Top 5 things to do in Lome, Togo
Spend a day (or more) in Lome and hit up the top 5 things to do in Lome, Togo. Be prepared for small-city vibes and a fun day of exploring!
The city is really interesting. The main street in Lome is paved, but all the neighborhood streets are dirt. Many have large potholes. Some buildings like the Palais des Congres and the EBID Bank look modern and futuristic. The rest of the city looks like what you might expect from a small, African city.
Map: Top 5 things to do in Lome
We visited Lome, Togo in November 2019. Lome is pretty easy to get around. Either walk (if it’s not too hot and you’re up for it) or take local transport (tax, mini-bus, or motorcycle). Don’t forget a hat and water!
#1 Visit Centre Artisanale
Centre Artisanale hosts a collection of local artists and vendors. You can find some unique art pieces here. About half of the shops are the typical touristy, African knickknacks you’ll find across the continent. We purchased a painting on our first day in Togo and carried it around for the rest of the trip. Now it’s hanging on our wall in Joburg.
#2 Go bead shopping at Grand Market
We must have visited during the heat of the day because many of the stalls at the market were closed. However, this worked out in our favor as no one was calling out to us. I got some amazing beads at the market.
While you’re in the area. Stop in to see the Lomé Cathedral.
#3 Have drinks on the beach
I’m not sure about the water quality for swimming, but the beach has beautiful sunset views. Grab a beer and watch the sun go down. You can sit where you please as the beer will all taste the same. It was a lively scene when we visited. We needed to go to the bar to get the drinks rather than be served. So don’t feel ignored! You should put La Cour des Grands as your destination and then take your pick of locations. Take a taxi back to your hotel or Airbnb at night.
#4 Have a fancy dinner at La Table du DG
We had a wonderful dinner at La Table du DG. The couple that runs the place makes exquisite food and it is served on a rooftop. Our only mistake here was accepting to order a bottle of wine. It was probably carried in a special suitcase straight from France because the wine wiped out all our cash for the whole trip. It led us to panic the next day because many ATMs were out of cash. Anyway, it made for a funny wine memory. Make a reservation by WhatsApp (+22891935151) or email (dg.lometogo@gmail.com). Check the La Table du DG Facebook page for updates.
#5 Visit the Monument de l’Independence and National Museum
Do a little walking tour of this government administrative area before going into the museum. Check out the Monument de l’independance (from a distance). Then, stare at the Palais des Congrès de Lomé before the guards ask what you are doing. This cool tile art was on the side of the Palais des Congrès entrance.
After seeing the Palais des Congrès, enter the National Museum on Avenue du Golfe Street. The museum is small and has a collection of artifacts from tribes across Togo. It has some informational plaques to read. If you’re expecting the Smithsonian Museum collection, you won’t find it here. I really feel the need to visit national museums to support them, no matter how small.
Bonus
If you’re staying in Lome, consider staying at Villa Caliendi. We had a great 2 nights here. If you see my little turtle friend, say hi from me 🙂
