Benin is a travel destination in Western Africa. Its capital is Porto-Novo. August and January are its two best months to visit, ranked on 1991–2020 climate averages.
Top places to visit in Benin
Ganvie Stilt Village (landmark, Atlantique) — Largest lake village in Africa — 30,000 people live in pile-built houses on Lake Nokoué; pirogue tours through the "Venice of Africa".
Royal Palaces of Abomey (landmark, Zou) — UNESCO World Heritage site — ruins of the Dahomey Kingdom palaces (17th–19th c.), richly decorated with bas-reliefs depicting royal history.
Ouidah Slave Route (landmark, Atlantique) — Haunting 4 km "Route des Esclaves" from the slave auction tree to the Gate of No Return on the Atlantic coast — powerful historical monument.
Pendjari National Park (natural, Atacora) — One of West Africa's best wildlife reserves — lions, elephants, hippos, cheetahs in a full-day bushveld setting near Burkina Faso border.
Cotonou Grand Marché Dantokpa (landmark, Littoral) — Africa's one of the largest open-air markets — more than 30,000 traders, fetish market stalls, colourful fabrics, and juju amulets.
Temple of Pythons (Ouidah) (landmark, Atlantique) — Sacred Voodoo temple housing hundreds of live pythons — a living centre of the West African Vodun religion, sacred to the Fon people.
W National Park (natural, Alibori) — Tri-national UNESCO reserve bordering Burkina Faso and Niger — elephants, lions, hippos; named for the W-shaped bend in the Niger River.
Place Porte Poisson Cotonou (beach, Littoral) — Vibrant beach neighbourhood with colourful fishing pirogues launched through Atlantic surf — fresh grilled fish and lively seaside atmosphere.
Museum of Abomey (landmark, Zou) — In-situ museum within UNESCO royal palace grounds — spectacular carved bas-reliefs, thrones, and royal regalia of the Dahomey kings.
Natitingou (city, Atacora) — Gateway city to Pendjari Park in Benin's mountainous north — Somba tower-houses (tata), traditional blacksmiths, and Tanougou waterfalls.