Niger's capital, located in the far western region of the country, is a lively fairly modern city of 500,000. Niamey offers unique open-air markets that are great for people watching. They're patronised by members of the Tuareg Sonuri and Fulani tribes.

The town's other main attractions are the Grand Mosque (ask permission before entering) and the outdoor National Museum ,one of the finest museums in Africa (it displays local artifacts, cultural exhibits and even animals, although the bare cages and neurotic animals are heart-wrenching to see). The museum also houses an artisans'cooperative where the quality is tops(the jewelry is particularly fine) and the prices are a little high but reasonable (and surprisingly non-negotiable).

The city's stadium the Stade du 29 Juillet sometimes has sporting events, soccer being far and away the most popular. The Franco-Nigerien cultural centre is a well-managed facility with state-of-the-art information systems a well-endowed library, a nice bar and cafe and an amphitheatre used for French and African film screenings, performance art and dramatic productions. Just across town on the Rue des Ambassades, the U.S. recreation centre has a softball field, a pool, a basketball court and a diner.

For more adventurous outings its possible to take a ride in a pirogue (dugout canoe) on the Niger to see hippos in pools.