Lomé
Visited in January 2019
At a glance
- Country
- Togo
- Region
- Agoé–Nyivé
- Population
- 2.2 million
- Best time to go
- November to February
- Main airport
- Lomé–Tokoin, Gnassingbé Eyadéma International (LFW)
- Coordinates
- 6.15°N, 1.24°E
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Overview
Lomé is a relaxed coastal capital on the Gulf of Guinea, pressed right up against the Ghanaian border. Palm-lined boulevards run beside a long sandy shore, and the city has a gentler pace than many in West Africa.
Its markets are the big draw, from the cloth traders of the Grand Marché to the stalls of the fetish market. Lake Togo and the green hills around Kpalimé are both easy escapes.
Things to see
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Photo: Dan Sloan, CC BY-SA 2.0 Grand Marché
A multi-storey market in the centre, famous for its wax-print cloth and the businesswomen who trade it.
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Photo: Alexander Sarlay, CC BY-SA 4.0 Akodésséwa Fetish Market
Stalls of charms, carvings and animal parts used in Vodun practice, best visited with a guide.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Reinhard Lindner, CC0 Independence Monument
A tall concrete monument marking Togo's independence in 1960, at the heart of the administrative quarter.
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Photo: Dan Sloan, CC BY-SA 2.0 Sacred Heart Cathedral
A German colonial-era Gothic cathedral, one of the city's best-known landmarks.
Things to do
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Photo: Rtemanou, CC BY 4.0 Walk the beachfront
Stroll the long seafront boulevard and stop for grilled fish and a cold drink at a beach bar.
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Photo: Александра Пугачевская (Alexandra Pugachevsky), CC BY-SA 3.0 Day trip to Lake Togo
Cross the lake by pirogue to Togoville, a historic town of shrines and an old cathedral.
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Day trip to Kpalimé
A market town in forested hills with waterfalls, butterflies and walks up Mount Agou.
Where to stay
City centre
Close to the market and seafront, with business hotels.
Hotels in City centreBè
A traditional neighbourhood with lively streets and local food.
Hotels in BèBaguida
Beach hotels east of the city, for a quieter stay by the sea.
Hotels in Baguida
Getting around
Zémidjans (motorbike taxis) are the quickest way to get about; shared and private taxis are also available. Agree the fare before you set off.
The airport is a short taxi ride from the centre, about 15 to 20 minutes.
When to go
The dry season from November to February is the most comfortable, though dusty Harmattan winds can haze the sky. Heavier rains fall from April to July, with a shorter wet spell in the autumn.
Plan your trip to Lomé
- HotelsBooking.com
- Tours and ticketsGetYourGuide
- FlightsKiwi.com
- Attraction ticketsTiqets
- Airport parking, lounges and transfersHoliday Extras
- Car hireAuto Europe
- Mobile data (eSIM)AiraloCode DAN9406 for money off
- GuidebooksAmazon
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Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.