Getty Images/Moment Open
The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office advise against all travel to much of Niger, and against all but essential travel to the remainder of the country. Click here for more information.
For those who have been lucky enough to visit, Niger is a desert republic filled with ancient caravan cities at the edge of the Sahara.
In the north, the stark splendor of the Aïr Mountains hides Neolithic rock art and stunning oasis towns. Within the expansive dunes of the Ténéré Desert are dinosaur graveyards and deserted medieval settlements, while to the south is the ancient trans-Saharan trade-route town of Agadez and the sultanate of Zinder.
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Niger.
Museum
The sprawling Musée National du Niger is one of West Africa's standouts. Numerous themed pavilions, each tipping their hat to Hausa architecture, give visitors a peek into Niger's present and past. The Pablo Toucet pavilion displays the dress of Niger's different ethnic groups - a quick way to train the eye for differentiating these groups as you travel around Niger.
Market
The Petit Marché is smack-dab in the centre of town and merits a visit. Self-caterers can go crazy, squeezing fruit and veg to their hearts content in this lively market. Remember where your wallet is when you're ogling the wares, as pickpockets are rife.