Discover 7 hidden attractions, cool sights, and unusual things to do in Cotonou (Benin). Don't miss out on these must-see attractions: Dantokpa Market, Cotonou Cathedral, and Lake Nokoué. Also, be sure to include Fondation Zinzou in your itinerary.
Below, you can find the list of the most amazing places you should visit in Cotonou (Littoral).
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Dantokpa Market
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
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
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]
Fondation Zinzou
The Fondation Zinsou is a private foundation created in 2005 in Cotonou, focused on social action and culture, and dedicated to contemporary African art.
Address: 7012 Rue des Missions, R, 01BP7053 Cotonou
Ancien Pont
Bridge in Cotonou, Benin. The Ancien Pont is a bridge in Cotonou, Benin. The bridge crosses the Lagune de Cotonou which separates the two sides of the city. It was built in 1928 and renovated in 1981.[4]
University of Science and Technology of Benin
Also known as: Université des sciences et technologies du Bénin
University in Cotonou, Benin. The University of Science and Technology of Benin is a private university in Benin, whose headquarters are located in the district of Kpondéhou in Cotonou, the economic capital of Benin.[5]
Address: 40 lot 413 bis domaine Universitaire de Kpondéhou situé à côté du Lycée Technique de Kpondehou, Akpakpa, Cotonou, Bénin, Cotonou
Fondation Zinsou
Museum