Cotonou

Eco-friendly travel guide to Cotonou advises how to be a responsible tourist. Learn how to explore the attractions in a sustainable way and how to respect the local people and culture. Make your trip green by supporting locally owned hotels, organic restaurants and other businesses. Read more on how to protect the environment by making conscientious choices and how to travel green in Cotonou, Benin.

A panoramic view of Cotonou

Air quality: 3 / 5

Exploring by foot: 2.5 / 5

Exploring by bicycle: 3/ 5

Public transportation: 2 / 5

Parks: 2 / 5

Outdoor activities: 4 / 5

Locals' English level: 2/ 5

Safety: 3/ 5

Accommodation: US$10 - $150

Budget per day: US$ 40- $ 400

Responsible Travel

Cotonou is a large port city on the south coast of Benin. Cotonou is Benin's economic hub and is the country's largest urban center, with industries that include brewing, textile production, and palm-oil processing. The city is home to the country's presidents and ministers. The city has a rich culture and history and is worth visiting. Some of the ways to ensure responsible travel in Cotonou include:

Try to avoid packaged things, ideally eat your snacks on the spot.
Support local businesses by buying local goods.
Eat local food. Numerous restaurants serve local dishes that you can try.
Avoid littering and try to recycle whenever possible.

Air Quality and Pollution

The air quality in Cotonou is moderate as there are a few pollutants in it. The city is the industrial hub of Benin, and so, most of the pollutants are mainly from emissions made by said industries. Also, a significant percentage of pollutants come from the emissions created by two-stroke vehicles as well as imported second-hand cars, which are fuelled by low-quality gasoline.

Water pollution in the city is relatively high and a cause of concern. The increased shipping activity along its coast and mining in the region is a significant cause of concern. The city is making efforts to monitor radioactivity levels, heavy metals, and other pollutants in the ocean and on the coast. These pollutants affect the water, but they have a negative effect on agriculture and the city's food supply.

Respect the Culture

Beninese culture is diverse as there are several different cultural beliefs, and most of them are rooted in either Muslim or Christianity or in the case of the more educated, French colonial cultural residue. The dress, manners, activities, and worldview of the people in Cotonou is different and sets them apart from other parts of society, and those in lower classes try to copy them. People who wear Western clothes and speak French are considered as being civilized. There is a large focus on good manners, such as taking time to greet people properly. People who are well acquainted may greet each other by kissing on the cheek. Public display of affection is frowned down upon. It is considered bad taste to eat with the left hand or offer another person something with it.

Top 10 Places to Visit

Cotonou is a beautiful city and Benin's capital city, which automatically makes it the most visited city in the country. There are several places to experience the city's beauty and culture as an international traveler. The city is known for its majestic historical sites, which tower over the beautiful river city. The city is brimming with a variety of activities for every type of tourist. Below is a list of the top ten places to visit:

The Dantokpa Market: Affectionately known as Tokpa, is the largest open-air market in West Africa, located in Cotonou, Benin. The market is one of the most important retailing areas in Benin and covers over 20 hectares. The market is economically important for the country, as it reportedly makes over a billion CFA Francs a day. The market has an endless supply of a variety of goods ranging from foodstuff to clothes, wares, and gadgets. It gets very busy, so it is wiser to park far away to avoid getting closed in. Tokpa Market is carefully situated along the lagoon to allow the local communities around the country to bring in their goods. Things are cheap, especially if you know how to negotiate well.
The Cathedral of Notre Dame de Miséricorde: or Cotonou Cathedral, is a Roman Catholic cathedral is located near the Ancien Pont Bridge in Cotonou. The Cathedral is well-known for its distinct burgundy and white striped tiled architecture. It has a tower that stands towards the back left side of the main building. This church has existed in Benin since independence, and it is the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cotonou. There are services that are open to all members of society that are interested. The people there are friendly and welcoming.
Fondation Zinsou: It is a refreshing African art gallery that is very informative about Cotonou and the Benin Republic history. This is a great museum packed with many exceptional crafts and contemporary African arts. The exhibits are all beautiful, extraordinary, and rich in history. This tourist attraction is a must-see, especially for craft and art lovers. The Foundation has an excellent concept, as there is a new story told with images and other materials every four months. The museum's guide only speaks French, so if you do not understand French, you will have to pay extra for an interpreter. Also, there is a quaint little café at the back which sells local delicacies.
The Ancien Pont: It is a bridge that crosses the Lagune de Cotonou, which separates the two sides of the city. It was built in 1928 and is known as the old bridge as it is the first bridge in the city of Cotonou and the closest to the ocean. The bridge connects the two shores of the lagoon, notably the port, to the west, and the industrial zone near the ancient village of Akpakpa, to the east. The massive bridge was built to offer much-needed over-water transport, and it has an impressive architectural design that makes it float on top of the water like a vessel. More than 2,000 vehicles, hundreds of cyclists, and pedestrians cross the bridge per day. It is such a lovely cross point.
The Cotonou Central Mosque: It is a mosque in Cotonou that is the most important building for the country's Muslims. It is the largest mosque in Cotonou and an Islamic religious center. The general environment is calm and relaxing and also safe to visit and explore. The Muslim congregation is very friendly, and they even offer you traditional clothing if you want to stay inside the mosque. You also can pay a short visit to the small fishing village adjacent to the Mosque of Divinity.
Plage De Fidjrossè: It is the main beach in the city characterized by well-aligned coconut trees that grow well on this beach, which enhance the setting. A fishing route that adjoins the beach is made up of four different lanes for road, promenade, sportsman, and pedestrian. The beach's general environment is pleasant and natural, making it a place of relaxation as the calm air from the sea hits you. The beach gets really crowded on weekends and public holidays. There are many bars and restaurants in the surroundings and even a village hall. There are sometimes live shows that are performed by either international or local artists.
Cocotiers: It is a calm neighborhood that is full of coconut tree-lined streets and hip little cafés. This neighborhood is a short walking distance from the beach. The environment is calming, and it gives you an idea of what life in the city is like. The streets are bustling with activity, and this is beautiful to watch. Wandering these streets is an enjoyable experience as there are different types of architecture and colors and murals. There are also some great places to stay in this area.
The floating village of Ganvie: It is a beautiful floating village that is on the outskirts of the city, about a 30-minute drive from the activity and bustle of the city. The village is made up of many stilt houses and was created as an escape from Fon warriors, who tried to kidnap people to feed the slave trade and selected the region since invaders believed that no war could be waged either over or underwater. There is a population of almost 20,000 people, a school, hospital, floating shops, and even a hotel for tourists. The villagers' mode of transportation is kayaking, while the main occupation is fishing and trading of fruits and vegetables. It is important to remember to be respectful and ask the locals before taking their pictures.
Bab’s Dock: It is a private lake home owned by a couple from Belgium that is located about 30 minutes north of Cotonou. The road to the lake is rather rough, and it is like traveling through a jungle where the final destination is an indescribable beautiful open lake with a breathtaking sight. They have to send a designated boat to take you to this unique and secret destination, so you need to call in advance to let them know that you are coming. The drive there passes through a beautiful mangrove where you can explore the wildlife. The final destination looks almost like an island, and here you can sit, relax and be at one with nature or take on sports activities such as kayaking or playing Volley Ball. There is also a small restaurant that serves delicious local and continental dishes.
Stade de l'Amitie or Friendship Stadium: It is a multi-purpose stadium in Cotonou currently used for football matches and has facilities for athletics. The stadium has a capacity of 20,000 people.

Foundation Zinsou

Explore

Cotonou is home to several attractions that are worth exploring. Some of the top sites to explore in the city include Dantokpa Market, which features religious items and spices alongside everyday objects. To the southwest, the 19th-century Cotonou Cathedral has a striking red-and-white striped facade. Also, there is the Haie Vive district, which is home to the Fondation Zinsou museum shows contemporary African art. The choice to visit Cotonou is, without a doubt, a great one, and it will be worth your time and every cent spent. Keep reading to be able to find out more about this fantastic tourist destination.

City Parks

The park Espace Africa Land de Fifadji is a simple park with a lot of greenery and a massive area for relaxing and getting away from the busy city activities. The Park is lovely and a great place to walk, run or ride a bicycle. The Park is spacious, and there is a workout place, a playground for dogs. The environment is pleasant and well-kept. There is also enough room for children to play in.

National Parks

Pendjari National Park is a National Forest and partial Wildlife Reserve that is part of the largest group of protected areas in West Africa. The Park is named after the Pendjari River and is known for its wildlife, including monkeys, hippopotami, and a large number of birds. There are also large stocks of game animals, including elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, and various antelopes. The hills and cliffs of the Atacora range make the northwest one the most scenic Benin areas, and they provide a wonderful backdrop to the Park.

Elephants at Pendjari National Park

Beaches

Plage De Fidjrossè: It is the main beach in the city characterized by well-aligned coconut trees that grow well on this beach, which enhance the setting. A fishing route that adjoins the beach is made up of four different lanes for road, promenade, sportsman, and pedestrian. The beach's general environment is pleasant and natural, making it a place of relaxation as the calm air from the sea hits you. The beach gets really crowded on weekends and public holidays. There are many bars and restaurants in the surroundings and even a village hall. There are sometimes live shows that are performed by either international or local artists.
Obama beach Catanou: It is a beautiful beach within the city center, making it easy to assess. The beach is well organized and designed, and it is child friendly as it has playthings like kiddies slides and swings for both kids and adults as well. The area is lively, with a lot of activities and construction work going on right in the left-wing of the Obama beach space. The area is calm and offers the opportunity to play in the water, make new friends, relax and just have some fun. The best times to go to the Park are between 4 pm or 5 pm. There are stalls where locals sell drinks on the beach weekend. The major downside is that most of the staff only speaks French.

Plage De Fidjrossè

Landmarks

The Ancien Pont is a bridge that crosses the Lagune de Cotonou, which separates the two sides of the city. It was built in 1928 and is known as the old bridge as it is the first bridge in the city of Cotonou and the closest to the ocean. The bridge connects the two shores of the lagoon, notably the port, to the west, and the industrial zone near the ancient village of Akpakpa, to the east. The massive bridge was built to offer much needed over-water transport, and it has an impressive architectural design that makes it float on top of the water like a vessel. More than 2,000 vehicles, hundreds of cyclists, and pedestrians cross the bridge per day. It is such a lovely cross point.

The old bridge of The Ancien Pont

Museums

Fondation Zinsou is a refreshing African art gallery that is very informative about Cotonou and the Benin Republic history. This is a great museum packed with many exceptional crafts and contemporary African arts. The exhibits are all beautiful, extraordinary, and rich in history. This tourist attraction is a must see, especially for craft and art lovers. The Foundation has an excellent concept, as there is a new story told with images and other materials every four months. The museum's guide only speaks French, so if you do not understand French, you will have to pay extra for an interpreter. Also, there is a quaint little café at the back which sells local delicacies.

Eat

Cotonou's food is an exotic combination of European and African dishes, with fish and shellfish being the most popular choices. Rich and creamy sauce is a favorite, and no dish is complete without a dressing of local rich sauce, with most of them being either tomato or peanut-based. There are several traditional foods in the city that enhance the experience of being a tourist. Several restaurants and street vendors sell different dishes that you could try, whether it is out of curiosity or so that you can have a story to tell later.

Traditional Local Restaurants

One of the best things about traveling worldwide is trying the various local cuisines available in that area. In most cases, traditional restaurants are the best place to experience local foods' taste, and maybe even a bit of the culture behind said dishes. Numerous conventional restaurants around the city serve excellent varieties of Beninise dishes. Below is a list of the most famous traditional restaurants in the city.

Pili Pili: It is one of the best contemporary Beninesse restaurants in the city as their food is high quality, well prepared, and generously served. One of their most sought after dishes is their braised fish and chicken. They make great plantains too. The restaurant is a simple yet lovely covered outdoor seating area. The food takes some time to come, but it's worth the wait, and the prices are fair. They also serve fresh pineapple juice chilled to perfection. The restaurant is easy to find as it is very well known, so all you need to do is ask a taxi driver to take you there.
Maquis Du Port: It is a beautifully decorated high-end restaurant with delicious food and a nice bar/lounge area with a lovely wine selection. It's pricier than most restaurants but worth it. There is a bar attached to the restaurant. The atmosphere is very cozy, making it an ideal place to have lunch or dinner. They serve authentic homemade food with good taste. The restaurant gets very busy, especially at lunch time so it's best to call for reservations to avoid waiting a long time to be served. The food is totally worth the wait.

Vegetarian and Vegan

O Naturel Cuisine: It is a vegan-friendly restaurant and juice bar. The eatery is very cozy and serves African and European style vegetarian cuisine in a clean and peaceful atmosphere. Their menu boasts of fresh salads, freshly squeezed juices, and a range of sandwiches and rolls with tofu and other soy meats.
Festival d’Abobo: It has many vegan options available. The restaurant specializes in all the forms of cooked beans (white, vandzou, cassoulet, pigeon peas). Their Benin and African dishes are made of the base of beans.

Street Food

Street food is very common in Cotonou, and one of the things you will see in the city is many women walking around selling food or serving fresh made street food. Benin has one of the healthiest African food, and they are quite delicious. There are so many varieties of local food to try at an affordable price. It is wise to order cooked food made in front of you to guarantee freshness and proper cooking. However, some food is also ok to eat pre-made as long as they are appropriately covered and served with caution. For those with weak stomachs, it might be wise to avoid street food. Below is a list of some of the street food to try:

Fried Yam and Potatoes
Akara – Black Eyed Peas Fritters
Massa – Rice and Corn Meal Pancakes

Drink

The weather in Cotonou is usually hot, and as such, there is a high need to stay hydrated during summer due to the high temperatures. The high temperatures dictate the beverage of choice as people prefer to drink something that would cool them down. There are numerous cold non-alcoholic drinks to choose from in the city, excluding water. Beverages of choice on a hot day include but are not limited to soft drinks, lemonade, milkshake, vegan shakes, and even iced tea or coffee. Tea is relatively widespread, regardless of the temperatures outside; however, tea consumption increases significantly when it's cold. Other choice beverages on cold days include coffee and warm milk.

Alcohol consumption is relatively high in Cotonou, and the minimum drinking age is 18. The city has many bars and nightclubs where people meet up after a long day at work or on weekends for a relaxed evening of drinks with friends. Other people enjoy the occasional drink at home, mostly whiskey or wine. There are both local and international brews available for purchase in both bars and supermarkets. The various types of alcoholic beverages include wine, gin, vodka, and cocktails, to name a few. Examples of local beer include Libs Marina Pilsner, Laguna Premium, and Libs Lager Beer.

Tap-water

The tap water in Cotonou is generally safe for drinking.

Organic Cafés

Organic foods are foods that are grown without artificial nutrients, pesticides, or other chemicals. Eating organic has become a widespread trend where people are very selective about what they put in their bodies. Several organic cafes attract patrons of all ages who are careful about nutrition. There are many cafes in the city that cater specifically to this group of people. Below is a list of some of the organic cafes that one could try in the city

Jaaba - Grill and Bar
Le Sorrento
Loving Hut

Breweries

Beer is a significant part of the Catanou society, and local brands hold a strong sense of national pride among the population. The local beer brewing industry is strong, as they make various types of local beer to meet the demand, which is relatively high as the locals are very proud and fond of their local beer. There are several breweries around the city, such as:

Société Béninoise de Brasseries (SOBEBRA)
Ricardo

Activities

Numerous activities can be done as you explore Cotonou. The city has a relatively small number of tourists, with most of them being people who are passing through. Numerous activities are designed to ensure that everyone enjoys their stay in the city. Multiple group tours allow people to get more in-depth knowledge and understanding of the city's rich history. Tourists can enjoy several other things, such as hikes, bike riding, and boat riding, to name a few. Some of the activities are in the city center while others are just on the outskirts. It is essential to carefully plan your itinerary to ensure that you get the best out of what the city offers.

Yoga and Retreats

Yoga is traditionally a Hindu discipline that focuses on physical, mental, and spiritual practices or disciplines. It has become quite famous globally, including Catanou, and some of the most visited yoga studios include:

Wellness Fitness Center
Ola Fitness Club
Bodhi yoga studio Bénin

Accommodation

There are many different accommodation types across Cotonou. As an individual, you get to decide which one you prefer based on your needs, tastes, and budget. This section will look into some of the accommodation options that are available for tourists to select from.

Green Hotels

There are several eco-friendly hotels in the city which aim for the sustainability of the environment. These hotels tend to offer safe, non-toxic, and energy-efficient accommodation. Other characteristics include using renewable energy, organic soaps, energy-efficient light fixtures, and recycling programs. A few of the most popular ones are:

Green Horse Hotel
Novotel Cotonou Orisha
Hotel du Lac

Hostels and Guest Houses

Zone 5 House: It is a Youth Hostel located in the Heart of Fidjrossé, with Private Rooms and a dormitory. The hostel is only 500 meters from the beach and offers a lively atmosphere to meet people. Its location also means it is easy to find ZEMS (local motorcycle taxi) at any time of the day or night. The hostel also has a bar located 300 meters from the property. Breakfast is not included in the room charges. The hostel also has air conditioning and free Wi-Fi.
Majorelle Cotonou: It is a bed and breakfast that is a fully equipped and independent house for 2 or 3. They have one room with a salon and bathroom, a large salon, and a private terrace. They also have access to a lovely and peaceful tropical garden and private balconies. There is free Wi-Fi in the common area, and some extra services include airport pickup and bike rental.
Guesthouse Cocotiers Cotonou: It is a lovely, clean, and friendly property in the most delightful part of Cotonou. There are several restaurants, bars, and supermarkets near the guesthouse. The Guesthouse Cocotiers is a lovely colonial-style house with a lush garden where you can relax in hammocks and enjoy your stay in Cotonou. They have private rooms as well as dorm rooms. WIFI is free.

Apartments

Those who intend to stay in Cotonou for a long time will be very expensive as they charge per day. Some several flats and apartments are available for rent for at least a month. These are more affordable as they charge a flat rate and buy your food, which lowers costs. Those traveling as a group will find these most convenient as it is possible to share the flat rate cost instead of paying per head or room in hotels and motels.

Couchsurfing

Some families rent out a part of their home to tourists, known as couch surfing. This trend is not that common in Cotonou. It offers the host family an opportunity to make extra money and the tourist a chance to experience Beninise culture through family life. Several websites connect tourists with people who are willing to open up their homes.

Camping

There are numerous campsites for those tourists who want to rough it, which offers a sense of adventure by giving people the full outdoor experience, including the fresh night air and the magnificent night skies. Below are some of the more popular campsites:

Tente camping
Boulevard de la Marina
Jardin Helvetia

How to Get There

Several modes of transport can be used to travel to Cotonou, with the most convenient for you being dictated by where you are coming from, be it a local or international area. People from surrounding cities usually travel to the city by bus or train. While those coming from further away commonly use airplanes.

Air

Cadjehoun Airport is the primary airport serving the city and the country. There are regularly scheduled services from many African capitals. There is a currency exchange available with windows on the arrival and departure sides. Taxis are available in the parking lot, but it's best to prearrange transport in advance. Most hotels and guest houses run airport shuttles for their guests.

Cadjehoun Airport

Bus

There are regular buses from nearby capitals Accra, Lagos, and Lome. Also, there are bus services from Cotonou to every significant town in the country. Some buses are in good condition and on regular schedules, while others are not. When booking a bus, do a bit of research to ensure that you end up on a reliable one.

Train

There is no longer a train service in Benin.

Hitchhiking

When hitchhiking to Cotonou, chances are you may end up just stopping tons of bush taxis as those are the majority of cars going long distances. Bus taxis expect you to pay. If you want a free ride, then your best bet will be hitchhiking with big trucks.

Others

Every Beninese town has bush taxi transport to Cotonou, although the number of taxis per day depends on the size of the town.

Moving Around

Cotonou is a relatively big town with many things to do and places to explore. Moving around the city can be complicated as the city's public transport system is not efficient. In most cases, walking or hiring a taxi is the best way to move around. Below are several other ways you can move around the city.

Walk

Cotonou has an easily navigable grid system, and this makes walking a decent option for those looking to wander or those afraid to hop on the back of a zemidjan. The most comfortable area to walk around covers Cotonou's main commercial areas, so shoppers will want to park the car and walk about to check out the shopkeepers and vendors selling anything and everything. Avoid walking around after dark, especially if you are walking alone.

Bicycle

Bicycles are available for hire from many of the hostels and hotels. Bicycles are a standard mode of transport as they make it easy to navigate the city and they are also affordable.

Electronic Vehicles

There are no electronic vehicles in the city.

Public Bus

There are no public buses that move around the city.

Tram, Train and Subway

There are no trains that move around the city.

Sustainable Shopping

There are many shopping centers in the city whereby tourists and locals alike can go shopping. It is more sustainable to shop in local shops and ensure that you stick to one shop and spread the wealth by visiting different shops.

Food Markets

There are several markets across the city that are dedicated to selling fresh food. They sell both local and international food, processed or unprocessed. Some of these markets include

Dantokpa Market
Classic SuperMarket (Indian)
Supermarché Erevan

Flea Markets

Several flea markets across the city offer both an exciting shopping experience and a chance to mingle with the locals. Most of them sell various things, mostly souvenirs at reasonable prices. However, they tend to double the price when selling to tourists.

Dantokpa Market
Marché Missebo
Centre Artisanal

Second Hand Stores

The trend of second-hand stores has caught the world by storm; numerous stores have opened where people can buy things they wouldn't usually afford for less than half the price. There are several second-hand stores in the city; including:

Ste Opison Sarl
Friperie et stocks de haute qualité
Tout Numerique Circuit Ouvert

Eco-Fashion

There are several eco-friendly fashion labels in Cotonou. These labels deal mostly with producing clothes using 'green' materials, while a few offer care and recycling services to old clothes. Some of the most prominent brands include:

AWAM Wear
Afrodyssée
Olowou Print

Recycling

The recycling sector of Cotonou is quite effective. Glass and plastic bottles, cans, scrap metal, hard plastics are collected at the source or the other stages of the waste management sector. Men and women manage the collection and separation. The women buy bottles in the local district and then resell their materials to tradi-therapists. At the same time, men recover ferrous and non-ferrous metals, which will then be exported to Asia for recycling purposes.

Waste

The waste management in Cotonou is effective and well managed. The project for solid waste collection in the city is aimed at the harmful impact of waste on the environment and improving populations' well-being. The system is carried out in three stages, including pre-collection, collection, and burial of waste. Waste is collected using garbage trucks and vans. Also, there are people who work in the sweeping, de-silting of roads, cleaning of gutters, and cutting of weeds. This waste is then taken to disposal sites, most of which burn all of it.

Work and Study Abroad

The fact that Cotonou is a business center means that financial positions within the city are frequent, and foreigners have the opportunity to work and grow within the country’s stable economic environment. Job hunting in Cotonou can be rather difficult, especially for those who do not speak the local languages. There are a number of great resources that provide support. The best and fastest way to find vacancies is by checking international embassies' websites within Cotonou, as they often post job vacancies online. For a foreigner to work in Cotonou, they need to have a valid work permit. This needs to be applied for before moving to Benin.

There are 24 universities in Cotonou which collectively offer 430 study programs. The main language of instruction is French, although they are some that use English. International students are encouraged to apply.

Exchange Student

The main foreign exchange program in Cotonou is the Fulbright Foreign Student Program, which is run in collaboration with the United States embassy in Benin. This program is designed primarily to strengthen African universities by providing grantees with a U.S. higher education degree. The program considers everyone, including recent graduates, women, and those from under-served communities. Those who receive this grant will be funded for a maximum of 2 years.

Au Pair

An au pair is a young foreign person who helps with housework or childcare in exchange for food, a room, and pocket money. The concept of Au pairs is growing in popularity in Cotonou. To be hired as an au pair, there are several requirements you need to meet, with the most important being age and the amount of time you intend to stay as most families want someone who will remain for at least a year.

Volunteering

Benin does not have as many volunteer opportunities as the more popular destinations on the African continent. Several voluntary organizations across Cotonou are always open to volunteers. Some are open for short term and others for long term volunteers. You can look up volunteer opportunities in the city. The most popular volunteer organizations are those that deal with teaching, childcare, animal care, and conservation work.