Lomé Unveiled: A Digital Nomad’s Coastal Haven
Lomé Unveiled: A Digital Nomad’s Coastal Haven 🌴
When I first stepped off the bus in Lomé, the capital of Togo, I didn’t know what to expect. I had heard whispers of vibrant markets and palm-fringed beaches, but nothing prepared me for the kaleidoscope of color, sound, and flavor that greeted me. Over ten days as a wandering digital nomad, I discovered how this West African city balances tradition and modernity, offering hidden gems for the curious traveler.
Market Magic at Marché des Féticheurs
One of my earliest discoveries was the famous Marché des Féticheurs, also known as the Fetish Market. While “fetish” might sound ominous, this sprawling maze of stalls is where spirituality meets everyday life. Here you’ll find wooden sculptures, herbal remedies, talismans, and offerings for voodoo practitioners. Whether or not you believe in the local customs, strolling its winding alleys is a feast for the senses: vivid fabrics draped overhead, drums pounding in the distance, and the earthy scent of incense.

Pro tip: Engage with a local vendor and ask about the meaning behind different herbs or carvings. I spent a morning chatting with Adjo, a healer who explained how she sources shea butter and frankincense—perfect for travelers wanting natural skincare remedies on the road.
Culinary Chronicles: From Brochettes to Gboma Dessi
Lomé’s food scene is simple, hearty, and unforgettable. Brochettes (grilled skewers of beef or fish) are sold by roadside stands, often with a sprinkle of chili and a squeeze of lime. My go-to lunch was Gboma Dessi, a spinach-based stew simmered in palm oil, served over rice or cassava. It’s comfort food for the soul and a window into Togolese home cooking.
- Sweet Shop Stop: Don’t miss banana fritters (makayabu) at the night market on Rue 15 Janvier.
- Café Culture: For reliable Wi-Fi, head to Chez Céline—great espresso and shaded outdoor seating.
One evening, I joined a small dinner party in Tokoin, where Chef Emmanuel showed me how to prepare koklo meme (grilled corn) and fresh okra soup. It felt more like a family gathering than a cooking class—exactly the kind of local immersion I live for as a digital nomad.
Coastal Calm & Hidden Beaches
Just west of the city center, the coastline transforms into a string of mostly quiet beaches. While Lomé Beach itself can be busy on weekends, I found my own slice of serenity at Plage de Baguida. Early mornings are magical: fishermen casting nets into the Atlantic, fishermen’s canoes bobbing in gentle swells, and sandpipers darting at the tide line.
Sunset at Lomé Beach is equally unforgettable—local musicians gather around bonfires and serenade passersby with Afrobeat rhythms. Pack a sarong for shade and a refillable water bottle (tap water can be unreliable). A small umbrella or beach tent goes a long way under the equatorial sun.
Local Connections: Crafts, Culture & Community
During my stay, I volunteered at a community art center in the Agoè neighborhood. Together with local artists, I experimented with batik textiles and learned how Togo’s folklore shapes textile patterns. Explaining my digital nomad lifestyle in broken French and local Ewe led to plenty of laughter—and a few bartered art pieces to bring home.
I also attended a drum circle at the Institut Français on Tuesdays. Whether you’re a percussion pro or a total beginner, this open jam session welcomes everyone. It’s a wonderful way to tap into the region’s musical heritage and meet both expatriates and Togolese creatives.
Tips for Digital Nomads in Lomé
- Connectivity: SIM cards from Togo Telecom are affordable (around 2 GB for $5), but speeds can vary. Plan ahead for big uploads and keep a backup portable hotspot if you rely on steady connections for work.
- Workspace: Co-working spaces like Nextinka in Agbalépédogan offer reliable power and coffee. Try to arrive before 10 AM to snag a desk with a view.
- Safety: Lomé is relatively safe, but petty theft can occur. Use an anti-theft backpack and avoid flashing high-value electronics in crowded markets.
- Language: French is the official language, but Ewe and Mina are widely spoken. Learning a few greetings (Woezɔ for hello) goes a long way.
- Currency: The West African CFA franc (XOF) is cash-centric. ATMs are available but sometimes empty—carry enough bills for street food and market shopping.
Conclusion: Lomé’s Lasting Imprint
By day four, I realized that Lomé isn’t a city to conquer—it’s a place to savor. You won’t tick off dozens of monuments or rank trendy rooftops. Instead, you’ll collect sensory snapshots: the scent of grilled plantain in a smoky alley, the rhythmic pulse of drums spilling onto a sandy beach, the vibrant colors of hand-woven kente cloth. That’s the heartbeat of Lomé, and it left an imprint on my digital-nomad soul.
Whether you’re looking for an affordable remote-work base or simply craving an authentic West African experience, Lomé rewards the curious traveler. Pack light, bring your sense of adventure, and let the city’s rhythms guide you from market stalls to seaside sunsets. 🌅
For more travel tales and photography, visit ureymutuale.com or email me at [email protected].
Connect with me on Instagram @ureymt and explore my visual journal at @curiocity.lens. 📸
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Date:
24 June 2025 12:00 -
Author:
Urey Mutuale -
Categories:
DIGITAL NOMAD / TRAVEL / WEST AFRICA -
Tags:
CULTURE / DIGITAL NOMAD / FOOD / HIDDEN GEMS / LOMÉ / TOGO / TRAVEL