Highlights
Ouidah
A coastal town that was a major port of the Atlantic slave trade. The Route des Esclaves runs four kilometres to the beach and the Door of No Return memorial, and the town also has a Python Temple and the Sacred Forest of Kpassè.
Ganvié
A large village built on stilts in Lake Nokoué, north of Cotonou, where houses, markets and schools stand above the water and daily life is carried out by pirogue.
The Royal Palaces of Abomey
The former capital of the Kingdom of Dahomey has a complex of royal palaces listed by UNESCO, with bas-reliefs that record the kingdom's history and the reigns of its kings.
Pendjari National Park
Part of a large protected area in the north-west, shared with Burkina Faso and Niger, with elephants, buffalo, antelope, hippos and one of West Africa's remaining lion populations. Check your government's travel advice for the north before planning a visit.
Porto-Novo
The official capital, quieter than Cotonou, with Afro-Brazilian colonial architecture, a striking Brazilian-style former church turned mosque, and museums covering Vodun and the region's history.
Tata Somba houses
Fortified mud tower houses built by the Batammariba people in the Atakora region around Natitingou, with granaries on the roof and living spaces on several levels.
Grand-Popo
A coastal town near the Togolese border, with long beaches, coconut palms and boat trips through the mangroves at the mouth of the Mono river.
Interesting facts about Benin
- Vodun is officially recognised in Benin, and 10 January is a national holiday celebrating traditional religions, with major ceremonies in Ouidah.
- The Kingdom of Dahomey had an army regiment made up entirely of women, known in Fon as the Agojie.
- The country was called Dahomey until 1975, when it was renamed Benin.
- Porto-Novo is the official capital, but the government and most embassies are based in Cotonou.
- Ganvié is often described as one of the largest lake villages in Africa.
Best time to visit
The dry season from November to March is the best time to visit, especially for wildlife in the north, though the harmattan wind can bring dusty, hazy skies from December to February. The south has two rainy seasons, roughly April to July and September to October, while the north has one long rainy season from about May to October. The 10 January Vodun celebrations in Ouidah draw large crowds.
Practical information
| Capital | Porto-Novo (seat of government: Cotonou) |
|---|---|
| Currency | West African CFA franc (XOF) |
| Languages | French |
| Plugs | Type C, E |
| Voltage | 220 V, 50 Hz |
| Emergency | 117 police, 118 fire, 112 SAMU medical emergencies; lines can be unreliable, so confirm numbers locally |
| Driving | On the right |
| Tipping | Not obligatory, but small tips for guides, drivers and good service in restaurants are appreciated. |
Getting around
Zémidjans, or 'zems', are motorbike taxis and the most common way to get around Cotonou and other towns; agree the fare first. Shared taxis and buses run between towns, and the coastal road links Cotonou with Ouidah and Grand-Popo. Distances to the north are long, and many visitors hire a car with a driver. Road conditions vary, and some routes become difficult in the rainy season.
Staying connected in Benin
Mobile coverage with 4G is good in Cotonou, Porto-Novo and the larger towns, and generally available along the main roads. It becomes patchy in rural areas and in the national parks of the north, where there may be no signal at all. Wi-Fi is available in mid-range hotels and some cafés in Cotonou but can be slow. Download offline maps, install an eSIM before you fly and switch it on when you land.
See Benin eSIM plans · How to install an eSIM
Useful apps for Benin
- Gozem: A West African app for booking motorbike and car taxis in Cotonou, with fares shown upfront.
- Google Maps: Directions and offline maps for trips outside the cities.
- Google Translate: French translation for conversations, menus and signs.
- XE Currency: Convert CFA francs, which are pegged to the euro.