Beautiful Tourist Places to Visit in Agadez, Niger, Western Africa, Africa

Beautiful Tourist Places to Visit in Agadez, Niger, Western Africa, Africa

Agadez, earlier called Agades, is one of the important cities of Niger, situated in the northern part of the country, between 16°58′ N latitude and 7°59′ E longitude. It is the administrative centre of the Agadez Region, situated around 950 km northeast of Niamey, the capital of Niger. Agadez is a thriving market town, well known for its camel market and traditional market with genuine silver and leatherworks. Agadez is the second famous tourist destination in Niger, after the capital, Niamey. The highlights are historic mosques and palaces. Agadez is located in the Sahara region, around 520 meters above sea level, between 16°58′0″ N latitude and 7°59′0″ E longitude.

History of Agadez:

The documented history of Agadez says it was founded before the 14^th century and it gained the sultanate status in the 1449 and came under the Songhai Empire’s reign around 1500. In its long and grand history, Agadez also witnessed the rule of the powerful Ottoman Empire and the French colonial empire.

Connectivity to Agadez:

Agadez holds an airport, but currently the airport is not served by any flights. So international tourists are needed to reach Niamey Airport first and then they can take bus or taxi or rental car for airport travel. The Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey is situated around 940 km away from Agadez and operates flights from and to Abidjan, Addis Ababa, Ouagadougou, Paris, Istanbul, Casablanca and Algiers. Agadez is connected to Niamey by bus service.

Culture, Food and Shopping in Agadez:

Agadez is the hometown of many nationally renowned artists, including the guitar player Bombino.

Agadez is famous for its traditional market, where typical products like beaded necklace and other silver and leatherworks are available at affordable prices.

Le Piliers is a famous Italian restaurant and another popular restaurant in Agadez is Maquis Emiskini.

What to do in Agadez?

Visiting historic sites
Village tours
Shopping

What to see in Agadez?

Agadez Mosque:

The Agadez Mosque is one of the landmark sites of Agadez, constructed originally in the year 1515 and reconstructed in 1844. The mosque is especially noted as a structure made up of full of clay.

Kaocen Palace:

The Kaocen Palace is a historic palace, now has been converted into a hotel. Both interior and exterior designs of the palace are dynamic, attracting tourists from all around the country year round.

Palace of Sultan in Agadez:

The Sultan Palace in Agadez is one of the iconic structures in the city, holding hundreds of years grand history and is still good in condition. Visitors can take the suggestion of taking aid of locals for easier exploration of the palace.

Heinrich Barth Residence:

The Heinrich Barth Residence is located in the old quarter of Agadez. This house belonged to a well known personality, Heinrich Barth and now it has been converted into a small museum with old maps and many other historic objects.

Mano Dayak International Airport:

The Mano Dayak International Airport is a well constructed airport in Agadez, named after the famous the Tuareg leader, Mano Dayak. There are no flights serving airport currently but tourists are allowed with a prior permission.

Other places of interest in Agadez, Niamey and other parts of Niger include:

The National Museum of Niger
Grande Marché
Centre Culturel Oumarou Ganda
Cathedral de Maorey
Grande Mosquée in Niamey
Centre Culturel Franco-Nigerien
Aïr Mountains
W National Park
Aïr and Ténéré National Nature Reserve

When to visit Agadez?

Probably the beginning months of the year are ideal to travel Agadez in Niger, when the weather will be in condition.

Where to stay in Agadez?

There is a limited number of accommodation options in Agadez, not more than 10, so it would be better if visitors book hotel rooms well in advance prior to reaching the city through online. Some nice hotels in Agadez in Niger are listed below: