Things To Do
in Togo
Togo is a small West African nation bordered by Ghana to the west, Benin to the east, and Burkina Faso to the north, with a slender Atlantic coastline. Despite its size, it offers a surprising diversity of landscapes—from lively markets and beaches in Lomé to forested highlands and savannas further inland. The people are warm and welcoming, with French as the official language and many communities speaking local languages such as Ewe and Kabye.
Travelers will find affordable food, vibrant music, and rich cultural traditions, though regional infrastructure can be uneven and travel times may vary.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at Gnassingbé Eyadéma International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Lomé. Take some time to relax and refresh after your journey. Enjoy a delicious breakfast featuring local dishes at a nearby café.
Explore the vibrant Lomé Grand Market, where you can find colorful textiles, handmade crafts, and fresh produce. Interact with the friendly locals and sample some street food. Visit the National Museum of Togo to learn about the country's rich history and culture.
Dine at a local restaurant where you can savor Togolese cuisine, such as fufu and palm nut soup. Stroll along the beachfront promenade and feel the ocean breeze as day turns to night. End your first day with a drink at a local bar, soaking in the lively atmosphere.
Depart Lomé for Kpalimé, known for its beautiful landscapes and rolling hills. Upon arrival, enjoy a hearty breakfast at a local guesthouse. Embrace the lush surroundings with a guided hike to the nearby waterfalls.
Visit local craft workshops to see artisans at work creating batik fabrics and handicrafts. Stop by the Togo Coffee Plantations for a tasting session, where you can learn about the coffee production process. Relax in Kpalimé's peaceful environment and take in the breathtaking views.
Enjoy dinner at a cozy local eatery, featuring fresh ingredients and traditional dishes. Take a leisurely stroll through the town to experience Kpalimé’s charm under the starry sky. Conclude your evening with a cup of locally brewed coffee or tea.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-7 |
| 🥖Street food snack | $0.50-2 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride in city | $2-6 |
| 🏨Budget hotel per night | $15-40 |
| ☕Coffee or soft drink | $1-3 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich culture and music scene
- Warm, welcoming people
- Affordable travel and food
- Coastal beaches and wildlife in parks
- Developing transport infrastructure in rural areas
- Limited healthcare outside major cities
- Border areas can have travel restrictions
- Seasonal weather can bring heavy rains and heat
- "Bonjour" - Hello
- "S’il vous plaît" - Please
- "Merci" - Thank you
- "Parlez-vous anglais ?" - Do you speak English?
- "Où est… ?" - Where is there…?
Places to Visit in Togo
Visit one of these nice places.
Golden-hour coastal shots with the Atlantic, lighthouse silhouettes, and the modernist waterfront architecture.
Panoramic city views from elevated spots near the coast, ideal for sunset photography.
Dramatic mud-and-thatch houses and a dramatic landscape in the north, offering striking cultural portraits.
Sweeping panoramas over southern Togolese valleys and forests; a rewarding subject for landscape photography.
Food in Togo
Togo Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Maize paste served with a variety of sauces, often tomato-based or palm-nut sauce.
Must-Try!
A rich peanut sauce poured over rice, fufu, or yams, common across West Africa and beloved in Togolese households.
A starchy dough (cassava or yam) paired with a hearty vegetable or palm-nut sauce.
Freshly grilled fish (often from the Gulf) served with a spicy pepper sauce and side dishes like yams or plantains.
Staple sides commonly served with stews or sauces; versatile and widely available in markets and eateries.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling multi-block market where you can taste street foods, buy fresh produce, and find crafts and textiles.
Casual stalls and small grills offering freshly caught fish and spicy sauces right by the sea.
Smaller markets with local produce, grains, and ready-to-eat snacks—great for a quick bite or picnic supply.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet everyone with a warm “Bonjour” (French) or local greeting; a handshake or light kiss on both cheeks among friends is common.
Dress modestly, especially in rural areas and religious sites; shoulders and knees should be covered in conservative settings.
Show respect to elders and community leaders; speak calmly and avoid raising your voice in public.
Avoid loud displays of wealth and public displays of affection in certain contexts; be mindful around markets and religious sites.
Safety
Tipping in Togo
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is common but not always mandatory; rounding up bills or leaving small tips at restaurants and for guides is appreciated.
Cash in CFA francs is widely used; many urban places accept credit cards at hotels and larger restaurants; mobile money may be available in cities.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Milder temperatures and lower humidity make outdoor exploring comfortable; dusty air can reduce visibility slightly, carry a mask or scarf if sensitive.
Frequent afternoon showers and lush greenery; plan for slower travel due to rains and possible muddy trails; protect gear with waterproof covers.
Togo at Night
Hiking in Togo
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular day hike to the highest point in Togo, featuring forested slopes and panoramic valley views.
Forest trails in northern Togoland offering wildlife viewing and birding opportunities.
Airports
How to reach Togo by plane.
Main international gateway to Togo; connects Lomé with regional and international destinations; taxis and shuttles link the airport to the city.
Nearby international option just across the border; convenient for regional connections and onward travel to Lomé by road or bus.
Regional hub with broad international connections; useful for multi-country itineraries and overland or short air connections to Lomé.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Major groups include Ewe and Mina in the south, with Kabye and Tem in the north; diverse communities contribute to a rich cultural mosaic.
Lomé hosts a growing urban population with rapid development, while many regions remain rural with agricultural livelihoods.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport in everyday life, with local leagues and community games common across cities.
Growing interest in urban centers; local clubs and leagues provide opportunities to watch or play.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Ask for vegetable stews (sauce mara) with cassava, yams, or rice; request no meat or fish; seek bean-based dishes or peanut sauces as protein options.
Healthcare
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Togo.