Discover 9 hidden attractions, cool sights, and unusual things to do in Benin. Don't miss out on these must-see attractions: Dantokpa Market (Cotonou), Cotonou Cathedral (Cotonou) or Lake Nokoué (Cotonou).
Below, you can find the list of the most amazing places you should visit in Benin.
Table of Contents
Dantokpa Market, Cotonou
Market in Cotonou, Benin. The Dantokpa Market, or simply Tokpa, is the largest open-air market in West Africa, located in Cotonou, Benin.It is one of the most important retailing areas in Benin, covering over 20 hectares. It is also economically important for the country, with a reported commercial turnover of over a billion CFA Francs a day.
The market is featured in Netflix's "High on the Hog", Stephen Satterfield's documentary about African-American cuisine.[1]
Address: Boulevard St. Michel, Cotonou
Cotonou Cathedral, Cotonou
Also known as: Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-Miséricorde de Cotonou
Cathedral in Cotonou, Benin. The cathedral of Notre Dame de Miséricorde, commonly known as Cotonou Cathedral, is a Roman Catholic cathedral, located near the Ancien Pont Bridge in Cotonou, Benin. It is noted for its distinct burgundy and white striped tiled architecture. Its tower stands towards the rear-end left side of the main building.
The cathedral is the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cotonou. The diocese was originally created on 26 June 1883 as the Apostolic Prefecture of Dahomey from the Apostolic Vicariate of Benin Coast, Nigeria. After several name changes under Dahomey, on 14 September 1955 it was promoted as the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Cotonou.[2]
Lake Nokoué, Cotonou
Also known as: Lac Nokoué
Lake in Benin. Lake Nokoué is a lake in the southern part of Benin. It is 20 km wide and 11 km long and covers an area of 4,900 ha. The lake is partly fed by the Ouémé River and the Sô River, both of which deposit sediments from throughout the region in the lake.
The city of Cotonou sits on the southern border of the lake. Sections of the population of Cotonou have been displaced by coastal and lake flooding. On the northern edge of the lake is the town of Ganvié.[3]
Musée en Plein Air de Parakou, Parakou
Also known as: Musée ethnographique et de plein air de Parakou
Museum in Parakou, Benin. Musée en Plein Air de Parakou is a museum located approximately 1.5 kilometres south of the centre of the city Parakou, Benin in the suburbs. The museum consists of five circular complexes representing the traditional housing of the local Batanou peoples. The museum as of 2006 was in difficulty given that it lacks the funds and maintenance to allow it to fulfill its potential as a showcase. The museum charges a CFA franc 1500 entrance fee.[4]
Musée d’Arts et de Traditions Populaires, Natitingou
The Regional Museum of Natitingou is a Beninese museum located in the city of Natitingou, in the department of Atacora.
It houses 360 pieces of collection dealing with archaeology, history and arts in Natitingou.
The Regional Museum of Natitingou has given itself the essential mission of making known the history and culture of the Atacora. Its primary objective is to help the visitor return to the sources of the region's history through the facts of life: religious practices, architecture, the roles and place of men and women, their relationship with the land and nature.
The Regional Museum of Natitingou emphasizes the driving dimension of civilization, which is the angle from which history and culture are presented to the various audiences.
It housed until April 30, 2019 a temporary exhibition on scarification in the Atacora set up by the museum curator Joseph Toumoudagou.
In addition to the main building, there is an annex on the Kaba Stele square, dedicated to Kaba, who resisted the French colonization through guerrilla actions.
2nd arrondissement of Parakou, Parakou
The 2nd arrondissement of Parakou is an arrondissement in the Borgou Department of Benin. It is an administrative division under the jurisdiction of the commune of Parakou. According to the population census conducted by the Institut National de la Statistique Benin on February 15, 2002, the arrondissement had a total population of 45,765.[5]
3rd arrondissement of Parakou, Parakou
The 3rd arrondissement of Parakou is an arrondissement in the Borgou Department of Benin. It is an administrative division under the jurisdiction of the commune of Parakou. According to the population census conducted by the Institut National de la Statistique Benin on February 15, 2002, the arrondissement had a total population of 37,060.[6]
Natitingou III, Natitingou
Natitingou III is an arrondissement in the Atakora Department of northwestern Benin. It is an administrative division under the jurisdiction of the commune of Natitingou, and makes up part of the urban area. According to the population census conducted by the Institut National de la Statistique Benin on February 15, 2002, the arrondissement had a total population of 14,559.[7]
Natitingou II, Natitingou
Natitingou II is an arrondissement in the Atakora Department of northwestern Benin. It is an administrative division under the jurisdiction of the commune of Natitingou, and makes up part of the urban area. According to the population census conducted by the Institut National de la Statistique Benin on February 15, 2002, the arrondissement had a total population of 10,458.[8]