Musée Nationale and Zoo, Avenue Mitterrand, ☎ +227 20 734321. 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 one of West Africa's best national museums and a top Nigerien attraction. There are many Hausa-styled pavilions containing displays on Nigerien history & customs and exhibitions focusing on such things as traditional instruments, paleontology/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 from 12:00-15:00h though during that time you can still see the animals and artisans. Entry costs 1000F, a photography permit is 1000F, & a guided tour(in French) costs 2500F. There are two entrances: one on Rue du Musee and another opposite the Palais du Congres. �
Grande Mosque
Grande Mosquée, Avenue de l'Islam. You can tour the Grande Mosquée, a gift to Niger from Qadafi. Just walk right up to the main doors of the Grande Mosque and the guardian will greet you and give you a tour. Or set up 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 1000F/400F/1000F 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. Be sure to dress conservatively; women need to wear a head scarf. �
Cathedral de Maorey, (two blocks NW of Place Maourey), ☎ +227 20 733259. The largest place of worship for the city's minority (but still sizable) Christian population, the cathedral mixes local and European architecture & decor. 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) �
Grande Marché. The largest market in Niger and the country's commercial center , this colorful and vibrant site contains over 5000 stalls (1500 of which are enclosed). See below (under "Buy") �
Centre Culturel Franco-Nigerien (CCFN), Rue du Musée, ☎ +227 20 734834, . 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 great places to meet expats and locals who are interested in learning and meeting new people. �
Centre Culturel Oumarou Ganda, (near Wadata market & Ecogare (largest taxi hub in Niamey)), ☎ +227 20 740903, . Like the CCFN, this cultural center has a 5,000-spectator ampitheater, a bar, and a large library containing lots of French-language books & magazines. �
The Most Frequently Asked Travel Questions about Niamey
Where To Stay & Best Hotels in Niamey - updated Apr 2024
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Niamey Travel Guide from Wikitravel. Many thanks to all Wikitravel contributors. Text is available under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0, images are available under various licenses, see each image for details.
