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Locrawl

Niamey

Niamey, the capital of Niger, is a calm, fairly modern city of around 1.3 million (2020) on the banks of the Niger River surrounded by the Tillaberi region in the far southwest of Niger. It is the administrative, cultural and economic hub and hence generally offers good facilities for travellers, both budget and upmarket. Niamey offers unique open-air markets that are great for people watching; they’re patronized by members of the Tuareg, Sonuri and Fulani tribes, as well as wrestling, some beautiful views of the Niger river and the massive Grand Mosque.

See
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Do
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Eat
29
Drink
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Buy
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6 places match

  1. See

    Cathedral de Maorey

    The largest place of worship for the city's minority (but still sizable) Christian population, the cathedral mixes local and European architecture & décor. This cathedral is very lively during sermons and churchgoers are finely dressed. Services are offered in French & Hausa, inquire at the Catholic mission (+227 20 733259).

  2. See

    Centre Culturel Franco-Nigerien (CCFN)

    Across the street from the Musée Nationale, they have an extensive library (all in French), a bar, a cybercafe, and offer French and Nigerien language courses, and have a great activities schedule featuring musical acts, debates, films, plays, etc. Pick up their performance guide and plan your trips into Niamey around some great concerts and events. Even if nothing is scheduled, the library and bar are good places to meet expats and locals who are interested in learning and meeting new people.

  3. See

    Centre Culturel Oumarou Ganda

    Oumarou Ganda Cultural Centre

    Like the CCFN, this cultural centre has a 5,000-spectator amphitheatre, a bar and a large library containing lots of French-language books & magazines.

  4. See

    Grande Marché

    The largest market in Niger and the country's commercial centre, this colourful and vibrant site contains over 5000 stalls (1500 of which are enclosed). See below (under "Buy")

  5. See

    Grande Mosquée

    You can tour the Grande Mosquée, a gift to Niger from Libyan dictator Muammar Qaddafi. Just walk up to the main doors of the Grande Mosque and the guardian will greet you and give you a tour. Or arrange with him ahead of time: his name is Issaka and his number is 96.30.24.27. You pay “whatever you think is appropriate” but be aware that you will have to pay three separate times: the first time is a donation to support the upkeep of the mosque and their charitable activities; the second time is a small donation for the women’s room of the mosque, and then a tip for the guide at the end. So, you might pay CFA 1000/400/1000 per person but exact amounts are up to you. As part of the tour you can climb the minaret and take pictures. Tours are in French, Hausa, or Zarma. Not open around prayer time, Fridays, and Muslim holidays. He likes to rush you through, but take your time and enjoy it. You might need to “remind” him about the minaret. Dress conservatively; women must wear a head scarf.

  6. See

    Musée National Boubou-Hama and Zoo

    This complex was built in 1959 by the colonial French government as the L'Institute Francais d'Afrique Noire (French Institute of Black Africa), although the original museum was largely destroyed by fire in 1980. The museum is fairly small and run down. There are some Hausa-styled pavilions containing displays on Nigerien history & customs and exhibitions focusing on such things as traditional instruments, palaeontology/archaeology, costumes & uranium mining. The national zoo is depressing, mostly Sahelian animals. Other sites on the campus include traditionally-built dwellings, a small bar, and many handicrafts sellers. Bring water or buy it outside, as it is expensive inside. The exhibits and boutiques are closed in the afternoon 12:00-15:00 although during that time you can still see the animals and artisans. Entry costs CFA 1,000, a photography permit is CFA 1,000, and a guided tour (in French) costs CFA 2,500. There are two entrances: one on Rue du Musee and another opposite the Palais du Congres.