Cotonou

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24 hand-picked places in 9 lists. Tick the categories you want to see on the map.

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8 places on the map

Free things to do

1
Memorial square honouring those who died for the nation.
3 tips
- Visit during the day
- Be respectful at the monument
- Take a zemidjan taxi
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2
Waterfront boulevard with government buildings and promenades.
- Tip: Sunset
3 tips
- Walk at sunset
- Avoid photographing official buildings
- Use zemidjan for longer hops
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3
Monument to the female warriors of Dahomey.
- Tip: Go early
2 tips
- Mind the traffic
- Pair with the Étoile Rouge
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4
Monument and roundabout symbolising independence.
3 tips
- Best photographed from the pavement
- Beware of heavy traffic
- Do not photograph military guards
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5
Palm-fringed beach with relaxed seafront restaurants.
- Tip: Sunset
3 tips
- Do not swim, currents are strong
- Eat fresh grilled fish
- Go at sunset
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6
Lively fishing harbour with colourful pirogues.
3 tips
- Go at sunrise
- Ask before photographing
- Wear closed shoes
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7
One of West Africa's largest open-air markets.
- Tip: Go early
2 tips
- Hide valuables and phones
- Bargain for everything
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8
Striking red-and-white striped cathedral.
- Tip: Go early
- Tip: Dress code
1 tip
- Avoid Sunday mass hours
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Before you go: Cotonou tips

Transportation

Ride zemidjans carefully: Motorbike taxis called zems, with drivers in yellow shirts, are the main way around; agree the fare first and ask for a helmet.
Try the Gozem app: Gozem lets you book motorbike and car rides in Cotonou with the price shown upfront, avoiding haggling.
Hire a driver for day trips: A trusted driver makes visits to Ouidah, Porto-Novo or the boat landing for Ganvie much easier than public transport.

Security

Guard valuables at Dantokpa: The huge Dantokpa market is busy and chaotic, so keep phones and cash in a secure front pocket.
Avoid swimming at city beaches: Beaches like Fidjrosse have strong currents and rip tides, so enjoy the sand but stay out of rough water.
Prepare for malaria: Use repellent and sleep under a net, see a doctor about prevention before you go, and carry your yellow fever certificate.

Saving

Eat at local maquis: Small maquis restaurants serve grilled fish, pate with sauce and aloko fried plantain for much less than hotel restaurants.
Bargain at markets: Haggling is expected at Dantokpa and craft markets, so start lower and settle with a smile.
Carry CFA francs: Cash in West African CFA francs is used almost everywhere, and ATMs can be unreliable, so withdraw when you find one that works.

Weather/Clothing

Dress for heat and humidity: Cotonou is hot and sticky all year, so wear loose, breathable clothes and drink plenty of water.
Plan for two rainy seasons: Heavy rains fall roughly from April to July and again around September to November, so pack a rain jacket.
Expect harmattan haze: From about December to February dry dusty winds from the Sahara bring hazy skies; bring eye drops and lip balm.

Cultural

Learn about Vodun: Benin is the birthplace of Vodun; visit shrines respectfully and always ask before photographing ceremonies.
Greet before you ask: Greetings matter here, so say bonjour and ask how someone is before getting to your question.
Try pate and akassa: Fermented corn akassa and corn pate served with sauces and fish are everyday staples worth trying at local spots.

Local Hacks

Visit Ganvie: The stilt village on Lake Nokoue is reached by boat from Abomey-Calavi, a short trip north of Cotonou.
Go to Ouidah: The Route des Esclaves, the Door of No Return and the Temple of Pythons make Ouidah a moving day trip.
Time a trip for Vodun Days: In early January Ouidah hosts vibrant Vodun celebrations with drumming, dancing and ceremonies.