Location: Cotonou
Top Things to do in Cotonou
The 10 Best Things to Do in Cotonou, Benin
Home to many diplomatic services and the largest population in the country, Cotonou is the de facto capital of Benin, although not the official one. Its location at the crossroads between numerous neighboring countries makes it a commercial hub, instrumental in opening trade to the African interior. From Cotonou travelers may depart for tours of the outlying regions. The nearby stilted village of Ganvie is a short day trip from the bustle of Boulevard St. Michel and the Dan Topka market.
Restaurants in Cotonou
1. Fondation Zinsou
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 64 reviews
2. Artisanal Center
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 72 reviews
3. Marche Dantokpa
Overall Ratings
4 based on 37 reviews
Reviewed By ttarlton31 - Washington DC, District of Columbia
Marche Dantokpa is huge. Anything you want, you can find here, but be prepared to walk around. The only way to really appreciate the market is to walk around and see the different vendors and bargain. The best time to go is at the end of the day when vendors really want to sell you can get your best deals. Aside from shoppoing for goods you can also by local food here. Make sure you have a strong stomach and a healthy appetite.
4. Fidjrosse Beach
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 54 reviews
Reviewed By Pastor Donchris... A - Kumasi, Ghana
Very good place for my quiet time, not so popullated like other beach in Cotonou on every sunday. There are many beach more beautiful that this Fidjrosse side like OBAMA beach and CHARCOL beach by airport side. But Fidjrosse beach is located at residential estate side and it's very far from these beach i mention, and Fidjrosse has many beautiful entertainment BEACH TERRACES, but one thing is that Fidjrosse beach has a paid ticket gates to enter the beach site not just paid to enter a beach Terraces. Good place for Lovers and hide & sneak dating.
5. Palais des Congres
Overall Ratings
4 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By mahme - Monte-Carlo, Monaco
The building itself is one of the more recognizable buildings in Cotonou.
It can only be seen from the street though and one is not allowed to walk into it.
Be careful when taking pictures, if guards see you, they may make a scene and you might have to delete your pictures. Best is to ask for permission if you see anyone around.
6. Etoile Rouge
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By mahme - Monte-Carlo, Monaco
It's a big roundabout with a tall monument in the center, and shaped like a red star (as seen from the sky)... Interesting to drive by or check our for a few minutes, nothing more.
8. Obama Beach
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By ELHERFI - Pretoria, South Africa
This is such a great place to go to!
The beach is great, there is a a restaurant with good food at really reasonable prices, a beach that is quite beautiful and plenty of things to do!
You can sun tan, swim, play football with any of the locals having a beach soccer game, play volley ball or simply take a long walk on the beach!
A worthy place if you just want to have a good time, with simple activities requiring little money
9. Stade de l'Amitie
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By mahme - Monte-Carlo, Monaco
The stadium itself is very rundown, and typical of 1980s built African stadiums.
It is the national stadium, and if you ask the guards, they will let you in for free to see the track and soccer pitch (when I visited it, the grass had grown over 15inches tall). Despite the appearance, it is still used for the National team's matches.
