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Cotonou (French pronunciation:; Fon: Kútɔ̀nú) is the largest city in Benin. Its official population count was 679,012 inhabitants in 2012; however, over two million people live in the larger urban area. The urban area continues to expand, notably toward the west.
Cotonou, port city and de facto capital of Benin. It is situated along the Gulf of Guinea. Originally part of the Dahomey Kingdom, it is the starting point of the so-called Benin-Niger Railway, which extends northward 273 miles (439 km) into the interior but ends in the middle of Benin at Parakou.
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Discover the history, culture and wildlife of Benin, a West African country with a rich and complex heritage. Find out the best time and places to visit, the top attractions and activities, and the visa requirements for this fascinating destination.
May 5, 2023 · Discover the vibrant port city of Cotonou and its surroundings, from the largest open-air market in West Africa to the world's only town on stilts. Learn about the sacred Vodun religion, visit the historic slave route and enjoy the tropical scenery and beach resorts.
- The Dantokpa Market. This place is HUGE and definitely tops my list of things to do in Cotonou. There are so many colors and smells and things to see among the planned chaos.
- Notre Dame des Apotres Cathedral. There are a lot of Catholics in Benin, and they have a really unique Cathedral in the center of Cotonou. It is unique enough to be included in my list of things to do in Cotonou!
- The Artisanal Center. This is a market geared towards tourists and is the place to go to buy souvenirs and gifts for family and friends. Although the big Dantokpa Market is the more exciting place to visit, you will have a hard time finding souvenirs there.
- See L’étoile Rouge. You pretty much can’t avoid this giant monument in the center of Cotonou. You may need to go to it to find a bush taxi to take you to other parts of the country!
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Cotonou is the largest city in Benin and the country's primary port of entry for visitors. The city is in the south of the country, on the coastline.
Top Attractions in Cotonou. See all. These rankings are informed by traveler reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time. 1. Bab's Dock. 91. Piers & Boardwalks. By imamaof3. The boat ride through the mangroves was a definite highlight of my trip.
