Introduction to Cotonou

Even though Porto Novo is the official capital of Benin, Cotonou is the most important city. Cotonou takes the first place in economic activity and it is the place to arrange your visa and onward transport.

Cotonou itself doesn't boast too many sights. But it is a lively place and an ideal spot for planning trips to the region. The Boulevard St. Michel is the centre of town and like its counterpart in Paris it's a very busy streets with lots of activities. At the end of the boulevard you find the Dan Topka market, and this is a good place to find transport to the other attractions.

From Cotonou it is 20 minutes to Porto Novo with its museums and royal palace. The slave port of Ouidah with many historical sites and museums is 40 Kms west of Cotonou. 100km to north, you get Abomey, the ancient capital of Dahomey. All main roads are paved and in good condition.
Ganvie, "the Venice of Africa" a village build on stakes in the lake is a few kilometres north of Cotonou.