Map of Cotonou, Benin
Use the map to easily navigate around Cotonou, find any address, explore attractions and quickly create a route to your chosen destination.
You can download Map of Cotonou
download🎡 What to do in Cotonou 🎡
Discover the vibrant and dynamic city of Cotonou through a range of exciting activities that cater to every traveler's budget and interests.
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Best Budget Activity in Cotonou:
Ganvie Stilt Village Tour: Embark on a boat tour to the unique Ganvie Village built on stilts, offering a glimpse into the life of the local Tofinu people.
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Best Mid-Range Activity in Cotonou:
Ouidah Historical Tour: Explore the historic town of Ouidah, known for its rich cultural heritage, ancestral history, and the Door of No Return monument.
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Best Luxury Activity in Cotonou:
Pendjari National Park Safari: Experience a luxury safari at Pendjari National Park, home to diverse wildlife such as elephants, lions, and antelopes in their natural habitat.
Recommendations:
-For more activities, consider visiting the Fondation Zinsou art gallery to admire contemporary African art, exploring the vibrant Dantokpa Market for a cultural immersion, or unwinding at Fidjrosse Beach for a relaxing seaside escape. Engage in these exciting activities and create unforgettable memories in Cotonou!
🍴 Where to eat in Cotonou 🍴
Cotonou is a melting pot of flavors, offering a diverse culinary scene that will tantalize your taste buds. From traditional West African dishes to international cuisine, this city has something for every palate.
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Best Budget Restaurant in Cotonou:
Chez Raphael•$ - $$:
Local Beninese dishes with a modern twist
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Best Mid-Range Restaurant in Cotonou:
Le Coq Au Vin•$$ - $$$:
French-inspired cuisine with fresh seafood options
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Best Luxury Restaurant in Cotonou:
La Gourmandise•$$$$:
Fine dining experience with a focus on gourmet international dishes
Recommendations:
-For more options, consider trying Restaurant La Playa for a beachfront dining experience or La Casa Mia for Italian cuisine in a cozy atmosphere.
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Best Budget Bar in Cotonou:
Le Rendez-Vous•$:
Local palm wine or a refreshing cocktail
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Best Mid-Range Bar in Cotonou:
Le Viking•$$ - $$$:
Craft beers and signature cocktails
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Best Luxury Bar in Cotonou:
Sky Bar•$$$$:
Premium spirits and panoramic views of the city
🏛️ What to see in Cotonou 🏛️
Immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of Cotonou by exploring its iconic landmarks that showcase the city's heritage and charm.
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Cotonou Cathedral
Marvel at the stunning architecture of the Cotonou Cathedral, a significant religious site and a peaceful oasis in the bustling city center.
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Place des Martyrs
Visit the Place des Martyrs, a historic square commemorating Benin's struggle for independence, and admire the monument dedicated to the fallen heroes.
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Fondation Zinsou
Explore the Fondation Zinsou art gallery, featuring a diverse collection of contemporary African art and providing insights into the region's artistic landscape.
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Ouidah Museum of History
Step back in time at the Ouidah Museum of History to learn about Benin's past, the slave trade, and the cultural significance of this coastal town.
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Dantokpa Market
Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Dantokpa Market, one of the largest markets in West Africa, where you can shop for local crafts, fresh produce, and immerse yourself in the colorful chaos of the market scene.
🛍️ Where to go shopping in Cotonou 🛍️
Indulge in a unique shopping experience in Cotonou, where vibrant markets and modern malls offer a diverse array of goods to suit every budget and taste.
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Best Budget Shopping Place in Cotonou:
Dantokpa Market: Explore the bustling Dantokpa Market, known as one of the largest markets in West Africa, offering a variety of local crafts, textiles, fresh produce, and traditional artifacts at affordable prices.
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Best Mid-Range Shopping Place in Cotonou:
Artisanal Center of Porto-Novo: Visit the Artisanal Center of Porto-Novo to browse through a selection of handcrafted goods including jewelry, woven textiles, wood carvings, and sculptures, showcasing the artistry of Benin's talented artisans.
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Best Luxury Shopping Place in Cotonou:
Marina Market: Experience upscale shopping at Marina Market, an exclusive shopping complex featuring designer boutiques, luxury brands, sophisticated fashion items, and premium goods for a high-end retail experience.
Recommendations:
-For more shopping options, consider exploring the Ganhi Mall for a modern shopping experience with a mix of local and international brands, visiting Marche Dantopka for a diverse range of goods at competitive prices, or discovering the unique handicrafts at Artisanal Village Jardin des Arts for authentic souvenirs and gifts. Shop to your heart's content and uncover hidden treasures in the vibrant shopping scene of Cotonou.
🚌 Getting Around Cotonou
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Public Transport
In Cotonou, public transportation mainly consists of buses, shared taxis, and motorcycles known as "zemidjans." Buses are the most common mode of public transport, with routes covering the city and surrounding areas. Fares are generally affordable, ranging from 100 to 500 CFA francs depending on the distance traveled. Buses operate from early morning until late evening, making them a convenient option for getting around the city.
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Main Transportation Hubs
The main transportation hubs in Cotonou include Cotonou Cadjehoun Airport, which serves domestic and international flights, and the Gare du Train Station for train travel within Benin. Additionally, several bus terminals are scattered throughout the city, such as Gare de l'Etoile Rouge and Gare de Jonquet, serving different regions of the country.
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Rental Services
🚗 Car Rentals: Visitors can rent cars from reputable providers like Avis, Europcar, and Hertz. Prices typically start at 25,000 CFA francs per day for a basic compact car. 🚲 Bicycle Rentals: For a more eco-friendly and leisurely way to explore Cotonou, bicycle rentals are available from local shops and hostels. Prices can range from 1,000 to 5,000 CFA francs per day depending on the quality of the bike.