Lomé is a coastal West African city where markets fill the day and craft-makers sell a wide range of goods. Shopping here mixes food items, handwork, and practical keepsakes that tell something about the place.

This guide covers souvenirs you can find across the city, not one street or a single store. It focuses on things that travel well and ways to spot quality over mass-produced trinkets.

1. Handwoven textiles

• Why it’s worth buying: These fabrics show local weaving patterns and useful everyday design. They work as wraps, tablecloths, or simple wall art.
• Where to look: markets.
• Price range: $12–$80
• How to spot a good one: Check the tightness of the weave and look for natural dye variations.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Fold tightly or roll the cloth to save space and avoid creases.

2. Batik or printed cotton cloth

• Why it’s worth buying: Prints often use traditional motifs and take less space than heavy cloth. They give a bold local look without being fragile.
• Where to look: small independent shops.
• Price range: $8–$45
• How to spot a good one: Even color saturation across the fabric and clear edge lines show careful printing.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Layer printed cloth between garments to protect the fabric.

3. Beaded or handmade jewelry

• Why it’s worth buying: Jewelry often uses local beads and simple metalwork that reflect regional styles. Pieces are small, wearable, and easy to gift.
• Where to look: galleries.
• Price range: $5–$60
• How to spot a good one: Inspect stringing or metal joins for even tension and secure clasps.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Place jewelry in a small pouch and keep it in your carry-on.

4. Pottery and small ceramics

• Why it’s worth buying: Locally made ceramics carry irregularities that show handcraft rather than machine-made uniformity. Smaller bowls and cups are useful at home.
• Where to look: craft galleries.
• Price range: $10–$70
• How to spot a good one: Look for even walls, sealed glazing, and a stable base without wobble.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Wrap pieces in clothing and put them amid soft items in your luggage.

5. Carved wooden items

• Why it’s worth buying: Wood carvings range from utensils to decorative panels and often use local hardwoods. They are light and durable when treated well.
• Where to look: open-air markets.
• Price range: $6–$50
• How to spot a good one: Smooth finishing, no loose chips, and a consistent grain indicate quality.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Pack wooden items flat between garments to prevent breakage.

6. Local coffee beans

• Why it’s worth buying: Small-batch roasted beans capture regional flavor and make a practical gift. Beans stay fresher sealed and travel-friendly.
• Where to look: food halls.
• Price range: $6–$25
• How to spot a good one: Pick sealed bags with roast dates and a clear origin label.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Put sealed coffee in checked luggage or carry-on, avoiding crushing.

7. Spice blends and dried peppers

• Why it’s worth buying: Spices bring home flavor you won’t find elsewhere and are often sold in airtight packages. They’re compact and easy to store.
• Where to look: food halls.
• Price range: $3–$15
• How to spot a good one: Choose spices that smell fresh and come in sealed or well-tied packaging.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Place spice bags inside a zip-top bag to avoid leaks.

8. Coarse sea salt or flavored salt

• Why it’s worth buying: Sea salt from coastal vendors has a mineral taste tied to the region. Small jars are practical for home kitchens.
• Where to look: producer co-ops.
• Price range: $2–$12
• How to spot a good one: Look for simple packaging and minimal additives listed on the label.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Pack jars upright in bubble wrap or a plastic container to prevent spills.

9. Woven market bags and straw items

• Why it’s worth buying: Woven bags are light, sturdy, and reflect coastal craft materials like palm or straw. They work for daily use back home.
• Where to look: small independent shops.
• Price range: $8–$40
• How to spot a good one: Even, tight weaving and reinforced straps mean the bag will last.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Flatten woven items under clothes; stuff them to keep shape if necessary.

10. Leather goods (wallets, belts)

• Why it’s worth buying: Simple leather accessories age well and often cost less than in bigger cities. Small leather goods are practical and compact.
• Where to look: galleries.
• Price range: $15–$75
• How to spot a good one: Smell and feel the leather; seams should be straight and hardware secure.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Keep leather items in a cloth bag to avoid scratches in transit.

11. Prints and small artworks

• Why it’s worth buying: Paper prints, linocuts, or small paintings are lightweight and express local visual style. They are easier to transport than framed art.
• Where to look: markets.
• Price range: $8–$60
• How to spot a good one: Confirm the artist’s mark or signature and check for consistent ink or paint quality.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Roll prints gently and carry them in a tube or flat folder.

12. Packaged cocoa or chocolate

• Why it’s worth buying: Togo is part of a cocoa-producing region, and sealed chocolate makes a travel-friendly edible souvenir. Dark, single-origin bars highlight flavor.
• Where to look: independent shops.
• Price range: $4–$20
• How to spot a good one: Prefer sealed packaging with ingredient lists and minimal additives.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Put chocolate in an insulated pocket if flying through hot climates.

Quick buying tips for Lomé

• Carry small bills; cards work sometimes, but cash is easiest in markets.
• Haggling is common at open stalls; start lower and be polite about offers.
• Wrap fragile items with clothes and put them in your carry-on for safety.
• Many sellers can ship heavy goods; ask for packing and shipping options.
• Look for ‘made locally’ labels, maker signatures, or uneven hand-finished details.
• Pack food and liquids in checked luggage and follow airline rules on liquids.

Where to shop in Lomé

Shopping is spread across busy market areas, the waterfront, and a handful of museum and gallery spaces. Plan to visit a few different zones to compare prices and styles, and expect most souvenirs to come from outdoor or open-air settings.

• Grand Marché (central market) for spices, textiles, carved wood, and everyday craft items.
• Waterfront and port stalls where coastal sellers offer sea salt, woven items, and nautical wares.
• National Museum and cultural centers for curated prints, books, and higher-end craft goods.
• Small artisan markets and co-op spaces that sell handmade jewelry, pottery, and textiles directly.
• Covered food halls and market food areas for packaged coffee, cocoa, and spice blends.
• Seasonal fairs and weekend markets highlighting regional producers and fresh specialty foods.
• Old colonial shopping avenues and streets where independent shops sell leather pieces and design-forward accessories.

What to skip (common tourist traps)

• Cheap plastic trinkets labeled “authentic” often come from factories and lack local materials.
• Mass-produced T-shirts with generic logos usually use poor fabric and fading inks.
• Items claiming to be “antique” without provenance are often modern reproductions.
• Trinkets made from real shells that are brittle or filled with glue won’t last.
• Overly polished or perfect carvings can indicate machine work rather than handcraft.
• Unmarked leather goods may not be genuine leather; check feel and seam quality.

If you only buy three things

Handwoven textiles — versatile and representative of local craft.
Packaged coffee beans — practical, compact, and it preserves a local flavor.
Woven market bag — useful, lightweight, and easy to carry home.

FAQ

1. What is Lomé known for making?
   Lomé is known for market crafts like woven textiles, beadwork, carved wood, and small pottery. The city also trades in spices and coastal products tied to local food traditions.

2. What are the best edible souvenirs from Lomé?
   Choose sealed items such as roasted coffee, packaged cocoa or chocolate, and dried spice blends. These travel well and carry the region’s flavors without refrigeration.

3. Are souvenirs expensive in Lomé?
   Prices vary widely: market goods tend to be affordable while gallery or museum pieces cost more. Bargaining is normal in markets, so you can often negotiate a fair price.

4. What is the easiest souvenir to pack from Lomé?
   Small jewelry, spice packets, and folded fabrics are the easiest to pack and carry. They take little space and don’t require special handling.

5. How do I know if something is truly local?
   Ask whether the maker is local and look for signatures, labels, or uneven hand finishing. Natural materials and small imperfections usually mean the item was made by hand.

Tip: Save your receipts, and keep fragile items in your carry-on.

About the Author 

Colin is the founder of SouvenirsIdeas.com and a passionate traveller with a soft spot for ceramics, markets, and food tours. He writes practical, first-hand guides to help you bring home souvenirs that actually mean something — not just more clutter!

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