshops on digital education and smart city projects. Local artists and musicians now use the former Hotel de la Paix building for exhibitions and performances. Onomo Hotel hosts regular pop-up stores and cultural events.
Local Food and Drinks
Street vendors across the city prepare rice and pâte (a corn or cassava dough dish). You can try tchouk, a traditional millet beer, at local brewing stands. The beach area near the Ghana border has several bars where you can drink and watch the sun set over the ocean.
Museums and Cultural Sites
Inside the Palais du Congrès, the National Museum displays regional jewelry, musical instruments, and traditional weapons. The exhibits explain specific cultural practices of Togolese ethnic groups. The surrounding area includes Catholic churches, Protestant temples, and mosques, showing how different religions coexist in the city.
