The Marvelous Sightseeing Destinations of Benin

Travel Tips By Alyona

Benin is a country in West Africa that’s beautiful, but often overlooked by tourists looking to explore the continent’s more exotic locations. However, if you’re looking for an unforgettable African experience without having to spend hours on end travelling around, Benin may be just what you’re looking for. The gorgeous sightseeing destinations in Benin are so awe-inspiring that they can easily hold their own against the other countries of West Africa. Here are just some of the marvelous sightseeing spots that await visitors to Benin.

Porto-Novo

The capital city of Porto-Novo is a serene and scenic destination with amazing views. The city has a fantastic history and is home to many beautiful buildings. Visitors can also enjoy the city’s great food and nightlife.

Benin-Lagos Expressway: The Benin-Lagos Expressway is a fantastic road, crossing over three states and many beautiful landscapes. It makes a great drive, and those interested in scenic sightseeing should consider taking it on their next vacation to Nigeria.
As Ife Obasanjo Presidential Library and Museum: This museum showcases an exhibition on Nigerian history from independence onwards. Its beautiful architecture adds to its appeal as one of the most popular destinations for tourists.

Emperors Palace Hotel: The Emperors Palace is a luxurious five-star hotel. It has an amazing view over Lake Nokoué, and visitors will be enchanted by its beauty. There are four restaurants in the hotel that serve delicious international cuisine and drinks. From here you can go on tours of nearby towns like Cotonou or explore the sea life in Lake Nokoué.

Kétou Section: Bohicon

Bohicon is a small city located in the Zou department of Benin. Bohicon is known for its serene atmosphere and beautiful sightseeing destinations. The population of the city is about 30,000. It is 85 kilometers from Cotonou, the largest city in Benin. Bohicon is a popular tourist destination for both domestic and international tourists. The city has a variety of hotels, restaurants, and bars to accommodate tourists. Bohicon also has a number of historical and cultural sites that are worth visiting.

Hinché: Hinché is a popular tourist destination located in Northern Benin. The city has an approximate population of 32,000 people. The culture in Hinché is heavily influenced by voodoo and tribal customs. This can be seen through many aspects of daily life such as festivals, food, dress, and more. Hinché is most known for its large concentration of voodoo temples that were built in honor to Damballah-Wedo or Mawu-Lisa which are gods or loas found in voodoo beliefs and practices.

Könjö: Könjö is a town in northern Benin. The population of Könjö is estimated to be around 18,000 people. The city was established in 1418 and its historic center was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005. Könjö also has many colonial buildings that were built in honor of General Maximilien Faidherbe who helped establish French colonial rule over Northern Benin from 1863-1889.

Atakora Section: Natitingou Section: Djougou Section: Abomey

The Republic of Benin is a West African country that shares land borders with Nigeria to the west, Burkina Faso to the north, and Togo to the east. The country’s southern coast is on the Gulf of Guinea in the Atlantic Ocean. Although not a popular tourist destination, Benin has a few marvelous sightseeing destinations worth visiting.

The first place to visit is Atakora which is a mountainous region, at around 1600 feet above sea level. The area is famous for its broadleaf rainforest where you can find tropical plant species including orchids and palms. Natitingou Section: Djougou Section: Abomey – Second Paragraph: The second sightseeing destination in Benin is Natitingou which was once a French slave trading station and now an important market town. The city has some great colonial buildings which are worth exploring to get a feel for what life was like when France occupied it. Visitors will also enjoy going on tour around Mande villages near the city.

Ouidah Section: Agbor

The first stop on our tour of Benin is the city of Agbor. Founded in the 15th century, Agbor was once the capital of a powerful kingdom. Today, it’s a beautiful city with a rich history. Visitors can explore the ancient palace, visit the museum, and stroll through the markets. Agbor is also home to some of Benin’s best restaurants, so be sure to try the local cuisine!

Adjacent to Agbor is Atakora, another sightseeing area for history lovers. According to tradition, these lands were once ruled by powerful chiefs and witch doctors who came from Ghana and Mali. Though Agbor is modernising at a rapid pace, many traditions are still maintained in Atakora. Visitors can learn about them in great detail at several cultural centres in town.

To get to Agbor, you’ll need to take a flight to Cotonou’s international airport. Once you’re there, renting a car is easy, though visitors should keep in mind that it can be dangerous if you travel at night. Before setting out on your journey, ensure your car is well-maintained and have spare parts with you in case something goes wrong. Most importantly, remember to drive safely—even on these smooth roads! Accidents are common in many places around Africa, so try to stay alert during your ride. If anything goes wrong or if you need help along the way, be sure to stop by our local offices and speak with one of our representatives.

Cotonou

As the largest city and economic capital of Benin, Cotonou is unsurprisingly a bustling metropolis with plenty to see and do. For those interested in culture, the Museum of African Arts and Cultures is a must-see, while the Centre of National Renaissance provides an insightful look into Beninese history. Nature-lovers will be drawn to Parc Zoologique du Quartier Latin, where they can see animals native to West Africa, and the stunning lagoon that runs through the city. Of course, no visit to Cotonou would be complete without sampling some of the delicious local cuisine – try the grilled fish at Marché Dantokpa for a real treat!

If you’re looking for another West African destination that offers a unique blend of culture and nature, but aren’t as intrigued by Porto Novo, then why not visit Labe? Known as The Pearl of Water, Labe is a city on Lake Nahouri in southern Benin. This city is surrounded by beaches and forests, making it an idyllic place to relax for a few days. If you have time, make sure to take a boat ride across Lake Nahouri to the village-island of Barrou! The locals are so friendly here – they’ll offer you their national dish made from palm tree leaves without hesitation – so don’t hesitate to try it if you get the chance!