Africa
Benin
Littoral Department
Cotonou
Things to Do in Cotonou

Things to Do in Cotonou, Benin - Cotonou Attractions

Things to Do in Cotonou

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    Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.
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    Highest rated attractions on Tripadvisor, based on traveler reviews.
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45 places sorted by traveler favorites
Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

24. SWIRL

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Multi-day Tours • 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours
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What travelers are saying

  • Laura S
    Bamako, Mali81 contributions
    Review of: Fondation Zinsou
    Such a lovely museum! Really enjoyed talking with the staff
    This is an essential resource for anyone interested in culture or art in Benin. I saw the wax fabric exhibit and the history of Cotonou exhibit, both of which were beautiful and interesting. The guide did an exceptional job of balancing being informative with letting us explore and process on our own. I also enjoyed the shop - perfect for buying unique gifts and a milkshake.
    Written November 8, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • Joanna R
    Athens, Greece144 contributions
    Review of: Marche Dantokpa
    One of the biggest African markets
    It could be a frustrating and chaotic experience for non-Africans, but I believe that every traveler should visit this market. You can find many thinks from food, fabrics, handicrafts, etc (it doesn't mean that you will find at a better price. There are smaller markets for that). But still, it is a market that you will have a very good feeling about the daily life of the locals. I also recommend crossing the river with the " pirogue", the wooden boat that the locals use for their transportation
    Written March 3, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • R W
    Asheville, United States51 contributions
    Review of: Artisanal Center
    Good place to go if looking for gifts.
    Huge but not chaotic crafts market. Tons of vendors. Went first on a Sunday and it was pretty dead with few stalls open. Returned on a week day and found dozens of vendors in huts and small shops. You will have to deal with lots of vendors entreating you to see their wares but will take no for an answer. They do offer a large variety of crafts.
    Written February 3, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • Les Roches Global Hospitality
    Geneva, Switzerland6 contributions
    Review of: Fidjrosse Beach
    Great beach
    Unfortunately you can’t swim due to the weaves which can be violent. However, good place to relax. They are heaps of restaurants to try from.
    Written May 4, 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • Shimnik
    Delft, The Netherlands6,367 contributions
    Review of: Saint Michel church
    Funny pictures inside
    In my opinion, St. Michel church is better than the main cathedral in Cotonue. They build a new church or cathedral close to St. Michel. The visit may not take longer than half an hour.
    Written December 24, 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • Jdefreij
    Paris, France10 contributions
    Review of: Place des Martyrs
    nice place
    a nice place , i have visited and there was some artists singing , it's a popular and touristic place in the heart of the city .
    Written July 10, 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • tiralb
    Tirana, Albania225 contributions
    Review of: Obama Beach
    Wide stretches of sand and very few people
    The beach is quite wide, with very good sand. The ocean view is beautiful. But locals warned me that the beach is considered quite dangerous for swimming, due to the strong currents.

    In some areas of Cotonou, they seem to be trying to plant lots of palm trees on the beaches. This may change the appearance in the future.
    Written February 18, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • ELHERFI
    Pretoria, South Africa18 contributions
    Review of: Etoile Rouge
    The place de l'etoile is a landmark in Cotonou
    A landmark in Cotonou.
    Nothing much to see honestly and very busy place with lots of cars and bikes.
    Would only recommend it as part of the places with political and modern historical meaning for Benin people.
    Written December 29, 2016
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • Favored4real
    Abuja6 contributions
    Review of: Palais des Congres
    Different!
    Palais des Congres is made up of multi-purpose for different events. Though located very close to the beach and the Slavery point-of-return it does not offer many attractions.
    Written July 2, 2016
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • Luca R
    50 contributions
    Review of: Stade de l'Amitie
    Interesting
    I came here to shoot a scene of a documentary. The place is quite big, and it looks as if there were many activities to do. Also, the neighborhood seems to be fun.
    Written June 7, 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • Shimnik
    Delft, The Netherlands6,367 contributions
    Review of: Cotonou Cathedral
    Come during the church service
    I was lucky to get to the cathedral during the church service, when a group of people was singing! The cathedral itself does not look like the main one in Cotonue.
    Written December 24, 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • SudhirTA
    Pune, India87 contributions
    Review of: Marche Missebo
    Local Market
    Good for people who wants to buy local clothes called wax, and other household commodities mostly rice and edible oil and others, i found this place terrible, because it is unhygienic, pot holes filled with dirty water, bad odor and mosquitoes, if you want to come anyway, better to come in a car, because 2 wheeler has been prohibited almost everywhere in Misebo, but you will find most of the Indian grocery like MayFair, Classic, Baba Supermarket and others.
    Written July 4, 2017
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • Joanna R
    Athens, Greece144 contributions
    Review of: Bab's Dock
    A place to relax
    It is a beautiful and relaxing place to eat, drink or swim in the lake. The landscape is very authentic, the trip by boat through mangroves is something to remember, there I a mini zoo and also some rooms to let. It is a peaceful place and totally different from the noisy and busy roads of Cotonou
    Written March 3, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • JGadzirai
    Niger111 contributions
    Review of: Code Bar
    Lively place to be!
    Sada and I were there on two occasions during our visit in Benin. Impressed that the manager took the time to interact with customers and remember faces. Love the setting, the open air feel is a must in Cotonou's humid climate. Staff are a marvel and there's always something to do. Appears a popular place with great mocktails for the teetotallers and from what we could tell a large selection of beer and alcoholic drinks. Loved the food and recommend the place without reservation. The place makes a great impression of Cotonou :)
    Written July 2, 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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