Pass The Passport

Places / Africa / Benin

Cotonou

Visited in February 2019

At a glance

Country
Benin
Region
Littoral
Population
780,000
Best time to go
November to February
Main airport
Cotonou Cadjehoun (COO)
Coordinates
6.35°N, 2.39°E

Country visited City visited Still to go Click a pin or country to read more. Zoom with + and −, a double-click or a pinch.

Overview

Cotonou is Benin's largest city and economic centre, squeezed between the Atlantic and Lake Nokoué. It is busy, loud and fun, with swarms of yellow-shirted motorbike taxis, a huge market and a growing art scene.

It also makes a practical base for the south of the country. The stilt village of Ganvié, the old slave port of Ouidah and the capital Porto-Novo are all within easy reach, and the city's beach bars are a good place to end the day.

Things to see

  • Dantokpa Market
    Photo: Adoscam, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Dantokpa Market

    One of West Africa's largest markets, sprawling along the lagoon, with everything from fabric to fetish stalls selling Vodun charms.

  • Fondation Zinsou
    Photo: David Stanley from Nanaimo, Canada, CC BY 2.0

    Fondation Zinsou

    A respected foundation showing contemporary African art, with exhibitions that change through the year.

  • Amazon statue
    Photo: MathieuC26, CC0

    Amazon statue

    A giant bronze statue on the seafront honouring the female warriors of the old Kingdom of Dahomey.

  • Cathedral of Our Lady of Mercy
    Photo: Saliousoft, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Cathedral of Our Lady of Mercy

    A striking red-and-white striped cathedral in the city centre, close to the old port.

Things to do

  • Ganvié stilt village
    Photo: jbdodane, CC BY 2.0

    Ganvié stilt village

    Glide by pirogue across Lake Nokoué to a village of thousands built on stilts above the water.

    Find tours
  • Day trip to Ouidah
    Photo: Francisco Anzola, CC BY 2.0

    Day trip to Ouidah

    Follow the Route des Esclaves to the Door of No Return on the beach, and visit the Python Temple and Vodun sites.

    Find tours
  • Fidjrossè beach
    Photo: Rofik Adam, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Fidjrossè beach

    Join locals for grilled fish and cold drinks at the beach shacks along the shore at weekends; the currents are too strong for swimming.

  • Ride a zemidjan
    Photo: Rachad sanoussi, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Ride a zemidjan

    Hop on a motorbike taxi for the true Cotonou experience; ask for a helmet and agree the price first.

Where to stay

  • Haie Vive

    Leafy and close to the airport, with the city's most popular restaurants and bars.

    Hotels in Haie Vive

  • Fidjrossè

    Near the beach and more relaxed, with a mix of guesthouses and hotels.

    Hotels in Fidjrossè

  • Ganhi

    The commercial centre near the port, practical for business and the cathedral.

    Hotels in Ganhi

Getting around

Zemidjans are everywhere and quick; taxis are better at night and for longer trips. Traffic can be heavy around the market and bridges.

Cadjehoun airport is inside the city, around 15 minutes by taxi from most hotels.

When to go

November to February is the dry season, with occasional harmattan haze. The rains peak from April to July and again in September and October. Ouidah's Vodun festival takes place in early January.

Plan your trip to Cotonou

Some of these are affiliate links: if you book through them I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. More about this.

Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.

More city guides for Benin

More places I’ve been in Benin

Back to Benin