Wondering things to do in Cotonou Benin? There are countless places of interest in this beautiful city of Benin Republic. Aside from several popular tourist attractions, there are many places too. To get you started, below are some of the best places to visit and things to do in Cotonou Benin.
Things to Know About Cotonou
Cotonou, port city and de facto capital of Benin. It is situated along the Gulf of Guinea. Originally part of the Dahomey Kingdom. It is the starting point of the so-called Benin-Niger Railway, which extends northward 273 miles (439 km) into the interior but ends in the middle of Benin at Parakou.
Goods can be moved another 200 miles (322 km) by road to the navigable Niger River. Modern artificial deepwater port facilities at Cotonou serve both Benin and the neighbouring country of Togo.
Cotonou is the economic hub of Benin and is the country’s largest urban centre. Its industries include brewing, textile production, and palm-oil processing. The country’s president and most government ministers reside in Cotonou. The National University of Benin (1970) is also located in the city.
Best Time to Visit Cotonou
The best time to visit any country depends on what you want to see and do during your trip. Here is a little insight on the best times to visit Benin Republic based on different factors.
The best time to visit Benin is in the dry months of December to March – which also coincide with the annual Voodoo festival in January – an unmissable experience. These months are slightly cooler and more pleasant, although watch out for the dusty harmattan wind – lipbalm and moisturiser are must-haves!
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10 Things to do in Cotonou Benin
1. The Dantokpa market
This place is HUGE and definitely tops my list of things to do in Cotonou. There are so many colors and smells and things to see among the planned chaos. Go to the spice section, or get lost among woven baskets. Chat with the women selling anything, or goof off with the men in the electronics section. You cannot visit Cotonou, or even Benin without visiting this amazing market!
Be sure go to early in the morning to avoid the scorching sun. As always, keep an eye on your belongings, though I never had any issues.
If you want to see the unique Voodoo Fetish Market, you will have to go north of the big market building along the water. Keep going until you pass the plastic bottle area. Finding it is apparently half the fun! This market is apparently more authentic than the Voodoo market in neighboring Lomé. Expect to pay to take photos.
2. Notre Dame des Apotres Cathedral
There are a lot of Catholics in Benin, and they have a really unique Cathedral in the center of Cotonou. It is unique enough to be included in my list of things to do in Cotonou! The pope even visited this cathedral!
3. The Artisanal center
This is a market geared towards tourists and is the place to go to buy souvenirs and gifts for family and friends. Although the big Dantokpa Market is the more exciting place to visit, you will have a hard time finding souvenirs there. The people at the Artisanal Center are outgoing and friendly, but be prepared to bargain!
4. See L’étoile Rouge
You pretty much can’t avoid this giant monument in the center of Cotonou. You may need to go to it to find a bush taxi to take you to other parts of the country!
Although this big red star won’t take a long time to see, I think it is worth including in this list of things to do in Cotonou because of the history it represents.
It was a gift to Benin from Russia in 1975 because in 1974 Benin adopted Marxism-Leninism as its political ideology. Benin Republic transitioned to democracy in 1991, but this monument remains as a memory to that time.
5. Go to the Fondation Zinsou
This is an awesome artistic space where you can enjoy amazing art from local and regional artists. There is also a branch of the foundation in neighboring Ouidah as well. See extremely high quality contemporary art from African artists of the past and present. It is one of the best cultural things to do in Cotonou!
6. Go walk the calm streets of Cocotiers
This calm neighborhood is full of coconut tree lined streets and hip little cafés. It also isn’t so far from the beach! I loved just wandering the streets and enjoying the different types of architecture and colors and murals.
7. Go to the beach!
Soaking up the sun at a local beach is one of the best things to do in Cotonou, hands down! Fidjirosse Beach is a local favorite, or for something more upscale (with a pool, restaurant, hotel, etc.) check out Hotel El Dorado Beach Club.
Read Also: Top Things to do in Benin Republic
Just note that the ocean is really rough in the region. It is a great place to soak up some sun on the beach, but don’t expect to really swim!
8. Go visit the floating village of Ganvie
Ok this isn’t technically in Cotonou, but it is just around 30 minutes away and I thought it would be worth adding to my list of things to do in Cotonou. Ganvie was one of my favorite places I visited in Benin, and you really feel like you are in another world of floating markets and buildings. It was just so beautiful. Just don’t forget to be respectful and ask the locals before taking their pictures.
9. Experience the thriving market of Cotonou
From the sprawling Dantokpa Market to the Ganhi Market, these vibrant hubs offer a kaleidoscope of colors, aromas, and local products. Engage with friendly vendors, sample delicious street food, and hunt for unique souvenirs.
10. Savor the rich flavors of Beninois cuisine
No visit to Benin is complete without indulging in its diverse and flavorful cuisine. Sample local delicacies such as “Akassa” (fermented corn dough served with a sauce or barbecued fish), “Dahomey Fish Stew,” or “Yovo Doko,” a fried dessert. Explore vibrant food markets, street stalls, and restaurants to truly experience the vibrant flavors that make Beninois cuisine so enticing.
Most importantly, meet some amazing people!
Benin has some amazing, friendly people! I loved getting to know them over meals or in busy bush taxis. Sure you can see everything in the world but its the people that really make a place special!
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