Lomé: City tour with local guide & market visit

Summary

Explore Lomé’s culture, markets & colonial history in one day

You’ll dive into Lomé’s daily life with a local guide—cruising past landmarks, exploring Assiganmé market with its legendary “Nana Benz,” learning about colonial history at the Palace of Governors, and ending your day sipping a craft drink by the ocean. Expect moments that surprise you—and maybe stick with you long after you leave Togo.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — I didn’t know what to expect from a full day in Lomé. The city just sort of unfolds around you, all at once loud and gentle. Our guide, Kossi, met us right outside the hotel (pickup was included, which helped because I’m hopeless with directions). He started off weaving us through the main streets — past the Primature and Presidential House — but we didn’t stop; it was more like getting a sense of the city’s pulse. The air smelled faintly of petrol and fried dough, and people waved or nodded as we passed. It felt like being let in on something locals already know.

The Palace of Governors was next — Kossi told stories about German colonial days that made the old building feel less distant. I remember touching the cool stone wall while he explained how European architecture mixed with Togolese craft here. There was this moment at Independence Square when he pointed out the monument’s symbols — I tried to repeat their names in Ewe and totally failed, which made him laugh. We walked to the Togo National Museum (it’s under renovation), but even just standing outside, you could see how much history is packed into such a small country.

Assiganmé market is wild — colors everywhere, women balancing trays on their heads, fabrics stacked so high you lose sight of the sky for a second. Kossi told us about the “Nana Benz” women who basically run things there; their stories are tangled up with business and magic and competition. I bought some spicy peanuts from a vendor who winked at me when I coughed (they’re hotter than they look). The cathedral nearby looked almost out of place — all Gothic arches and stained glass, but somehow it fits right into Lomé’s rhythm.

Lunch wasn’t included but Kossi pointed us to a spot where we tried fufu with sauce that left my fingers sticky for hours (worth it). Later we stopped by the ECOWAS Bank building — not somewhere I’d have thought to visit, but he explained its role in West Africa’s future. The fetish market was…honestly intense. Dried chameleons, animal skins, talismans for every problem you can imagine. It made me pause; there’s no way to prepare for seeing those traditions up close.

We ended at Jean Koumy’s house — an explosion of color and mosaics tucked behind an ordinary gate. Jean himself waved us in; his garden smelled like earth after rain and everything felt soft somehow. We sat for a while before heading to a seaside bar for a cold drink (included), watching kids play football on the sand as dusk crept in. Even now I can hear their laughter if I think about it long enough.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Lomé's Cultural Highlights

• City overview including Primature and Presidential House
• Visit Palace of Governors
• Tour Independence Square and learn history
• Visit Togo National Museum
• Explore Assiganmé market and Sacré-Cœur Cathedral
• Visit Lomé Cathedral
• Lunch break (not included)
• Pass by ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development
• Visit fetish market and learn about Vodou
• Tour Jean Koumy's colorful art house
• Pass by additional points of interest in Lomé
• Seaside bar tasting and beach walk/swim

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included in this Lomé city tour?

Yes, pickup is included as part of your private guided tour experience.

Will we visit Assiganmé market during this day trip?

Yes, Assiganmé market is one of the main stops—you’ll walk through its busy streets with your guide.

Are entry fees covered for museums or attractions?

All entry fees are included in your booking price.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

No, lunch isn’t included but your guide will recommend local spots to try Togolese dishes.

What language does the local guide speak?

Your guide speaks English and can help translate or explain cultural details along the way.

Can infants join this Lomé city tour?

Infants are welcome but must sit on an adult’s lap during transport.

Is there time to swim at the beach at the end?

You can walk along or swim at the beach if currents are calm—ask your guide for advice that day.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from your hotel or meeting point, all entry fees and taxes covered throughout Lomé’s main sites and museums (even if some are under renovation), air-conditioned vehicle transport between stops, bottled mineral water for refreshment along the way, plus a seaside tasting of a regional craft drink before returning in the evening.