last edited Dec 11, 2019
What to See in Benin
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Location Map of Benin
Benin
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UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Benin has two (groups of) sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list:
- W-Arly-Pendjari Complex *** (2017): This is a transboundary group of several parks and reserves listed by UNESCO, including the Pendjari Park (Benin), the W Park (Benin, Burkina, Niger), and the Arly Reserve (Burkina).
Royal Palaces of Abomey (1985)
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this is a complex of royal palaces, part of which houses the country's main historical museum.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this is a complex of royal palaces, part of which houses the country's main historical museum.
The Coast
Cotonou
Located on the coast, it is the country's economic capital. Its main tourist attraction is the Dantokpa Market, the largest in West Africa.
Located on the coast, it is the country's economic capital. Its main tourist attraction is the Dantokpa Market, the largest in West Africa.
Ganvié
A highly tourist-oriented lakeside city, Ganvié is built on Lake Nokué. It’s nicknamed the "Venice of Africa.".
A highly tourist-oriented lakeside city, Ganvié is built on Lake Nokué. It’s nicknamed the "Venice of Africa.".
Grand Popo
On the Togolese border, the town attracts many tourists for its beaches and expatriates for its holiday opportunities. Several "traditional" villages can be visited in the surrounding area.
On the Togolese border, the town attracts many tourists for its beaches and expatriates for its holiday opportunities. Several "traditional" villages can be visited in the surrounding area.
Ouidah
The former slave port has various remnants from that era, as well as a beautiful basilica and the Voodoo temple of pythons.
The former slave port has various remnants from that era, as well as a beautiful basilica and the Voodoo temple of pythons.
Natural Heritage
Mono River
Canoe trips let you see many crocodiles and hippopotamuses at the mouth of this river, which marks the border between Benin and Togo.
Canoe trips let you see many crocodiles and hippopotamuses at the mouth of this river, which marks the border between Benin and Togo.
Lake Nokoué
This is where Ganvié, the "Venice of Africa," and Cotonou, the economic capital of Benin, are located. The lake, where travel is by canoe, is also home to many birds.
This is where Ganvié, the "Venice of Africa," and Cotonou, the economic capital of Benin, are located. The lake, where travel is by canoe, is also home to many birds.
The Interior
Caution: The far north of the country (W and Pendjari park region) is currently strongly advised against for security reasons by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Abomey
The historic capital of the country is home to the royal palaces, one of Benin’s two UNESCO World Heritage sites. A few kilometers away, you can also visit the underground city of Agongointo.
The historic capital of the country is home to the royal palaces, one of Benin’s two UNESCO World Heritage sites. A few kilometers away, you can also visit the underground city of Agongointo.
Kétou
This southern city has a strong Yoruba culture. You can visit a royal palace (with the chance to meet the current king), traditional fortifications, and a lively market.
This southern city has a strong Yoruba culture. You can visit a royal palace (with the chance to meet the current king), traditional fortifications, and a lively market.
Natitingou
In northwest Benin, the town typically serves as a base for exploring the surrounding area (traditional Somba villages, Pendjari Park, Tanongou waterfall).
In northwest Benin, the town typically serves as a base for exploring the surrounding area (traditional Somba villages, Pendjari Park, Tanongou waterfall).
Parakou
It’s the major urban center in the region, featuring a large market and an open-air museum showcasing traditional housing styles.
It’s the major urban center in the region, featuring a large market and an open-air museum showcasing traditional housing styles.
Savalou
A mid-sized town in southern Benin surrounded by beautiful hills, with a royal palace, a museum, and traditional villages in its vicinity.
A mid-sized town in southern Benin surrounded by beautiful hills, with a royal palace, a museum, and traditional villages in its vicinity.
Natural Heritage
Atacora Mountains
Near Natitingou, in the northwest of the country and bordering Togo, this pretty range of high hills is home to several traditional Somba villages.
Near Natitingou, in the northwest of the country and bordering Togo, this pretty range of high hills is home to several traditional Somba villages.
Pendjari National Park
Continuing from Arly National Park in Burkina Faso, Pendjari also boasts abundant and diverse wildlife (birds, elephants, hippos, lions, cheetahs, etc.). Part of the W-Arly-Pendjari Complex, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Continuing from Arly National Park in Burkina Faso, Pendjari also boasts abundant and diverse wildlife (birds, elephants, hippos, lions, cheetahs, etc.). Part of the W-Arly-Pendjari Complex, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
W National Park
Straddling Niger, Benin and Burkina Faso, W is a UNESCO-listed site as part of the transboundary WAP complex (W-Arly-Pendjari). It is renowned for its wildlife (lions, elephants, hippos, giraffes, crocodiles, birds...).
Straddling Niger, Benin and Burkina Faso, W is a UNESCO-listed site as part of the transboundary WAP complex (W-Arly-Pendjari). It is renowned for its wildlife (lions, elephants, hippos, giraffes, crocodiles, birds...).
Recommended
Ganvié
★★★ A highly tourist-oriented lakeside city, Ganvié is built on Lake Nokué. It’s nicknamed the "Venice of Africa."
Pendjari National Park
★★★ Continuing from Arly National Park in Burkina Faso, Pendjari also boasts abundant and diverse wildlife (birds, elephants, hippos, lions…
W National Park
★★★ Straddling Niger, Benin and Burkina Faso, W is a UNESCO-listed site as part of the transboundary WAP complex (W-Arly-Pendjari). It is…
Worth a look / Other
Abomey
★★ The historic capital of the country is home to the royal palaces, one of Benin’s two UNESCO World Heritage sites. A few kilometers…
Tanongou Waterfall
★★ A beautiful waterfall near the town of Natitingou.
Mono River
★★ Canoe trips let you see many crocodiles and hippopotamuses at the mouth of this river, which marks the border between Benin and Togo.
Grand Popo
★★ On the Togolese border, the town attracts many tourists for its beaches and expatriates for its holiday opportunities. Several…
Kétou
★★ This southern city has a strong Yoruba culture. You can visit a royal palace (with the chance to meet the current king), traditional…
Atacora Mountains
★★ Near Natitingou, in the northwest of the country and bordering Togo, this pretty range of high hills is home to several traditional Somba…
Natitingou
★★ In northwest Benin, the town typically serves as a base for exploring the surrounding area (traditional Somba villages, Pendjari Park…
Ouidah
★★ The former slave port has various remnants from that era, as well as a beautiful basilica and the Voodoo temple of pythons.
Royal Palaces of Abomey
★★ A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this is a complex of royal palaces, part of which houses the country's main historical museum.
Cotonou
★ Located on the coast, it is the country's economic capital. Its main tourist attraction is the Dantokpa Market, the largest in West Africa.
Dassa-Zoumé
★ Surrounded by forests, the town is a pilgrimage site dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
Djougou
★ It's a large city in north-central Benin, near Togo. It has a large market.
Lake Nokoué
★ This is where Ganvié, the "Venice of Africa," and Cotonou, the economic capital of Benin, are located. The lake, where travel is by canoe…
Malanville
★ This is the border town with Niger, not far from W National Park. It has a large market.
Parakou
★ It’s the major urban center in the region, featuring a large market and an open-air museum showcasing traditional housing styles.
Porto Novo
★ Benin’s capital offers visitors a few palaces, museums, and colonial-era buildings.
Savalou
★ A mid-sized town in southern Benin surrounded by beautiful hills, with a royal palace, a museum, and traditional villages in its vicinity.
Save
★ It’s around Save that you’ll find enormous boulders popular with climbers.