Lomé is the capital and largest city of Togo. With a population of almost 2.2 million (2023), the city is the economic and cultural center of the country. Around a quarter of the country's population lives here.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
Lomé was founded in the 19th century by Ewe people, and subsequently became a major port, trading and administrative center. In 1897 Lomé became capital of the German colony Togoland. It remained the capital when France took over the colony following World War I and continued to grow throughout the colonial period and since independence. In 1975 the Lomé Convention was signed between the European Economic Community and 46 African, Caribbean and Pacific states.
Motos are plentiful throughout the capital, and a good distance on a moto will cost you CFA 300. Taxis can be rented from around CFA 500, with CFA 2000 getting you basically anywhere in town. There are route taxis, costing normally CFA 200-400, but if you are visiting they are difficult to figure out and only ever really used by local folks. The most in-demand app for getting around the city is Gozem. You can book rides on a motorcycle, tricycle (tuk-tuk), and a range of autos, from basic to luxurious.
1 Independence Monument (Monument de L'independence) (across from the National Museum and Hotel 2 Fervier (tallest building in Lome)). Commemorates Togo's independence from France on 27 April 1960, with a human silhouette carved within it. (updated Dec 2020) 2 Sacred Heart Cathedral (Cathédrale du Sacré-Cœur de Lomé) (next to the Grand Marche), ☏ +228 22212273. The iconic cathedral of Lome that was built in 1902 and where Pope John Paul II celebrated mass in 1985.
Enjoy beaches (but do take care for your safety), there are so many, such as: 1 Marcelo Beach (a few kilometres east of Lome center), ☏ +228 93686868. Bar and beach scene with palapas. Most likely an admission fee. (updated Jul 2020) 2 Royal Beach Lome, ☏ +228 93239317. Another bar/beach type setting that may or may not have an admission fee. (updated Jul 2020) Closer to the center of town are Lake East and Lake West which might be somewhat interesting for walking along. 3 Lac Est. (updated Jul 2020)
Local street food is plentiful, and a large plate of rice or pate costs 200CFA. Lebanese restaurants are peppered throughout Lomé, with the best being in Kodjoviakope and wrapping around with the Boulevard. Recommended are Al Mohatas by the Route de Kpalime and Al Sultan's in Kodjoviakope. Most plates cost CFA 1,000-2,000. There are two Chinese restaurants, one in Kodjoviakope, the other in Asigame, down the street from the Togocel main offices. 1 Le Galion, Rue Camomille, ☏ +228 22 22 00 30. French-owned hotel near the beach in Kodjoviakope which has an excellent restaurant serving omelettes, steaks, spaghetti, salads and desserts.
Lomé really comes alive at night, the local Loméians dressing to the nines and going out to the numerous bars and discothèques. There are many western style dance clubs downtown. Two of the best (and most expensive) are Privilege, attached to the hotel Palm Beach and 7Clash, in Dekon on the Boulevard. For a more relaxed time, check out the beach close to the border with Ghana - seating is plentiful and, if you're lucky, the Castle Milk Stouts are pretty cold. Be sure to get off of the beach soon after nightfall, as it is easily the most dangerous part of the city. Local drinks can be found if you dig a little deeper. The local brew of choice is Tchouk, locally brewed millet beer.
The beaches and surrounding areas are known for frequent muggings, especially at night. Don’t wander around on your own at night on the beach unless there are plenty of people around.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
Top-rated tours and tickets from €28 — book ahead for the popular ones.
Tours and tickets provided by Viator (a Tripadvisor company). Some links earn Stayonomy a commission.
In Aug, Lome typically sees ~28°C daytime highs and 10 rainy days.
Cheapest destinations travellers searched recently — refreshed daily.
Flight prices are real fares travellers found in the last 48 hours, refreshed daily — the booking site confirms the final price. Train, bus and ferry fares are shown on the operators' booking sites. Weather data by Open-Meteo; exchange rates: ECB reference. Data updated 2026-08-01. Some links earn Stayonomy a commission at no cost to you.
stayonomy